Writing a personal blog has always come naturally to me. Who doesn’t know how to talk about themselves? But writing a professional blog is a lot more challenging, because I’m writing to a (highly informed) audience making concrete claims about topics they’re already somewhat familiar with. It’s challenging to come up with subjects that are interesting that I can add more to. And frequently, as I’m writing an article for this blog, the topic shifts.
But Friday is my day to let my hair down a bit and write more intimately. I would’ve had something up a little sooner, but yesterday was a banner day at work — one of those random twelve-hour shifts where production problems and new promotions drain all energy for new creativity. It’s alright, however; my company has officially offered to sponsor Talk Like A Pirate day. Between that and the free soda machine, I’m willing to put up with a few early/late days.
The technical field is full of examples where a little employer-bought gratitude will make up for a lot of work-induced stress. Company-bought lunch for attending meetings, discounts at local stores for employees, annual cook-outs. I’m not talking about stuff like insurance or a 401k — those things are generally considered part of compensation — but things outside the official pay that are nontheless reasons why we stick with it.
So, opening the forum, what’re some of the more interesting things you get out of your job that aren’t strictly part of your official compensation? Here’s my list:
- Free chocolate/soda
- Random company-sponsored events (now including TLAPD!)
- Awesome, awesome whiteboards the size of entire walls
- Festive office decorating throughout the year
- Proximity to downtown
- Cinema display monitors
- Free parking
