Yahoo Finance ‘Google has everything’: 5 reasons this employee lives in a van
If you had a good job and made a comfortable living, would you choose to ditch a typical home for living the van life?
Well, that’s exactly what this Google employee chose to do.
In a TikTok video which now has over 70,000 views, associate account manager at Google Michael Alberse explains why he chooses to live in a van at the Google offices instead of a home or apartment.
Here are his five reasons.
1. Wellness
Alberse explains that instead of commuting and being stuck in traffic for two hours a day, he now has more time to take care of himself.
“I get to work out in the morning before work and then go for a run in the afternoon,” he said.
2. Finances
Alberse said that there are major financial benefits to living out of a van, which has allowed him to make better financial decisions.
“Instead of spending money on rent, I get to put it all towards retirement and a downpayment [on a home],” Alberse said.
3. Adventure
If your home is on wheels, then there are little barriers to changing up the scenery when the mood strikes – and this also helps him save money in the process.
“Instead of getting an Airbnb on the weekend, I can just move my van and sleep wherever I want to,” he said.
4. Needs are met
One thing that Alberse doesn’t have to worry about is amenities that his van is otherwise lacking.
Google is well known to offer fantastic work perks (we’ll go through some of those below), so he has all his bases covered.
“Google has everything covered from bathrooms to showers to a laundry [machine] to amazing food,” he said.
5. Simple living
Finally, Alberse said living the van life means he has less clutter, which for him is a nice relief.
“I have everything I need in the van. It’s really nice to live simplistically with less stuff and at the end of the day I’m happy with it,” Alberse said.
Have a look at his van life set up.
Google’s famous work perks
Google employees are given major perks to work at the tech giant which has a significant focus on employee wellness.
Here is a look at some of the best perks former and current employees have touted, according to Inc.
Gourmet meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all on the house at the tech giant and it’s not mediocre cafeteria food, either. A variety of gourmet food is provided to employees.
Dogs are welcome: That’s right; there are furry friends belonging to other employees running all around the Google offices.
Free transport: If you live in the Mountain View Campus, the company provides a free shuttle bus that will take you to and from the office.
Free massages: Anyone can hand out massage credits to others to thank them for a job well done. The credits can be redeemed for a free 1-hour massage.
Free fitness classes and gyms: Google employees are encouraged to take time out of their day to stay fit and healthy, so gyms and fitness classes are available to all.
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