The other day there was an article in our local paper about how Google has setup a transportation system to shuttle some of its employees to and from work. In addition, they provide free chef cooked meals, doctor checkups, etc.. While this sounds like a great idea, the article clearly quoted a Google employee as saying that these perks allow google to get a few extra hours a day out of each employee. So instead of employees working 8 hour days, these “perks” make them work 10-12 hour days. Hmmm…seems to me that they should pay employees more, but these perks probably cost less than paying their employees more. Google contact me a few weeks ago about a job in Colorado. Leave San Diego? For chef prepared meals (I’m not sure if the non Silicon Valley offices get the same perks)? I think I’ll stick where I am. 8 hour work days (OK a few more as I’m self employed) as all I can handle.