I've been a computer technician for over 25 years, and been recovering data for 15 of those years.
Of course, I'm still learning, as anyone who understands life in general would have to admit. I've been limited in my available resources as far as recovering data, and have to rely on my experience to tell me whether or not I should even attempt to recover a failing drive. So far, the results have been good, as 90% of my data recovery attempts have been successful, using just software and drive adapters, with occasional luck transferring PCBs on some older drives. I know, not a recommended practice on most drives, but with some it does work.
So I'm here, and I'm trying to convince my business partner to invest in some additional resources, so I don't have to send drives out, or at least not as often.