Regular travel from NE to London

[toon10]

A bit of a backstory.

I’ve been very unhappy with my current position for the last two years to the point where I’m struggling to sleep with the stress. Mrs Toon has noticed a change in my mood and behaviour and I reached a point over Xmas when I realised I needed to do something about it. I updated my CV, put myself out there on the job sites, etc. I applied for a couple of roles and wasn’t successful.

Fast forward to this week and I’ve was contacted by a company about a potential job role which is of interest to me. I’ve only had a phone interview which went well so I’m being premature but the job sounds more like me. Even the benefits, salary, bonus and car allowance are better and I’m already on good money, above the going rate for my job in this area. So why the doubt?

Well in my current role, I’m responsible for several sites in the UK from Aberdeen to Plymouth but my travel is always sporadic. I do one week per year in Germany, 1 week per year in Europe (Spain, Netherlands mainly and next week it’s Milan) and the rest of the time is every other month a trip to London with some other sites only needing a visit on occasion. Basically, I get to spend a lot of time at home which I love and the travel is only normally every other week or every other month.

The new role potentially involves working from Newcastle but having to spend maybe up to as much as a day per week in London. Is this too much? Is it doable? I have a 10 minute commute at present and tend to fly everywhere else. I’d be going to a 30 to 40 minute commute (with traffic jams) and probably driving or getting the train to London on a regular basis.

Can anyone who does this sort of travel give me any insights? Are you used to it, love it, hate it, not too fussed or is it a stupid idea and I’d hate it after a few months and wish I’d never left? I realise we’re all different and I need to make my own mind up but just after some thoughts from those who do a lot of travel in the UK.

[mikees]

Really?


I commute round the M25 (CW) 3 times a week 80 miles each way. One day a week in London is a piece of piss.

Get train on expenses.

[andy-xr]

I've done similar before but once a fortnight. Found it easier to take the last train down the night before and get a hotel. Do the days work and then head home 5-6'ish. Didnt leave me as knackered as spending 6 hours on a train with a day's work inbetween.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Also will depend where in London. Can make a massive difference to the commute (if you are considering driving)

[megaphone]

Driving from Newcastle to London and back in a day is nuts, you'll end up falling asleep at the wheel. Last time I did the trip it took me 5 hours with a short pit stop. Has to be the train and even then you'll need an overnight stay.

[Anglade]

One day a week to London is easy - but only on the train; don't even think about driving.

[crofty1984]

Train. That drive is insane of you're thinking of doing it in a day. Training down the day before might be an idea as well.

[Mashwort]

For a couple of years part of my team was based in Newcastle (work in London) so did the trip every other week. Most of the time did it in a day on the train and it worked really well. 3 or so hours with poor phone signal and crap wifi so uncontactable - got work stuff done offline one way and watched a film or two with a beer on the return (and a perfect excuse for not dialling into work calls or replying immediately to supposedly urgent emails). Bit of a long day as I also had a commute from London to Essex but very doable and quite miss it now!

[toon10]

Thanks for the input people. Train looks the way to go. I'm in Hemel quite a bit and normally fly (got to keep those Avios up) then have to get a taxi but I have driven a few times and there and back in a day wouldn't work.

I've spoken to the family about me not being in the house as much and they just want me to be happy so I'll see how I get on at the next stage.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

toon10 said:

Thanks for the input people. Train looks the way to go. I'm in Hemel quite a bit and normally fly (got to keep those Avios up) then have to get a taxi but I have driven a few times and there and back in a day wouldn't work.

I've spoken to the family about me not being in the house as much and they just want me to be happy so I'll see how I get on at the next stage.

Good luck. Let us know how you get on!

[DaveH23]

Early train 2.5 hours.

[Robertj21a]

Definitely don't drive it, the novelty soon wears off !

As others have said, the train can be quite relaxing, and give you some hours to do whatever you want. Couple that with an overnight stay the night before any meeting and you'll be well sorted.

[RammyMP]

Take the train. I’m doing a day a week in London from Manchester, 2 hours each way, I catch up with stuff off Netflix. It’s pissing me off though as it’s a long day, early train, home late.

[bomb]

Train. First Class. You get breakfast and can work on your computer, ( wifi is rubbish though). Trolley service brings frequent coffees etc.

I did it from the NE to Aberdeen for a few years and its OK. Book early for best prices.

[toon10]

Just a bit of an update. I've got an interview on Tuesday for the role so I'll see what the expectation is.

Edited by toon10 on Friday 23 March 12:14

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

toon10 said:

Just a bit of an update. I've got an interview on Tuesday for the role so I'll see what the expectation is.

Edited by toon10 on Friday 23 March 12:14

Good luck

[toon10]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

Good luck

Thanks!

The phone interview went well. It lasted over an hour which I presume is good given that it was just an initial talk. I have a more formal interview and if successful, an interview with a couple of the directors. I presume to see if they think my face will fit more than anything.

I asked about the travel and he stated that I'm expected to visit the southern sites a lot in the early days while establishing relationships and he said he's open to how I do that (car, train, flights.) He uses all three depending on what's cheaper/more convenient. I think I have a bit of autonomy on this front so I could book in a few sites in one major visit then leave it a couple of weeks until I go back rather than being away a day every week.

The role sounds good although Glassdoor isn't so kind on the reviews but they are mainly for the southern sites and the sales function which I'll not be part of. Just a waiting game now for the interview(s).

[Vaud]

toon10 said:

The phone interview went well. It lasted over an hour which I presume is good given that it was just an initial talk. I have a more formal interview and if successful, an interview with a couple of the directors. I presume to see if they think my face will fit more than anything.

Remember it's a two way street in an interview process. Are they right for you... Don't be afraid to ask questions of the directors.

And supporting the others, the train. It's quite a good service and relaxing, especially in first; alternatively the quiet carriage.