Am I cheap for bringing my own lunch to work?

Apr 24, 2023

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Why is there an unwritten rule that employees (especially those high up) are perceived as being cheap if they bring their own lunch to work? Any food brought to work was paid for, so why is this a no-no?

Who says it's a no-no? I mean, if you’re an executive and you bring your snacks in a "Star Wars" lunch box, that might hurt your image a bit.

But brown-bagging it doesn't necessarily denote "cheap."

It could be related to special dietary needs, or busy unpredictable schedules, and needing something handy for a quick bite whenever the opportunity strikes.

Or, it could be cost-related — but not wanting to pay $20 a day for a sandwich, chips and soda doesn't make you frugal, it makes you smart.

As long as you aren't eating PB&J with the crust cut off and drinking from a juice box with a straw, be confident about it — and maybe splurge once or twice a week to go out with colleagues or staff.

I just received my annual raise, and it was 4% , which is below the inflation rate. My boss said that I should be happy because most people are getting less, and I’m working remotely so my costs are lower. How can I be happy with a raise that's less than inflation? And what does working remotely have to do with being paid what I’m worth?

These are first-class problems to have, my friend. Many readers would love to trade places with you.

You are employed. You are allowed to work remotely. You received what sounds like a good review from your boss.

And while 4% may not seem like a lot relative to the current inflation rate, it's competitive in this environment, and there were many years prior where inflation was nonexistent, so I’m curious what your raises were like then.

Regarding remote work, your boss’ point is relevant if you had originally worked in the office and then converted to working remotely.

If that's the case, you most certainly benefited greatly financially by working remotely now.

My advice? Thank your boss and continue working hard to earn the situation that you are in, and if you’re unhappy, look for another job.

Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. Hear Greg Wed. at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. Email: [email protected]. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @GregGiangrande