Interesting Job "Perks"

I was working with some colleagues today (who work for a different company, but we are on the same project). I asked him how he got a MacBook Pro from work since everyone on the project is issued a standard Dell laptop. He said "I told them when they hired me this is what I needed". So it got me wondering, has anyone ever requested or gotten any "perks" like that during job negotiations? Example: "I will accept the position, however I would like a MacBook Pro 15" with 256GB SSD, 8GB of RAM"? Or maybe asking for "extra" vacation time "I understand the standard vacation allotment is two weeks. However for me to take this position I require four weeks spotted to me on the day I start".

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Comments

Essendon

If you can ask for more money, you sure could ask for a laptop and be able to justify it. Dont know anyone who has been able to do this though. It'll be interesting to know. Good thread!

rwmidl

I think to be able to accomplish this, I believe you would have to have a skillset that is in high demand in order to justify an odd perk. Though I have decided to try and get a MacBook Pro if/when I ever interview for another job

ptilsen

Honestly, if and when I change jobs, I'd consider it. I've been fairly unhappy with the main computer I've had to use at every job I've ever held. Working at the level 1 helpdesk, I understand, by being the sysadmin or lead engineer and using crap just doesn't make sense to me. I don't know if I'd view it as a perk, really. I'd view it as giving me the right tools to do my job. That does mean at least a small SSD, at least 8GB of RAM, and at least six-core or quad-core with HT. I wouldn't ask for a Macbook not only because I see no benefit in Macs, but because they point is not to get a fancy or expensive computer -- it's to get a fast one that gets the job done.

It should be easily justifiable, too. If you think about what we make -- even entry-level helpdesk guys -- the small premium to provide the right technology to keep us efficient doesn't seem like an unreasonable requirement.

networker050184

Agree with ptilsen. Asking for the tools to get your job done is one thing, asking for a Mac specifically is another. I can see if you do something that can only be done on a Mac, but for the vast majority of us here a Windows (or linux) machine can do everything needed and for a cheaper price tag. If you get the option of a Mac or PC then go for it.

joehalford01

I finally asked if I could build myself a workstation, this was prior to us rolling out new desktops for everyone. Best thing I ever asked for. I will always ask to build my own workstation going forward at any employer. Having a full tower that i can swap cards and hard-drives in and out of is a huge bonus, makes my job so much easier. Extra NIC's, serial ports, dual monitors....etc...

Forsaken_GA

I was all set to get a nice shiny new MBP as my main work computer at my last job.

Then Dell acquired the company. Since Dell eats it's own dog food, let's just say that plan was.. altered.

At my current job, I asked for, they said no, we run Windows, then I asked if there were any rules against running a linux VM on it. There weren't, so I was ok with it. If I was forced to use Windows as my only operating system, I'd be able to do it, but I'd be distinctly unhappy about it, and would probably move on from the job in short order.

SteveLord

Everyone runs an HP desktop....minus me. Built mine. I always need to have the faster or cooler stuff.

joshmadakor

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

I was all set to get a nice shiny new MBP as my main work computer at my last job.

Then Dell acquired the company. Since Dell eats it's own dog food, let's just say that plan was.. altered.

At my current job, I asked for, they said no, we run Windows, then I asked if there were any rules against running a linux VM on it. There weren't, so I was ok with it. If I was forced to use Windows as my only operating system, I'd be able to do it, but I'd be distinctly unhappy about it, and would probably move on from the job in short order.

You always make me

....Dell eats it's own dog food...lmao

Anyway, I've asked for a lot from my boss and she always comes through. So far I've gotten 12GB of ram, 4x 10krpm drives, a 25" monitor, a secondary NIC, 3 or 4 books and a few other things. I'm state/government though, so maybe that has something to do with it. Or maybe she's just nice...

Forsaken_GA

I honestly don't care what my work computer is, or how cutting edge it is. I work most efficiently with a unix commandline, so as long as I get that, and can open excel spreadsheets, and I suppose check my email in case my boss says something important, I'm good to go.

Krones

Forsaken_GA wrote: »

I honestly don't care what my work computer is, or how cutting edge it is. I work most efficiently with a unix commandline, so as long as I get that, and can open excel spreadsheets, and I suppose check my email in case my boss says something important, I'm good to go.

When you get your CCIE maybe you can ask for midget strippers and special hard to find Mexican candy from the Plane of Mischief. I bet you could have gotten away with such crazy demands if you were a higher up at Enron back in the day.

joshmadakor

Krones wrote: »

When you get your CCIE maybe you can ask for midget strippers and special hard to find Mexican candy from the Plane of Mischief. I bet you could have gotten away with such crazy demands if you were a higher up at Enron back in the day.

This is a bit off topic but...Dude did you play EQ? You weren't a rogue were you?

Krones

joshmadakor wrote: »

This is a bit off topic but...Dude did you play EQ? You weren't a rogue were you?

Busted... man. Seriously, WTF. haha. Wow just wow. That was how many years ago - 10 years?

joshmadakor

Krones wrote: »

Busted... man. Seriously, WTF. haha. Wow just wow. That was how many years ago - 10 years?

Lol about 10 yes. If you're the same Krones, I remember you running around with Ragebringer and Velium Spear XD

Forsaken_GA

Krones wrote: »

When you get your CCIE maybe you can ask for midget strippers and special hard to find Mexican candy from the Plane of Mischief. I bet you could have gotten away with such crazy demands if you were a higher up at Enron back in the day.

If I could get away with demanding that Innoruuk drop my Briarzephyr, I just might consider it.... hateful bastard

rwmidl

I didn't mean for this to become a Mac vs PC thread. I was just using a coworker getting a Mac as an example (further to that, what he does a Mac really isn't conducive for so he has to do some hacks on it to make the product work on a Mac. But he also uses VM's on it extensively).

the_Grinch

My first IT job they lowballed me so I asked for two weeks of vacation to start. They went "blah blah, we only do one week after the first year", but they would give me a week to get me to take the job. There is always wiggle room, though it might not always be pay. I think most places are happy to play with vacation time or computer equipment.

tpatt100

At my next job I am negotiating an extra week of vacation so I can use it for when my son gets sick and I need to keep him home. I make a ton more than my wife but dang her benefits blow away mine.

N2IT

That's a cool perk!