Ancient review, but timeless characteristics of working on the hill (Note year was actually 1977, not 2000)
Pros
This is a review from working at LBL in 1977. The walk up the hill was spectacular as was the quiet majesty of doing experimental physics in the trees. The views from LBL going downhill towards the sunest in the evening made the half hour commute walking upward in the morning worthwhile. Folks were wonderful (and probably still are if any of you are still there). And as a bonus, the walk downhill in the evening occasionally traversed the greek theater (except when the Grateful Dead were playing there, in which case the Grateful Dead security politely and somewhat menacingly instructed me that I would need to go around the theater).
Cons
Salary was insufficient to afford breakfast at Chez Panisse, but this wasn't much of a problem because Chez Panisse wasn't open for breakfast.