Choosing whether to pack a lunch or eat out is often a result of our daily habits or routines, rather than a conscious decision. However, it is smart to consider the trade-offs and develop a plan to maximize personal happiness and financial satisfaction.

Things to Consider

Time Commitment

Bringing in your lunch requires some effort in the kitchen. If you're lucky, you might have a partner or housemate who generously does this for you. But if you're not so fortunate or prefer to take matters into your own hands, you'll need to set aside time for grocery shopping and meal preparation. And let's face it, that can be daunting after a long day at work with a never-ending to-do list. One way to save time is by bringing in leftovers from a previous meal or splurging a bit on ready-made meals from the grocery store.

Money

Now, let's get down to the brass tax of this debate. Going out for lunch can put a larger dent in your wallet than you realize. When you make your lunch, you can expect to spend between $2 and $8 per meal, not too bad right? But if you decide to dine out, get ready to fork over some serious cash. Eating out often costs between $10 and $30 per meal, without even considering a tip into that math. Starting to crunch those numbers, if you claimed to average $5 for a homemade meal and $20 for going out, you'd be forking out an extra $75 by choosing to eat out during just one workweek. Multiply that by a whole month, and you're looking at a whopping $300 more. Yikes!

Social Relationships

Socializing over lunch with your coworkers is not only a great opportunity to build friendships and expand your professional network, but it can also open doors to new and exciting opportunities. If your coworkers often go out for lunch, it's worth joining them and enjoying some quality time together. However, if that's not the case, why not take the initiative and invite a few colleagues to go out with you occasionally? And if going out isn't an option, don't worry! You can still foster relationships by gathering around a table in the break room. By compromising and including everyone, especially those who are often left out, you can boost office morale and create a positive and inclusive environment.

Health

Now, let's talk about the health aspect of this ongoing debate. While it's not always the case, it's no secret that restaurant meals often tend to be less healthy than homemade ones. When you take charge in the kitchen, you have full control over what goes into your food. This means you can be more mindful and intentional about your choices, making healthier and more nutritious meals. So, if you're looking to fuel your body with wholesome goodness, there's no better way than preparing a lunch for yourself.

Your Lunch Break

In terms of time, going out to lunch can often be more time-consuming than eating a meal you've already prepared at the office. Between traveling to the restaurant, waiting for a table, and dealing with the lunch rush, it can eat up a significant portion of your break. If your work has a strict schedule, the pressure to get back on time can leave a sour taste in your mouth. However, taking a full break out of the office can also reinvigorate you for the latter half of your day. Stepping away from your desk and immersing yourself in a different environment can provide a much-needed mental and physical break. It allows you to clear your mind, recharge your energy, and gain a fresh perspective. Whether you choose to go for a walk in a nearby park, find a cozy café to relax in, or simply sit outside and soak up some sunshine, these breaks can make a significant difference in your overall productivity and well-being.

Make a Plan

So, now that you've considered everything, it's time to get down to business and make a plan. If you decide to indulge in eating out every day, that's fantastic, as long as you've carefully budgeted for it. On the other hand, if you opt for bringing your lunch in every day, that's wonderful as well, as long as you've factored in the time needed for meal prep. Maybe a hybrid approach fits more with your lifestyle, as long as you approach it with intention and purpose, you have the power to allow your lunch break to benefit your day more than you'd imagine. The key here is to make a solid plan, taking into account your schedule and budget, and then sticking to it. After all, a well-executed plan is the recipe for success!