[Joeri]

"Providing people with jobs is a form of charity"

What an odd view. Usually, an employee creates more value for the employer than he costs, through his time, effort and expertise. If the employer receives more than he gives, why is he the one being charitable?

[enjo]

I think the poster was trying to say something I fundamentally agree with:

There is something noble (and important) in providing jobs. As a business owner the thing I'm most proud of is now what we make, but the families that can afford a healthy and happy life because of what we make. Over the years I've directly created more than 100 jobs by my best estimation. That's 100 people who have a steady paycheck and everything that comes with it because of what I started.

That's really cool. So while saving the rainforest or joining the peace-corp are both noble and very important, lets not forget that entrepreneurs are very often doing important things with their lives as well.

I think that's what the grand parent was after:)

[borism]

it seems you forgot that you created your 100th job not all by yourself but with the help of 99 of your previous employees.

so I applaud all 101 of you "job creators"!

[wdewind]

I would say you are incorrectly using the word value. Both parties are getting the best deal out of the transaction they can. Just because the things I work on may make my company more dollars than my salary a year doesn't mean the "value" is different - it's much more complex.

Here's an example: one aspect of the "value" my company provides me is risk-subsidization. If I was freelance, I would have to work on constantly finding clients. The grass is always greener...

Edit: it also REALLY depends on how you run your business. This gets into more philosophical stuff around greed and leadership (ie: how much you take, how much you share with your company etc). Providing jobs can be anything from charitable to borderline slavery.