The technician shortage may be improving, but for contractors, hanging onto the techs they already have is still mission-critical. When we polled readers back in March, 76% said they were getting applicants — just not qualified ones. To get a sense of why good techs leave, we spoke with two technicians, anonymously, and they didn’t hold back. Both say they’re frustrated with short-term fixes, poor communication from management, and being left out of decisions that affect system design and maintenance. They’re also tired of the negative stereotypes customers carry — and the lack of respect that sometimes comes from inside their own companies. And when asked what might make them switch jobs, the answers were clear.

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