How much would you spend on a work-related item...

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mgarl10024

Über Member
Location
Bristol
Could you reuse the item in a non-work context?
e.g. an expensive screwdriver for work, but might be useful at home?
 

Fnaar

Smutmaster General
Location
Thumberland
Absolutely bugger all
smile.gif

I was asked to use my mobile to make work calls while on a trip. Even though those calls are 'free', I refused... cos they didn't know that, but asked anyway. And they aren't 'free' either. If they ain't paying, it doesn't get used for work. Likewise, I don't nick owt from work either, though I could easily. Principles and all that.
 

upsidedown

Waiting for the great leap forward
Location
The middle bit
I object to having to spend money on shoes and suits that i would never otherwise wear. My employer should alter their dress code to encourage skanky jeans and threadbare Converse trainers.
 

taxing

Well-Known Member
I have to buy books for work. I always get them second hand, from charity shops or on Amazon, so they range from 25p-£7ish.
 

Hacienda71

Mancunian in self imposed exile in leafy Cheshire
As I am self employed it doesn't really apply to me now. When I was employed I didn't mind using the odd thing of my own in relation to work. The most costly item was my time. I never clock watched and didn't normally take my full holiday entitlement. My boss was a nice guy and after a few years he gave me an equity stake in the firm where I still work. If he had been a nasty boss I would probably have been somewhat more circumspect.
 

thomas

the tank engine
Location
Woking/Norwich
I object to having to spend money on shoes and suits that i would never otherwise wear. My employer should alter their dress code to encourage skanky jeans and threadbare Converse trainers.

When I started at my former employer they gave you 75% back off anything you spent on work clothes. So when I started I went to next, bought myself a nice suit and trousers....popped to M&S got a few packs of shirts....then a nice new tie....

Ended up putting a claim for about £200.

It eventually all went through - head office didn't say anything, but my direct Manager was expecting more of a £30 primark suit jobby.

Anyway. The next time they gave any work clothes allowance they had put limits on what you could spend, and as I was only part time I could only spend £25, haha.

Never did wear that suit to work - didn't want to damage it.
 
I once left a 12" black and white TV on a ship as I couldn't be bothered to carry the thing back home. It was a good 10 years old at the time.
But thats not really the OP, more 'worthless crap I've left behind' than anything I've bought for the purpose. Anything like that gets refunded to me.
 

mgarl10024

Über Member
Location
Bristol
Let's leave it open depending on what it is. What did you have in mind (beyond a screwdriver - unless that's really what you would buy!?)

I have to buy books for work. I always get them second hand, from charity shops or on Amazon, so they range from 25p-£7ish.

Books would be where I am thinking moreso. As a Software Developer, I tend to need to study for exams to keep fresh, and the books often aren't cheap (£20-£45).
Gets a bit tricky as to whether I am studying to further myself or not, and whether the employer benefits. If the employer suggests the training, or if it closely matches my job role, they would often be prepared to buy the books. However, I tend to buy my own as I can take them from company to company and I'm not overly concerned about damage to them (unlike if they belonged to someone else or the company).
 

Moodyman

Legendary Member
Now? Nothing.

Though, when I was a student and for some time after I graduated, I worked as a second chef. I had to buy my own chef's clothes and aprons.

I didn't mind though as they were a small family business and gave a lot back. In fact, I never considered it serious work.
 

gbb

Squire
Location
Peterborough
It'd be easy for me to say..not a penny, but i've always worked where i have the responsibility to order stuff, so i just add on any bits i need.
Mind my mobile bills over the last couple years travelling abroad are beginning to add up. I usually forget or dont get the bill in good time so am embarrassed to ask weeks and weeks later.
Actually, the travel always incurs hidden costs that i bear, its hard to always get reciepts etc. So actually, i do spend maybe £50 PA on travelling expenses that dont get claimed back.
 
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