Discussion
Just over a year ago I accepted a job that cut my commute from 20-30 minutes to 3 minutes.
At the time I got a bump in salary and didn’t have to relocate but when making the decision to move it was the extra hour per day and fuel savings that made it a no brainer. I went from spending £25 a week in fuel to maybe £10 a month and the extra hour if salaried Is significant.
The trade off is that I’m in a position where any other job, regardless of how lucrative is still likely to leave me ‘worse off’ (time and money) in most cases.
I’ve been tempted by some interesting (more specialist) jobs in my field which would either require relocation or commuting, and in each case any extra salary is eaten up by higher cost of living or the commute.
I know some people here work in the city or maybe travel cross country and are commuting on a regular basis so I’m interested to know how important this is when you’re deciding on a job, do you prioritise it over salary/disposable income? How long do you commute and do you like doing It?
For now I really enjoy my work, I’m leading interesting projects but I’ll likely still get tempted by future roles elsewhere that will require a commute.
At the time I got a bump in salary and didn’t have to relocate but when making the decision to move it was the extra hour per day and fuel savings that made it a no brainer. I went from spending £25 a week in fuel to maybe £10 a month and the extra hour if salaried Is significant.
The trade off is that I’m in a position where any other job, regardless of how lucrative is still likely to leave me ‘worse off’ (time and money) in most cases.
I’ve been tempted by some interesting (more specialist) jobs in my field which would either require relocation or commuting, and in each case any extra salary is eaten up by higher cost of living or the commute.
I know some people here work in the city or maybe travel cross country and are commuting on a regular basis so I’m interested to know how important this is when you’re deciding on a job, do you prioritise it over salary/disposable income? How long do you commute and do you like doing It?
For now I really enjoy my work, I’m leading interesting projects but I’ll likely still get tempted by future roles elsewhere that will require a commute.
cdon said:
Just over a year ago I accepted a job that cut my commute from 20-30 minutes to 3 minutes.
At the time I got a bump in salary and didn’t have to relocate but when making the decision to move it was the extra hour per day and fuel savings that made it a no brainer. I went from spending £25 a week in fuel to maybe £10 a month and the extra hour if salaried Is significant.
The trade off is that I’m in a position where any other job, regardless of how lucrative is still likely to leave me ‘worse off’ (time and money) in most cases.
I’ve been tempted by some interesting (more specialist) jobs in my field which would either require relocation or commuting, and in each case any extra salary is eaten up by higher cost of living or the commute.
I know some people here work in the city or maybe travel cross country and are commuting on a regular basis so I’m interested to know how important this is when you’re deciding on a job, do you prioritise it over salary/disposable income? How long do you commute and do you like doing It?
For now I really enjoy my work, I’m leading interesting projects but I’ll likely still get tempted by future roles elsewhere that will require a commute.
May I ask how old you are and whether you have a family?At the time I got a bump in salary and didn’t have to relocate but when making the decision to move it was the extra hour per day and fuel savings that made it a no brainer. I went from spending £25 a week in fuel to maybe £10 a month and the extra hour if salaried Is significant.
The trade off is that I’m in a position where any other job, regardless of how lucrative is still likely to leave me ‘worse off’ (time and money) in most cases.
I’ve been tempted by some interesting (more specialist) jobs in my field which would either require relocation or commuting, and in each case any extra salary is eaten up by higher cost of living or the commute.
I know some people here work in the city or maybe travel cross country and are commuting on a regular basis so I’m interested to know how important this is when you’re deciding on a job, do you prioritise it over salary/disposable income? How long do you commute and do you like doing It?
For now I really enjoy my work, I’m leading interesting projects but I’ll likely still get tempted by future roles elsewhere that will require a commute.
I hate commuting, but the younger me would take a role with a commute if it meant something better paid or chance of a new skill, additional responsibility etc. nowadays I'm based from home but client site visits. I don't mind this as it gets me out and about on different journeys.
cdon said:
Just over a year ago I accepted a job that cut my commute from 20-30 minutes to 3 minutes.
At the time I got a bump in salary and didn’t have to relocate but when making the decision to move it was the extra hour per day and fuel savings that made it a no brainer. I went from spending £25 a week in fuel to maybe £10 a month and the extra hour if salaried Is significant.
The trade off is that I’m in a position where any other job, regardless of how lucrative is still likely to leave me ‘worse off’ (time and money) in most cases.
I’ve been tempted by some interesting (more specialist) jobs in my field which would either require relocation or commuting, and in each case any extra salary is eaten up by higher cost of living or the commute.
I know some people here work in the city or maybe travel cross country and are commuting on a regular basis so I’m interested to know how important this is when you’re deciding on a job, do you prioritise it over salary/disposable income? How long do you commute and do you like doing It?
For now I really enjoy my work, I’m leading interesting projects but I’ll likely still get tempted by future roles elsewhere that will require a commute.
Does your job allow you flexibility to work from home?At the time I got a bump in salary and didn’t have to relocate but when making the decision to move it was the extra hour per day and fuel savings that made it a no brainer. I went from spending £25 a week in fuel to maybe £10 a month and the extra hour if salaried Is significant.
