Re:Bay Area cities are cracking down on free food at tech co...
by genocidicbunny on Friday July 27, 2018 @02:33AM
(#17623914)
I would argue that figuring out where to go for lunch, getting there, waiting in line with the dozens if not more other people who had a similar hankering, getting my food, eating in a crowded area or taking it back to work, are way more than one headache a week. I would consider that a daily migraine. In fact, that was my daily migraine before I just stopped going out for lunch altogether.
Free food isnt just about the food. Its also the convenience. I already have to fight traffic getting to work, and I fight through the crowds any time I go shopping or anywhere remotely popular in the area. Having to deal with that madness in the middle of a work day when I just want a meal would certainly be a dealbreaker for me.
And from my understanding, you wouldn't get any free microwave burritos -- those would be illegal.
... but in reality there are hardly any jobs that are so directly equal.
I used to always 'go for the money' when I was younger, but now ... all the other factors matter so much. Just the temperament of your direct reports matter so much. One fewer headache a week? What's that worth? A lot :)
Meals are a nice thing, but relatively small in the equation, at least compared to all the things related to the job ... and I find the food more a matter of convenience than anything. Personally, I'd be happy with free microwave burritos on those 'I'm busy' days, but that's just me.