My manager (who is the CTO) texted me to bring my personal laptop in on the first day. This already seems like a red-flag and if needed I will not install any software or visit any sites beyond payroll.
How should I handle this situation if they refuse to provide me equipment. This is a in-person role.
In that situation it makes sense for you to bring a personal laptop which you can use to access non confidential stuff, you might not write any code in it and might just be given docs to read through
It's only a red flag when they specifically ask you to start doing work on your own machine.
But actual code, that's gonna need a work issued machine. They had over a week now since I accepted the offer and they have an MSP, so it's a bit odd for it to take that long.
PS: I like using your app!
Run away.
Just to conform, and in case I needed a working machine until I found out whether they were serious enough to properly supply the necessities.
If not, then I could carry on with my own "good as new" laptop dedicated to the employer as long as necessary until I had collected enough pay to get an additional one for myself. Nicer one too.
Before even thinking about making any waves.
How to handle it? If you can afford it, leave and don't come back. If not, bring it up first thing you see your manager, latest on your first 1-1. This can't go on. If he brushes off, check if he intends to work you hard like 996. That usually means they are looking to use your work and find a reason to fire you asap afterwards.
Just out of curiosity: Did you oversell yourself during the interviews?
I don't oversell myself in interviews, most of my work in the last 7 years has been inbound referrals, so it is just a team fit interview most of the time.
Show up on Monday without a computer. When asked, explain that they're the employer, its standard to pay for a work machine for me, and that its downright pathetic that they can't or won't.
Yes, I'd call them out. It's clearly a power move, and I'd put it right back to them. Pathetic.
I didn’t get a work laptop when I was at a mega corp and the pay was absurdly good.
I ended up remote desktoping into a secured pc anyway.
Don’t put your personal stuff on the laptop for any reason. If money is a concern buy a laptop from Costco.
90 day return policy in case the first check bounces or something.
Why not text him back and ask him why directly? This could all be clarified in a few messages.
In the meantime, shadow folks, attend standups, get to know your colleagues, the products, etc.
It's a bit unusual, it's a yellow flag for sure, but it depends on how desperate you are for a job.
I'd tell them "i don't have a laptop, just a desktop" and see what they say? If they seem like they're going to not hire you for that, I agree with what other folks said, buy a cheap chromebook.