This post is meant primarily as an observation/showerthought based on some behaviors from others I've observed recently and is very much tied to the frugal/FI crowd, and can sometimes be considered pervasive here.
While it's important to save money where you can and maintain a reasonable budget for eating, there is additional value in "going to lunch with coworkers." When I say that, I really mean the extended idea of a marginal, occasional expense that is incurred when attending a social outing with others. In the specific case of lunch with coworkers, it's important to be aware that always turning down an offer to attend in order to eat the premade lunch you brought is detracting from a sort of social capital that you could be building. Next time your boss or coworker asks if you would like to join for lunch, don't just consider how much that lunch is going to cost, consider what you might be gaining in social capital by joining. Once you're there, it's likely nobody will judge you for ordering the cheapest item on the menu (just say you're on a diet). Additionally, this can be extended to outside of work functions or even social calls with friends. Remember that you're not JUST paying for food/entertainment/etc. you're paying to spend time with people. Also note that the level of value in this can vary drastically based on your profession, culture, or even specific work place. Try to learn what is a reasonable expectation for yourself and your goals.
This may seem exceptionally obvious to many readers, but I've (anecdotally) observed this in a few folks who's goal is saving money.
TLDR: Don't let spending money on food get in the way of spending time with people.
Submitted August 30, 2017 at 07:44AM by IAmTheUniverse http://ift.tt/2vEN3Am
