Want a job? BYOD or Buh-bye.
This could be the type of job advertisement you see in the near future where you're required to have your own advanced phone and computing equipment. I see smart phones, laptops and other such regalia as necessities of the job. They're tools--tools that you bring to the job so that you can perform your duties as assigned. Your employer doesn't purchase a car for you but you need one to get to and from work. They don't supply you a pair of shoes, yet you're required to wear them to the office. I think we've evolved into a workforce of spoiled brats but that's about to change.
Yes, spoiled brats.
Years ago, employers paid for all or part of your broadband Internet connection so that you could work from home during emergencies or on a regular basis. Almost none do it now. Why? Because you already have it. The technology is inexpensive and ubiquitous. They no longer have to pay for something that you have anyway.
Why should your employer provide basic tools to you? They don't owe you a smart phone or a laptop. You already have a smart phone, so why not use it at work? You'll have it with you anyway, won't you? You have to keep up with your Facebook, Gmail and Twitter feeds because you might miss something awesome, if you don't.
A smart phone is just another tool that you bring to the table.
Too far-fetched you say? Look at the other requirements: Certifications. Unless the ad states that the hiring company will pay for certifications, you'll have to bring them to your job when you accept it. And, if you paid for your own certifications, they're more expensive than the gadgets that you fidget with. Don't forget to explain how you'd really like to have a degree but you're expecting them to supply that for you as well. Now, we're talking far-fetched.
There are those of you, however, who see the advantages of BYOD and are part of an intelligent and growing trend not only in the IT world but in every business niche. IT workers, traditionally, are more spoiled than most, falsely believe that they can't be replaced and that they require certain "privileges" to employer-supplied technology. And, despite the trend, a lot of IT people will fight BYOD to the bitter end. For all of their wailing and gnashing of teeth, they'll be assimilated or booted to the curb by this new wave of sensibility. You'd think that a group of people who love technological change (or purport to love change) would be all over BYOD. But, alas, they're not.
To them, I say, "BYOD or Buh-bye."
So, the question to you is, "If your employer or prospective employer requires you to BYOD, would you keep or take the job?".
My answer is, "Yes, yes, I will."
I have a car. I have shoes. I have a smart phone. I have a laptop. And, if I want a job, I'll bring them all to work with me everyday.
What do you think? Would you take a job with the requirement to supply your own smart phone and laptop? Talk back and let me know.
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