Work-related

[E320]

Am I being unreasonable not to take my personal laptop with me when I leave for work at lunchtime? I have been taking it as the company I am currently working for have so far been unable to provide me with all the software required for me to do what they want, so I had to download a trial version. The trial period ends during this week. I will only be at this company for another 2 working weeks.
Should add that my journey to work involves leaving home at lunchtime on a Sunday, 45 minutes' drive, a 90 minute flight & a taxi at the other end, all of which I pay for. It is annoying me that I have to drag the laptop as well as luggage.

It depends ... I guess you are a contractor so I would say it depends on the terms of your contract whether you expect them to provide you with necessary materials or whether you should supply your own.

If the company you are working for are meant to be providing what you need then you shouldn't be taking your own laptop (for all sorts of dull reasons including insurance and electrical safety as much as anything else. However ... are the company not providing what you need, or is it a question of they want you to use one type of software and you want to use another? If this is the case then I guess I would expect you to do the best you can with their software.

I think you're BU not to want to take a laptop per se - if they'd given you a work lap top presumably you'd have to take it with you?

I have a laptop at work, which is where it stays. I "need" to take my laptop because it has a trial copy of an application I am required to use by and for work. There are licences, but I have been told it is "difficult" to get hold of one.

Hi E320, I have worked as a contractor for companies like this. I think you should stop being so accommodating. It's lazy management and you are enabling them. If you arrive and you do not have the SW you need then just bill the fuckers and twiddle your thumbs till they sort it out.

Hi Pam, love the name! First time I have been in this situation. Was ok for working over Christmas, but not after that. I have managed both contractors & permanent staff. First rule is get them access, a workplace & the tools to do the job. Should add that I never got my official ID either.
May post more when I am not relying on them to paynthe bills ;-)