"The state's cake is small but secure." That was a common saying among SJ employees. Anyone who received a permanent appointment certificate (a certificate of secure employment) from SJ had their future secured for life, no matter how difficult the times became.

Frans Teodor Lindsjö received his permanent appointment as a regular platelayer in 1912, after thirteen years of service at SJ as an extra railway worker and an extra regular platelayer. Lindsjö had to pay twenty-four kronor for the appointment – more than a week's wages.

A platelayer, when accounting for the value of housing and clothing provided, had roughly the same income as a workshop worker. But while the worker had a workweek of 50-60 hours, the platelayer’s working hours were practically unlimited.

Lindsjö was probably a typical representative of railwaymen. His papers paint the picture of an incredibly honest and diligent person. Perhaps not bright in school, but with excellent grades in biblical history and catechism, as well as in reading and arithmetic.

His work records unanimously speak of a dutiful and skilled railwayman who "behaved honestly and decently and willingly performed his duties, showed good insight into horse care, and drove well. He was sober, hardworking, and reliable in all respects, which is why he is highly recommended."

In 1934, Lindsjö received a well-deserved medal for diligence and integrity in the service of the state. Five years later, at the age of sixty, he left his employment with a retirement pension from SJ. For workshop workers, the retirement age was 65, and the pension amount considerably lower.