Pros
Pros of working at Softline include: -Super flexible with scheduling. I was applying for grad school this year and the management was incredibly supportive in making sure I could attend information sessions that conflicted with my work schedule. I really appreciated this. -A clean, put together work environment. -the owners are extremely interested in feedback in hopes of continuing to build a better company. -consistent schedule, full-time and overtime hours available. -management does a great job verbalizing changes in scheduling, they have consistent weekly meetings, and check in with employees often. -This company did an excellent job through Covid, brought in a air cleaner, and was very open to making sure employees could leave for getting tested if needed etc. - There is a lot of flexibility with learning different parts of the leatherwork process, while at Softline, I was able to work in the main leatherwork section, along with at Northwind doing hardware, and in the shipping area. I loved getting to learn to navigate all these spaces. -The employees themselves are great, lots of artists, most folks in the main leather work section seem to have found Softline through Springboard. I really enjoyed getting to know other folks working at the company. -Also, this company is really queer friendly , a lot of queer folks seem to work here. Which was great. -they do some sweet little things, like providing snacks and coffee, which honestly can change a work day for the better.
Cons
-The main cons I openly discussed with the owner when I left (left due to schedule changes/seasonal job shifts/found a job more near to my home). I found parts of Softline needed more a a training program, which the owner received this information really well. I expect that for newcomers, there will be more of a training structure. -Parts of the job can be really monotonous, as this is a manufacturing company, but this isn't always a con really. The company is really cool about allowing employees to listen to podcasts and music during work, which helped keep my mind busy. I enjoyed having a job where I could learn about other topics I liked while completing work tasks. -No benefits really, pretty low start pay, but again, consistent scheduling and work. I was hired right when Covid was on the rise last winter, and having a full time job that I knew I could depend on was especially important to me.