I had to go to Google’s San Francisco office for some training today. I had never been there before, but it’s around the corner from my old office at TACODA. It was kind of weird to get up this morning, and commute to that neighborhood again. It also drove home just how much nicer it is to be in Oakland living and working in Oakland.
So, you may have heard about some of the infamous perks of working for Google. Most notably there’s the cafeteria. I had lunch in that cafeteria today, and I have to confirm that it is very nice. They had a wide variety of foods. I only took advantage of about half of it. There were a lot of options for veggies like me. I saw a laundry drop box, and although I didn’t really get a close look or a chance to ask anyone about it, I would assume that this means that they’ll do your shirts for you. They also have a well stocked kitchen with snacks and every kind of beverage you could imagine.
Other “amenities” I just thought were weird. Of course, I’m talking about their bathroom. The toilets have heated seats. And I’m not just talking about slightly warmed seats. They were hot! They also had bidets. Adjustable bidets with air dryers apparently. I say apparently, because I didn’t actually try out the bidets. I have never used a bidet, and I just wasn’t feeling too adventurous in the public restroom in the Google office. I didn’t want to be playing around and end up soaking myself, or making a mess. They also had a full shower, and there was a hair dryer and brush on the sink. I couldn’t imagine taking a shower at work.
I’ve been led to believe that the reason why Google offers all of this stuff is to distract you so that you don’t realize that you have no life/work balance. Of course there’s a shower there, because you live there. You don’t pay for lunch, but then again, you don’t leave for an hour for a lunch break. You don’t really need to leave all day. Of course, I’ve never worked for them, and shockingly I don’t know anybody else who does either, but that’s the industry rumor.
I’m not the slightest bit envious, though. I’ll stick with my office in Oakland with the frightening elevator that’s walking distance* to Ta-Ke over Google any day, bidet and all.
*PeggyLuWho’s idea of what is within walking distance is a lot further than the average persons.
Peggy Lu Who's Just Sayin' 