The trade off is that I’m in a position where any other job, regardless of how lucrative is still likely to leave me ‘worse off’ (time and money) in most cases.
I’ve been tempted by some interesting (more specialist) jobs in my field which would either require relocation or commuting, and in each case any extra salary is eaten up by higher cost of living or the commute.
I know some people here work in the city or maybe travel cross country and are commuting on a regular basis so I’m interested to know how important this is when you’re deciding on a job, do you prioritise it over salary/disposable income? How long do you commute and do you like doing It?
For now I really enjoy my work, I’m leading interesting projects but I’ll likely still get tempted by future roles elsewhere that will require a commute.
My office is 65 miles away (currently) - Home based so only ever really go in 2 or 3 times a month, but it's not a drag when I do because I'm at home most of the time.
My previous office was 52 miles away and I was made to go in every day for 4 months, before being given the ability to work from home 2 or 3 days a week. This was a chore eventually. It was £80-90 in fuel a week, plus my car was always filthy and tyres never seemed to last very long.
These days unless you work in health care or engineering/machinery I don't see why you can't work from home at least some of the time. Many employers are now open to this rather than "well, they're not here so they're at the beach.........." attitude.
How long are you happy to commute for? I used to do 1.5 hours each way, working 10-12 hours on the desk. Which meant I basically worked, ate and slept. Money was good though...
Would I do it now? Hell no. I travel for work now and again but 95% of my time I can work from home. The time saved is worth far more to me than money.
It really is a matter of what is important to you.
Would I do it now? Hell no. I travel for work now and again but 95% of my time I can work from home. The time saved is worth far more to me than money.
It really is a matter of what is important to you.
worsy said:
May I ask how old you are and whether you have a family?
I hate commuting, but the younger me would take a role with a commute if it meant something better paid or chance of a new skill, additional responsibility etc. nowadays I'm based from home but client site visits. I don't mind this as it gets me out and about on different journeys.
Under 30 and no family.I hate commuting, but the younger me would take a role with a commute if it meant something better paid or chance of a new skill, additional responsibility etc. nowadays I'm based from home but client site visits. I don't mind this as it gets me out and about on different journeys.
At the time I left a large Engineering company and took my current role at a smaller company for more responsibility. It’s a senior role within a smaller team reporting directly to the Engineering Manager or MD, the commute has just been a trade off.
I suspect my next move may be to a large company in a similarly senior role, which I imagine will mean commuting.
The biggest issue is my relatively low cost of living means that I have the means to travel in the summer and pursue my own hobbies outside of work. Which at the minute I quite enjoy.
Jasandjules said:
How long are you happy to commute for? I used to do 1.5 hours each way, working 10-12 hours on the desk. Which meant I basically worked, ate and slept. Money was good though...
Would I do it now? Hell no. I travel for work now and again but 95% of my time I can work from home. The time saved is worth far more to me than money.
It really is a matter of what is important to you.
A few years back I did commute roughly 1hr 20min four days a week and whilst I didn’t really enjoy it, I did get used to it. As you said work, eat, sleep.Would I do it now? Hell no. I travel for work now and again but 95% of my time I can work from home. The time saved is worth far more to me than money.
It really is a matter of what is important to you.
I figure I won’t stay where I am forever.
cml24 said:
I'm not sure I'd leave your current job if I were you!
Good enough wage, enjoy the job and very short commute. Sounds ideal!
You might be more ambitious than I am though...
I was thinking the same, sounds like the OP has got a good job very short and time for hobbies in the summer. Good enough wage, enjoy the job and very short commute. Sounds ideal!
You might be more ambitious than I am though...
cdon said:
The biggest issue is my relatively low cost of living means that I have the means to travel in the summer and pursue my own hobbies outside of work. Which at the minute I quite enjoy.
It does not sound like you are convinced you want to change your life in this way. So why are you considering it? 30 miles each way which can take anything from 60 minutes to 90 minutes.
I hate it. I'm up at 0430 for a early shift to leave at 0515. Also finish at rush hour so stuck in traffic.
Finish at midnight on a late so often not back until 0100 and if I get kept on its worse.
£180 a month on fuel and 1,500 miles. In March I move to somewhere 15 minutes away and I can't wait.
I hate it. I'm up at 0430 for a early shift to leave at 0515. Also finish at rush hour so stuck in traffic.
Finish at midnight on a late so often not back until 0100 and if I get kept on its worse.
£180 a month on fuel and 1,500 miles. In March I move to somewhere 15 minutes away and I can't wait.
cdon said:
Under 30 and no family.
At the time I left a large Engineering company and took my current role at a smaller company for more responsibility. It’s a senior role within a smaller team reporting directly to the Engineering Manager or MD, the commute has just been a trade off.
I suspect my next move may be to a large company in a similarly senior role, which I imagine will mean commuting.
The biggest issue is my relatively low cost of living means that I have the means to travel in the summer and pursue my own hobbies outside of work. Which at the minute I quite enjoy.
