To date, I have completed 132 shops in 2025, with 2 being Category1-money and none Category 2-leisure. The remaining 130 have been Cat 3-defrayment of travel expenses, While that category definitely serves a purpose, I would much prefer greenbacks for my reward.
As I am in the classification of non-needy and extensive narrative seems to no longer been desired, MSCs continue to adjust the Arab:camel business model to squeeze as much profit as the marketplace will bear. That situation does not in the slightest bother me. I am perfectly content to sit unless my fee requirements are met. I do, though, feel empathy for those who must continue to toil for a pittance.
3 yrs. ago, a bottom paying MSC's scheduler contacted me concerning Shell Oil work. The pay, as I recall, was $12.50+$6+$1, with a minimum of 25 required pics. In addition, I would not be permitted to purchase 93 octane gas my vehicle required; I passed.