Discussion
At one day it might just be bearable. If it becomes two on a regular basis that might be horrible. (Unless you don't like your family & the two days are consecutive so you can stay away).
The trouble with the commute of that distance is 2.5 hours can easily become 4 hours! (and will be if the day is a Monday or a Friday).
I guess it also depends on the package. If it's a million pounds a year I'd jump at it!
Each to their own though.
The trouble with the commute of that distance is 2.5 hours can easily become 4 hours! (and will be if the day is a Monday or a Friday).
I guess it also depends on the package. If it's a million pounds a year I'd jump at it!
Each to their own though.
I've done 1.5 hours each way daily for several months and it's amazing how quickly you get used to it, so for 1 day a week I'd say that's perfectly doable, especially if they're a bit flexible on timings. The problem is how bad could it be when there's traffic? I've had a job where I was commuting about 75 mins Hampshire to Kent, and occasionally it could be well over 2 hours, I had one day I turned found after an hour and half and went home. Also what's the chance they change thier mind and what you in the office a but more? I used to weekly commute when I had a >2 hour commute and needed to be in the office every day, but that was when I was single.
It also depends what you're used to now. I didn't think much of driving 1.5 hours each way when I'd already got used to driving an hour each way on a different job. Now I've got used to my 10 minute cycle to work I don't think I could go back to long commutes.
It also depends what you're used to now. I didn't think much of driving 1.5 hours each way when I'd already got used to driving an hour each way on a different job. Now I've got used to my 10 minute cycle to work I don't think I could go back to long commutes.
Mine isn't that bad, it's 1.5 hours each way, in the office 3 days a week.
It's alright if you can save up some podcasts or there's a lot happening in the news. Mine is mostly M42 around the midlands so lots of traffic, I tend to just listen to whatever is playing and don't let it stress me out.
The annoying bit is that you're essentially adding 3 hours (4 or 5 in your case) onto your working day so you spend longer away from home. It means that I get home, say hi to the wife and kids, begin cooking immediately, tidy up, put the kids to bed and fall asleep on the sofa. I don't get much "me" time on the days I'm working from the office.
It's alright if you can save up some podcasts or there's a lot happening in the news. Mine is mostly M42 around the midlands so lots of traffic, I tend to just listen to whatever is playing and don't let it stress me out.
The annoying bit is that you're essentially adding 3 hours (4 or 5 in your case) onto your working day so you spend longer away from home. It means that I get home, say hi to the wife and kids, begin cooking immediately, tidy up, put the kids to bed and fall asleep on the sofa. I don't get much "me" time on the days I'm working from the office.
crofty1984 said:
I was wondering about long commutes, prompted by a job I saw - the role's mainly based from home, but with 1 day in the office per week (may sometimes be two). The drive is 2-2.5 hours each way, Norfolk to either London or Kent. Does anyone have similar? How do you find it?
I did this for a while - 3 days in the office and a 2.5 hour drive in, 2 hours back (roughly). I eventually decided that staying two nights in a hotel was a way to avoid the exhaustion - but I started living the life of Alan Partridge.... so I stopped after 2 years!One day is doable - but it's a long day and the night before may be spent fretting about getting enough sleep! And then there's the slog back when you're knackered.
If the money is good and it's one day only - it can be done. Two days is a clincher.
It also depends how old you are... I was in my late 50's and I found it quite wearing. If there had been a cheaper, more reliable train service, I probably would have chosen that. The fight into London was not fun.
crofty1984 said:
I was wondering about long commutes, prompted by a job I saw - the role's mainly based from home, but with 1 day in the office per week (may sometimes be two). The drive is 2-2.5 hours each way, Norfolk to either London or Kent. Does anyone have similar? How do you find it?
is that on the train or driving?Train would be a relative doddle however I'd hate to be getting in/out of London during rush hour after a 2.5 hour drive.
My nephew lives in Salford Quays and has to be in London one day a week - Avanti NW takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes to get from Piccadilly to Euston and as its only once a week it's not a huge issue
ETA At the interview they told him it was mandatory 1 day per week in the office. However in reality it's a lot less (more like 1 day per month). I think Employers always give you a "worst case scenario" at the interview stage.
When I worked in C Wharf 15 years ago ish I had a 2hr journey each way! No WFH back then.
I then got a job near Brighton which was 90 mins each way!
The OP's situation sounds ok though as just once per week. I might just check the small print though to see if they can alter that home / workplace ratio on a whim or not.
TX.
I then got a job near Brighton which was 90 mins each way!
The OP's situation sounds ok though as just once per week. I might just check the small print though to see if they can alter that home / workplace ratio on a whim or not.
TX.
Do they have trains in Narfalk? 
I've never had a commute more than 30 minutes (10 minutes for the last 20 years). 40 minutes is probably my cut off point. I don't like to be too far away in case my sons school ring with any problems, I like to know I can get back in a hurry if needed. Life's too short to waste your hobby/relax/family time on driving back from the office. Saying that, if it's only one day per week I'd be fine with that as long as the role is right for you. I'm fortunate to have a full WFH contract and haven't seen the office in months but I'd not be too concerned about a longer commute for 1 day per week.
crofty1984 said:
I was wondering about long commutes, prompted by a job I saw - the role's mainly based from home, but with 1 day in the office per week (may sometimes be two). The drive is 2-2.5 hours each way, Norfolk to either London or Kent. Does anyone have similar? How do you find it?
My wife has been doing this sort of thing for 5 years now. Still finding it okay. Sometimes she does 2 days a fortnight with an overnight stay.I do 2 days a week, 1 hr 40 each way.
Main problem with Norfolk is road and train infrastructure is pretty poor.
I’d prefer 2 hours at home before bed than 3 in a hotel personally. Depends on the work, if time in the hotel is productive you can offset some wfh.
My answer is depends on where you are in Norfolk and how long it is for, together with the likelihood of being asked to do extra days, I’ve had a couple at 4 days in the week and it is not sustainable.
The next few years in my role are potentially pretty lucrative otherwise I’d look into alternatives.
Main problem with Norfolk is road and train infrastructure is pretty poor.
I’d prefer 2 hours at home before bed than 3 in a hotel personally. Depends on the work, if time in the hotel is productive you can offset some wfh.
My answer is depends on where you are in Norfolk and how long it is for, together with the likelihood of being asked to do extra days, I’ve had a couple at 4 days in the week and it is not sustainable.
The next few years in my role are potentially pretty lucrative otherwise I’d look into alternatives.
Wife does 1.5 - 2 hours each way - sometimes 2 days a week, sometimes 3 - but if it's 3, she usually stays overnight in a hotel one of the nights (company pays).
It doesn't seem to bother her - does clock up mileage on the car though (think it's a 150 mile round trip). She's been doing it for years to various different locations so I think she sees it as normal.
It doesn't seem to bother her - does clock up mileage on the car though (think it's a 150 mile round trip). She's been doing it for years to various different locations so I think she sees it as normal.
crofty1984 said:
I was wondering about long commutes, prompted by a job I saw - the role's mainly based from home, but with 1 day in the office per week (may sometimes be two). The drive is 2-2.5 hours each way, Norfolk to either London or Kent. Does anyone have similar? How do you find it?
Norfolk to NW Kent took me over 4 hours recently so will depend on how often you would have to do this in reality and the days/times. Dartford Tunnel is gridlocked daily from around 3pm.Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff