Just back from the LBS and I was surprised to see an all new staff once again. (This shop has the best mechanics in the area.) Some years, they turn over staff twice a year! I know what the problem is, low pay and little if anything else. Is the turn over rate this bad everywhere?

Ive seen people stick around if; The wife is a Tenure Track Professor [sheldon had that going, I Think]
so more a University town option,
or you already have a retirement pension from a real career . like fireman.

Hours get cut back in winter, I think guys who were thinking of moving on do so then.

Shops I frequent have moderate turnover, but the quality of the people stays about the same except for some occasional standouts. The owners are usually around and most have a couple of senior people who've been there for several years. These folks make sure that the rest of the crew are good quality. I think turnover of mechanics and other folks is quite difficult to prevent given the wages, though I do know a few who've done it for years and are content.

My LBS has most of the stuff done by the owner, plus a couple assistants who are revolving. For the most part, I think they're kids from less fortunate homes that he's mentoring, though I think there are some occasional regular employees. They're all real young, though, and might have something to do with the BMX stuff he sponsors.

M.

I stuck with the same shop 4.5 years until I couldn't afford to work as a mechanic any longer...

During that time, our entire staff turned over except for the boss, and we were into our third mechanic to work with me.

High turnover at most shops works in my favor -- if I move, there's a good chance there will be a job opening in a LBS in a new location in short time.