Late 90s we knew what cars were in the area (Crown Vics, Caprices, all models of K car, G-Bodys, mid year Hondas and Toyotas, etc). Brake pads (heavy duty package or not), rotors, starters, alternators, batteries, wipers, spark plugs... most of those memorized because we saw them all the time. Mid cycle cars were always fun, as the customer didn't know if they had cap and rotor or coils. We could go outside, look under the hood, and know in 10 seconds or less. I couldn't tell you how often people would fumble with wiper blades for 10 minutes and we could change most of them in 2 (unless they were those 80s cars with the bastard screw adaptors. Hated those...). Best times were when a customer would have some weird project car or commercial vehicle that may not have been in the system. Then it was match the part or look in the paper manuals, which was a skill all by itself, and one I was damn good at.

Now? Nobody takes pride in their work. May not be glamorous, but damn it, have some pride and be good at your non glamorous job.