I went to Wyotech a few years ago and graduated pretty much at the top of my class as an EagleTech. Granted, there were a lot of people that graduated that probably should not have. There was a lot of hands on stuff to learn, but I left school 35k in debt and feeling as if my education was lacking. I learned more about wiring, dyno tuning, and aftermarket ECU's than getting into the grit of an engine. I helped build a 454" and blew up a b16 civic mid tuning session, yet still felt something was missing. I believe what was missing was the confidence you have now in knowing what you know. Even then I got a job right out of school as a lube tech paying 9.50/hr. as a lube tech at the Toyota dealership near me. I loved the work, but hated the politics of the work. A lot of the people didn't like me right from the get-go since they had never hired a Wyotech person, strictly UTI. I lasted a month at that job since I couldn't put up with their BS and lies (were they seriously trying to tell me I didn't tighten the oil drain plug on nearly every car I worked on?!), but got another job less than a month later. With two kids, funds were tight for a while, but you gotta make due with what you have and not give up. Are you gettin' shafted? You're damn right you are, but your choices will be: take what you have and make the best of it, attempt to get a raise in some way (definitely should get more for having your own tools), or find something else. Jobs are definitely out there, but they may not be to your liking. Use this job as experience and always keep trying to better yourself. If you don't go to school, I recommend lots of reading. May not be the same as a diploma to some people, but I've found I don't need a diploma from a college to know my shit compared to someone who does. Good luck.