exactly Rodney- I'm stuck in limbo- salaried non-exempt which means I fall in the cracks- we did have a union vote and unfortunately it didnt pass and also unfortunately they wouldn't let us join because we're paid a salary plus overtime (which at least means we're paid for being worked like slaves) attitudes are really bad and we're all tired and stressed and as you said, its' even worse when the company prances around putting on a show how much they care and making you thank them for caring when they really don't. and they dont pay well enough for being on call or for working this kind of shift. Texas is a 'right to work' state - dont like it there's the door/gate whatever..sigh...
I'm looking and preparing myself but right now I really see now way out- not and keep medical. I could probably work down the street at walgreens or next door at the grocery store and pay my necessities - but probably not have medical or job security and I'm already dealing with pre-existing and have cancer in the family. since Christmas I've been trying to focus on other things- church, health, exercise, eating better, quilting/sewing machines, reading, and mostly -at least lately- getting my house in order finally- got some help with this and really really needed it. they've done great and now I'm to the point of 'what should go' and 'what else should come in' and since vintage/antique machiens are my latest and greatest I need to work on those I think.
anyways - I think the herd needs at least slowing down because knowing the machines are there and in multiples and some not working and most not knowing if they're working - and knowing others I already want to get ...just thinking some of the multiples could/should go towards trades towards machines i DO want or service on ones I already have and want to use. or sell to the 2 friends who have already bugged me over and over about a 301...so long as they're not all gonna start rusting or going to ruin on me like the poor new home treadle...I'm sure it wasn't mint but gosh I didnt expect it to look like this -and where did the belt go?! do they just disappear?! I know that sucker had a belt on it because i was using it before I bought it! the singer's belt came off and it's still there - that's the one I'm most likely to sew with. thought I could open up the new home and just admire it but unfortunatley I need a bit more space - it's one that comes up when you raise the lid and goes down when you try to close the lid or prop it up against the machine..such a cool idea (and no I don't trust it going up or down without my had there - I remember her warning me about that and not letting it slam..) but I put it where I can see it but still have a bookshelf in the way of leaving it open. i want the window spot for the 401 that's already there in a desk (may switch to a 500) and the singer treadle (or another that comes my way that's likely to be used) think a redeye would be better but mine is electric and beyond me right now to figure out converting or if I even want to convert that partiular one