Maintenance Career -- Yes or No?

In my last blog, I discussed being at the Future of Aviation Maintenance conference in Virginia Beach. Topics being discussed included what changes to Part 147 (if any) are needed and how we can attract new blood into the industry. I asked readers for their ideas. There were numerous comments to my blog. Some suggested changes to Part 147. Some gave ideas for recruiting new mechanics (yes, Anson, I read your spinning hubcaps idea). Some suggested staying away from aircraft maintenance. It got me thinking about a question we used to pose to our readers when we did salary surveys. I figured this would be a good venue to bring the question up again, so here goes...  Would you recommend aircraft maintenance as a career to a friend or relative? Why or why not? Thanks in advance for your feedback! Joe Escobar