So I've been out of full-time work for nearly 9 months after my department was let go late last year.

Anonymous

July 12,2023 at 9:45PM UTC

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So I've been out of full-time work for nearly 9 months after my department was let go late last year. I'm a graphic designer, and things have been rough where I live, but now, I finally have had some serious bites, and a few offers. The one I am accepting—it's in the marketing department for a smaller regional bank with locations in multiple states. I knew from interviews they are PC based, but my future boss was going into a Mac for me because other designers there have ended up bringing their own machines to work on. Now, I find out that they are going to "allow" me to bring my own MacBook, but they will pay for the software licenses (gee thanks). I haven't used a PC since 2003 for a specific class in college, so I am willing to learn, but there will be a learning curve. If I bring in my own MacBook, do I have any recourse were it to break while at work? Do I need to say something about that, and anything else relating to this now, before I start the job? I was already thinking of asking if this is something that could be put into next year's budget if I were to use my own MacBook now...I just feel like I need assurances, and I feel like I am already being taken advantage of.

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AnonymousJuly 12,2023 at 10:11PM UTC
This would be something you should ask before starting work there. I'd get it in writing from their legal department as part of your offer letter. Also, regarding them having the licenses to the software means you don't own it even though it's on your computer. This could get nasty should something happen or you sever ties with the company. I'd use their computer. If they were willing to pay for software licenses, they should be willing to pay for online courses to get you up to speed on a PC. They're more similar than you think these days.
AnonymousJuly 12,2023 at 11:36PM UTC
Will the other offers provide you with a Mac? If so accept one of those positions. This is a clear case of the company not understanding the role and position. I would expect that these types of "misunderstandings" will be plenty.
Mary PoolJuly 13,2023 at 12:44PM UTC
Learn the PC. It isn't that hard! I switched from a Mac (I used Mac exclusively for over 20 years), and the switch to the PC was as smooth as silk. I now prefer the PC over the Mac. The variety of tools available, the help available, and the ability to upgrade -- honestly, I will never understand why I stayed with the Mac for so long! The PC is cheaper, more versatile, and upgradeable. It took me less than a week to become proficient with it. I utilize photo editing software a lot, and the options available on the PC truly blew me away. I now use a free one (GIMP) that has nearly the same abilities as Adobe. This is just one example of how much more flexibility I have utilizing the PC.
This is an excellent article on Mac vs PC for graphic design: https://www.thedesignerstoolbox.com/ux-equipment/mac-or-pc-for-graphic-design/
AnonymousJuly 13,2023 at 12:48PM UTC
they have a PC based system. Use it. That's what you'll get at no cost. They aren't changing into a Mac-based system, so yeah...you can bring yours but that's on you. I have a daughter who is a designer, so I "get" what you're saying...but I also see that this company is a bank, not a design company...so they have what they have and won't make your Mac set up their priority. I am so happy that you landed this great position...go with it and ease up on expectations.
AnonymousJuly 13,2023 at 3:25PM UTC
Sorry I have to side with the employer. They will provide for you what they have system wise. If you need to use your own then use it as a preference. They will pay for the software and that is great. I would assume you use your machine daily anyway so just enjoy the new software license they are providing for you. I would not put the offer at risk because they don't have macs or ask them to pay for anything else now. After 90 days and things settle in perhaps a conversation then would be appropriate. It is not taking advantage of you to let you use your own equipment they are making an accommodation for you to do this. Often companies do not want their email and intellectual property on a personal machine. As a bank keep in mind they are tightly regulated and not likely to be a place where the support for creatives such as yourself would find lots of creative things around the place. Be grateful to have new employment and if you want keep looking after you start for something else where it is more creatively focused.
Liz MilneJuly 15,2023 at 3:08AM UTC
Ask about insurance/ like for like replacement etc, should something happen to your machine in the office - if they say no, you can always get your own coverage to make sure you don't end up too much out of pocket if your Mac should break
Susan MatheyJuly 15,2023 at 5:40PM UTC
I used Mac's exclusively in my professional and personal life until 2013 when I was hired at a company that only used PC. Since then, every company I've worked for uses PC. I continue to use Mac at home, but there are certainly features on the PC that I prefer. My adjustment to using a PC wasn't "smooth as silk" - but I picked it up with a little bit of training. At first it was daunting, as I couldn't even figure out how to turn the darn thing on! My suggestion to you is that you just use the company PC, and it will likely come in handy in the future to be skilled at both PC and Mac.
