Pros
my coworkers are fun, I get to work independently, and it is convenient to get to work. I enjoy styling mannequins, and doing things creatively as a team.
Cons
there is very little pay for the amount of work load we have. I have over 100 full size mannequins to dress and keep updated in my area,and several bust and leg forms. We are exposed to a lot of paint, cleaning products, and sometimes rat droppings. I work on a ladder every single day and sometimes we could easily be hurt, using sharp blades, carrying heavy loads, and breathing in chemicals from spray paint. I had to fight to get equal pay , the others on the team were making $2+ more per hour than me, and I have a Fine Art BA, and experience in retail and design. My visual manager is ageist and condescending towards me and my work. My raises are 20 cents a year, if they make their plans in sales. After deductions are made for health insurance, taxes and my 401k, I only take home about $8 per hour. There are occasional "lunches" we have to participate in at our expense and we lose the time to take that lunch. We also, get penalized for going over 5 hours to clock out for lunch, even by a few seconds. Sometimes, it is difficult to get clocked out when with a customer, or unable to find a register free to clock out on. ( they say you could be fired for 3 or more of this violation)
