- As news of possible jobs reached the countryside, hundreds left for the cities.
- If one had a relative or a friend in a factory, he was more likely to get a job quickly.
- Many jobseekers had to wait for weeks, spending nights under bridge or in night shelters.
- Seasonality of work in many industries meant longer periods without work. After the busy season was over, the poor were on the streets again.
- The period of employment, the number of days of work determined the average daily income of the workers.