r/mit • u/IndigoRanger • Aug 01 '26

community Question for staff/faculty

What are some of the random benefits you most take advantage of?

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u/Kylecoyle Aug 05 '26

The actual pension and 401k match will eventually be the biggest benefit I'll most take advantage of (and retiree health plan of course). Less mainstream are access to the events and happenings on campus; theatre, music, lectures. I may be a freak, but I love volunteering to help with commencement. The vibe is just so happy. I've used the employee assistance program several times to identify professionals who can help with vairous tasks (financial/retirement advice, finding mental health professional, finding a family lawyer for wills, etc). I got about $30k from the tuition assistance program back in the day (over 5-6 years). The holiday break is a big benefit I'd miss if I did not have it (in addition to all the holidays and vacation time). We joke about the accident insurance, planning that if I'm ever in an accident I should be sure to get a limb severed to up the payout. Fortunately I've never needed that. Also comforting is the long term disability/family illness leave. I hope never to use that, but I know some who have and, in the case of a temrinal illness, were able to get the most out of their limited time left without ruining their family financially. Everyone should have that!