Stop wearing "mekanik" attire.
"I want more respect as a technician"
"I want more money"
"Mechanics aren't just wrench monkeys anymore, it takes a degree to be good at this"
THEN STOP ACTING/DRESSING LIKE A BUM
Everywhere I go I see "technicians" wearing shirts that say things like "I'm a meccanik mekanic meqanik ... I fix cars"
You're not helping yourself. You're not cool. You are actively making the field look dumb. You are actively damaging the reputation we all share. You are the reason I beat around the bush when people ask what I do.
Go to an event where technicians and mechanics are present representing their shop/dealer like a local car show. The tech who got tickets to the ball game from work. The mechanic going out to the Christmas party. Invited to the BG golf outing.
Always acting like the only clothes you own are oil stained boots, dickies, and a torn up Carhartt hoodie.
Have some respect for yourself. Shower. Wear a collared shirt. Speak like an educated individual. It's not that hard. But if we don't respect ourselves, nobody will.
EDIT: To the bums down voting this post, have fun begging for 8% of the door rate in 3 years.
It's simple. Where whatever you want. I don't care if you're dirty, I don't care if you have oil stains on your clothes.
Just don't wear clothes that subtly imply you and we by association are dumbasses for picking this trade.
And if you are at any event where you are representing your shop or mechanics in general, dress at least halfway professional.