Ask HN: Company asks to BYOD. Is it a red flag?

#1

Post by psp219 » Mon, Feb 13, 2017, 2:45 PM UTC

I recently got hired at an early stage YC startup. I was told to bring my own device for development. I haven't been able to find good information for this on Reddit/HN so wanted to make a post about it.

I was wondering if asking employees to bring their own devices was considered a red flag? It seems strange because they are already paying such a high salary that it doesn't make sense that they can't afford a machine for their developers.

Re: Ask HN: Company asks to BYOD. Is it a red flag?

#2

Post by jenkstom » Mon, Feb 13, 2017, 3:25 PM UTC

I've decided not to apply for several jobs because the equipment they offered to buy me was equipment I had no interest in using. I have zero interest in a Mac, and not much interest in developing on a Windows computer directly (although I do a LOT of development for Windows, I do it in a virtual machine).

I'd rather they just give me two thousand dollars and let me buy what I want.

Re: Ask HN: Company asks to BYOD. Is it a red flag?

#3

Post by brudgers » Mon, Feb 13, 2017, 4:33 PM UTC

To me, if the salary is good, no. Mechanics, carpenters, etc. often purchase their own hand tools.

In a software shop, it makes even more sense by avoiding:

1. Issues around code written on company equipment.

2. Administrative effort and time procuring equipment; tracking company assets; treating remote employees equitably; etc.

3. Staff complaining about having to use equipment.

4. Staff are probably going to own a computer they like anyway.

Perhaps most importantly, it clarifies that computers are cattle not pets. Strategically, it means that practices which depend on a particular developer's laptop are clearly undesirable.