AnonymousJuly 16,2023 at 12:41PM UTC
No graphic designer should ever be asked or expected to work on a PC. The use of Macs for design has been an industry standard for decades and is even being adopted by more software engineers these days. It’s pretty bold of them to even suggest that employees use their own machines. If they aren’t willing to invest in the proper equipment for design roles I would question how much they respect and value the work you would be doing.
KatestesJuly 16,2023 at 2:09PM UTC
I was in a similar boat as you. I grew up in a PC household, I learned design on a Mac in college, then got hired at a company that was PC based. The issue with statement that Macs are the "design industry standard" is that doesn't account for all the companies that hire in-house graphic designers and the company has nothing to do with design itself (in your case a bank, as opposed to an agency or design firm.) This leads me to agree with what someone else posted that you should learn PC as well or risk closing off future opportunities at companies that *won't* allow Mac use at all. The transition is not too daunting and you can definitely do it. Perhaps try a LinkedIn course to learn some PC basics (my town and local community college also offer courses like this.)
I do want to finish this with a big warning. I have a personal Mac at home and PC at office. Post covid when we slowly integrated some days back to the office, I would use my external HD back and forth from my my PC to my Mac depending if I was working from home that day or not. Plugging it into a Mac and then PC regularly corrupted MANY files. I forget why exactly, something about how the operating systems each read an external differently. Not sure if this will even apply to you, if your company files will be cloud based or you won't ever work fron home. But either way, DO BE CAREFUL if you go the route of working at PC at office and using your Macbook at home.
maria roseJuly 16,2023 at 7:52PM UTC
Having worked with both systems, what you are referencing as corrupting files is caused by the lack of interface interaction between the software components and the hardware components if you don’t use the correct software and hardware. The company is going to have all their hardware compatible to work together with the software program but your home hardware setup will not be as compatible unless you re-vamp your whole hard drive to match—which means you have a desktop computer setup that connects to your work company computer. This never works well with a laptop that is never interfacing with multiple hard drives settings.
AnonymousJuly 16,2023 at 6:09PM UTC
I would like to say, some of the comments on here surprised me...but not really I guess because people seem to think that it's "their" job and they dictate the parameters of the position. This is the company's job, not your job. They have their chosen OS. You have a preference for a different OS. It's okay to admit that you have a preference for yours, but please understand that it's only your preference and the company makes the final decision. They have offered to accommodate by purchasing software for you, thats big! They don't owe you a Mac because thats what you are used to working on. Again, (and this is for everyone who is saying that the company should get over itself because thats not whats used in the industry), PC's are whats used in this company, and as long as that is the case, you either adapt or look elsewhere for a different job. You can use your Mac with their software license, or use the PC they assign you and learn how to use one.
maria roseJuly 16,2023 at 7:41PM UTC
Using your own personal computer ( laptop) for work even with the paid company license program is subjecting the rest of your personal information on your personal computer to being reviewed by the company monitoring system. You need to keep your personal data secure and it is best to not use your own personal computer and deal with using the company computer. There’s very little difference between using a Windows laptop and using a MacBook for basic functionality if you are using the “ only Apple devices” excuse. I speak from experience as a user of both types ( Windows and IOS) and I have at present the circle of connected Apple devices. But I would never use my personal computer for anything connected to work whatsoever because of the security risks to my personal data. Use what they give you for work and leave your personal computer home
JustineJuly 17,2023 at 1:55PM UTC
I have flipped between PCs and Mac 20+ years for graphic design programs like In-Design, Photoshop and Illustrator. There just didn't seem to be that much difference and the hardest part was remembering which computer I was on today so I could use the correct shortcut keys. I would use the company system and computer and learn how to use the PC. Often companys have legitimate reasons why they use the system they use and there could be some great value in getting use to a PC. Your next job might also be at a non-design type of company. If the company is willing to send you software for your personal Mac then it sounds like they would be open to you getting help to learn about PCs. And hey, congrats on getting the job.