[jay_kyburz]

This is something we often do in our house. We talk about things in terms of hours worked rather than price. I think more people should do it.

[dgfitz]

By that logic I waste time reading books instead of paying someone else to read them for me.

[jay_kyburz]

Paying somebody else to read the book means you don't get the benefit of the book.

Also, this is exactly what you company is doing, paying you to "read the book" so they don't have to.

[viceroyalbean]

If you can get the exact same result for less cost (time and money), why not? Things like enjoyment don't factor in since they can't be directly converted into money.