Is $1.80 a Day for Lunch Too Much?
Just started my first full-time job—$13/hr in a state where minimum wage is $7.25. It’s a physically demanding role, and I was offered the option to opt into a lunch allowance.
Here’s the breakdown: For every 80 hours worked (about two weeks), they deduct ~$15. That’s 8–10 workdays, so I’d essentially be paying $1.50–$1.87 per day for a lunch. Not bad on paper, right?
I’ve been torn.
Packing my own lunch—leftovers, sandwiches, snacks—might save a couple of bucks, sure. But will I actually do it every day? This job wipes me out, and skipping meals isn’t really an option if I want to function. The lunch provided would be warm, ready, and consistent. Less stress.
It’s not about the money alone—it’s about time, energy, and sanity.
Would you take the deal for $1.80/day? Or stick to meal-prepping?
Need to decide by tomorrow. Appreciate the real talk.
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