Okay, that helps a lot! I'll test the janitor spot first.
The soda vending machines stay the same level, but they do cost some money to purchase from, so at first I was wondering if a negative value was affecting your work pay.
Leveling up the staying home events will increase the amount of loot and the variety of loot. So once something gets to a green level, you'll get all it has to offer, and any level passed that is extra loot.