Insurance/computer/software for trainee? | Razer Insider
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Insurance/computer/software for trainee?

C

Question, just to see how common this is. As a trainee, should I be expecting to purchase my own computer, software subscription, and/or E&O insurance? I've "had" a mentor for the last year, but he hasn't given me any work in about 10 months (despite many efforts on my part to do anything at all), and I finally found another one who is going to take me on. I'm going into the office later this week to get set up in the system, make a plan for our upcoming schedule, etc. This is a bigger firm that my last supervisor and they seem to have plenty of work. However, during my short phone discussions with my new supervisor and a firm partner, they've made passing comments such as "...and you'll need to get E&O, but that's cheap", "you'll need to get a computer and the software...",before moving on to other things. I want to be prepared when I go in for the meeting. I'm 100% fine having my own things, and know that I will at some point need all of this, but I also have a few assumptions and I want to know if I'm wrong.

  1. I'm under the impression that I can't be an independent contractor as a trainee, since I'm not licensed to do appraisals without a supervisor. That would mean that I'm a W2 employee, and as a W2 employee, shouldn't the employer's insurance cover me? Same for the computer and software: shouldn't that be provided to me?

  2. even if the above is correct, yet they still insist that I provide all of it myself, am I correct in that I cannot write off any of these purchases since I'm W2?

I've been self-employed in a different industry for many years, so I'm familiar with what I can and can't do, and what I'm responsible for, while self-employed. This is a new situation for me though, and my previous supervisor didn't mention any of this. In fact, despite the lack of work, he still bought a new computer for me to use in the office, provides software, and even made up business cards for me. He didn't mention insurance once.

Thanks in advance for any insights!

3 Replies

C

Question, just to see how common this is. As a trainee, should I be expecting to purchase my own computer, software subscription, and/or E&O insurance? I've "had" a mentor for the last year, but he hasn't given me any work in about 10 months (despite many efforts on my part to do anything at all), and I finally found another one who is going to take me on. I'm going into the office later this week to get set up in the system, make a plan for our upcoming schedule, etc. This is a bigger firm that my last supervisor and they seem to have plenty of work. However, during my short phone discussions with my new supervisor and a firm partner, they've made passing comments such as "...and you'll need to get E&O, but that's cheap", "you'll need to get a computer and the software...",before moving on to other things. I want to be prepared when I go in for the meeting. I'm 100% fine having my own things, and know that I will at some point need all of this, but I also have a few assumptions and I want to know if I'm wrong.

  1. I'm under the impression that I can't be an independent contractor as a trainee, since I'm not licensed to do appraisals without a supervisor. That would mean that I'm a W2 employee, and as a W2 employee, shouldn't the employer's insurance cover me? Same for the computer and software: shouldn't that be provided to me?

  2. even if the above is correct, yet they still insist that I provide all of it myself, am I correct in that I cannot write off any of these purchases since I'm W2?

I've been self-employed in a different industry for many years, so I'm familiar with what I can and can't do, and what I'm responsible for, while self-employed. This is a new situation for me though, and my previous supervisor didn't mention any of this. In fact, despite the lack of work, he still bought a new computer for me to use in the office, provides software, and even made up business cards for me. He didn't mention insurance once.

Thanks in advance for any insights!

no response to this

A

Interesting query.  What industry is it?

 

Look at your employment contract. If it does not mention E&O insurance then you shouldn’t be paying for it.

Here is the reality:

You need the work, everyone has bills to pay. You’re afraid if you raise the fact you’re being asked to pay for something they might not like you or plan your exit in future right. Ask yourself how would they feel if I raised it or the cost of their E&O is so small then I can live with it. 10 bucks a month?

i.e. if I was being paid 3000 a month and even though my contract did not stipulate I had to pay for insurance but if it costs only 10 a month, then ok I’ll just pay it to not rock the boat or make a big fuss about it. Ideally you want to get along well with employer. 

There are people out there that will be like “It’s NOT on my contract. I SHOULD not be paying”. But I speak from reality it is best to get along with employer.

 

I can read that already you’re feeling uneasy about this job. If me I would want a more accurate date of this new client as waiting 10 months a bit long of not getting any work. But hey this new client could be good for experience to list on your CV/Resume to stick it out. Make sure this actually happens as you don’t want to be waiting another 10 months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V

As a trainee, it is common for the employer to provide you with the necessary tools and resources to perform your job, including a computer and software subscription. Additionally, as a W2 employee, you should be covered under the employer's E&O insurance.

However, it is possible that the company you are joining has a different policy in place, and they may require you to provide your own computer, software subscription, and E&O insurance. In this case, it would be appropriate to clarify with your new supervisor and ask for specific details on what they expect you to provide.

Regarding tax write-offs, as a W2 employee, you are not eligible to write off work-related expenses on your taxes. Only independent contractors who are responsible for their own expenses can write off these expenses.

It's great that you are proactive and seeking clarification before starting your new position. It's important to understand the expectations and requirements of your employer to ensure a smooth working relationship.

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