I'd be careful, I went into a similar company, a small electronics manufacturer, senior role, same reporting structure, they kept me until i'd solved all their issues and then said "bye bye". It was a great place to work though in terms of self development.At the time I left a large Engineering company and took my current role at a smaller company for more responsibility. It’s a senior role within a smaller team reporting directly to the Engineering Manager or MD, the commute has just been a trade off.
I suspect my next move may be to a large company in a similarly senior role, which I imagine will mean commuting.
The biggest issue is my relatively low cost of living means that I have the means to travel in the summer and pursue my own hobbies outside of work. Which at the minute I quite enjoy.
I'm now somewhere else, less senior role, same pay, 3 mile commute is about the only benefit though.
One thing I'd say is the older you get, the more you appreciate things like time at home and shorter commutes. My commute is 10 minutes or so but I also work from home a lot too. Up to 30 minutes and I wouldn't be concerned but more than that and I'd be looking at other options. I'm 45 and when I was in my 20's I used to commute for 45 minutes each way and in heavy traffic most of the time. I put up with it then but life's too short to spend too much time stuck in traffic or going to and from work.
CX53 said:
Mine is an hour each way and most companies I could work for are the same really. I hate it and I'm looking at retraining for this very reason so I can be near home!
It's one of those things, you start out young and ambitious, always looking to climb the ladder at any cost, you eventually come to realise that the only people getting rich from your hard work, is the c**t of a boss you work for, you hit 40 and you start to think you'd rather put your time into your family and hobbies before your too old and frail.snuffy said:
I'm sure the word commute used to mean to travel some considerable time/distance to/from work. But now, reading this thread, the definition of commute now seems to be simply the act of travelling to work, enen f you live just a few minutes from your place if work.
I've always took it to mean the latter. My long-term client co office relocated from 12 to 25 miles away, with the commute (completely different route) changing from 45 mins to an 1hr by car - I mostly go by motorbike though. Ostensibly 15 minutes extra, what's to complain about?
Absolutely everything! That 45 minute journey (I did it for 15 years) was very leisurely, a few known traffic hotspots, but it generally flowed and was a consistent 45 mins. The new journey is horrendous, loads and loads of junctions any one of which may go tits up at any point pushing it to 90 minutes, to do 25 miles! There is no realistic public transport option and cycling - my preference - is not recommended due to some very fast, dangerous and unlit country roads. It has got to the point that I dread doing the trip in the car, it makes the start and end of my day really stressful.
Fortunately that move coincided with the client co also adopting flexible working, so I can either go in late to dodge the rush hour, or work from home as much as I want. Only really need to be there if we have 'all team' meetings, once a fortnight.
I have no plans to move but if I did I would now insist on is the ability to work from home a couple of days a week.
I do technical IT work, so have no real need to be in someone else's office, as long as I have a laptop and broadband I am productive. I fit it round my life, drop my kid at school every morning, work late in the evenings at home to make up that time, yet am still 'home' before I would have been if I had to commute. An absolutely wonderful way of working.
Absolutely everything! That 45 minute journey (I did it for 15 years) was very leisurely, a few known traffic hotspots, but it generally flowed and was a consistent 45 mins. The new journey is horrendous, loads and loads of junctions any one of which may go tits up at any point pushing it to 90 minutes, to do 25 miles! There is no realistic public transport option and cycling - my preference - is not recommended due to some very fast, dangerous and unlit country roads. It has got to the point that I dread doing the trip in the car, it makes the start and end of my day really stressful.
Fortunately that move coincided with the client co also adopting flexible working, so I can either go in late to dodge the rush hour, or work from home as much as I want. Only really need to be there if we have 'all team' meetings, once a fortnight.
I have no plans to move but if I did I would now insist on is the ability to work from home a couple of days a week.
I do technical IT work, so have no real need to be in someone else's office, as long as I have a laptop and broadband I am productive. I fit it round my life, drop my kid at school every morning, work late in the evenings at home to make up that time, yet am still 'home' before I would have been if I had to commute. An absolutely wonderful way of working.
How long do you commute and do you like doing it?
Very open question, a bit like what is the best colour.
If you like doing stuff outside of work then a minimal commute would be best. Only you can decide what's best in terms of work life balance.
How you get to work is also a big factor. My normal commute e/w is 35 miles/1hr 30mins 4 days a week by car. However, if I have to go into London, maybe once or twice a month, it's 1 hr door to door by train (also including walk, bus and tube) but I would absolutely hate doing that every day, despite the inflated salaries London offers.
Very open question, a bit like what is the best colour.
If you like doing stuff outside of work then a minimal commute would be best. Only you can decide what's best in terms of work life balance.
How you get to work is also a big factor. My normal commute e/w is 35 miles/1hr 30mins 4 days a week by car. However, if I have to go into London, maybe once or twice a month, it's 1 hr door to door by train (also including walk, bus and tube) but I would absolutely hate doing that every day, despite the inflated salaries London offers.
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