New contract - 2hr commute

[AndStilliRise]

Thank God just got a new contract, however it is a 2hr 80mile commute by car or train on the dreaded M25 going through either Dartford tunnel or past Heathrow.

At the moment I can either use the E39 M5 or the Honda Jazz 1.6. There is an option of buying something else. As far as I can see I have the following options open to me:

1) Use the M5 (19mpg) and suffer the costs of fuel
2) Use the Jazz which is not particularly economical (35mpg)
3) Buy a cheap diesel
4) Wait for a better contract
5) Look into staying over (probably not as I hate being lonely)

Over to you boy's and girls for advice

[AndStilliRise]

bearman68 said:

I dunno about the car, but dear god, 4 hours a day in the M25 sounds life threatening to me. I can't imagine a job good enough to have to do that commute every day.

Been on the bench for 8 weeks. TBH I enjoy work, find it a positivity, engaging use of my mind, what's left of it anyway!

[AndStilliRise]

ZX10R NIN said:

Get a large scooter or a commuter bike you'll halve your commuting time (which in itself is priceless) as well as doing decent fuel.

Never ridden a scooter and I hate the cold.

[AndStilliRise]

Vaud said:

OP, can you flex start/finish times? In the summer a 7am-3pm work day would mean a reduced commute but also doing it all in daylight? Depends on how keen the company is on you being "present" for 9-5..

Yes there is that option. I need to work out the best times to commute.

Perhaps I am better starting earlier and finishing earlier, would anyone know? I will be traveling from Harrow to Maidstone, Kent.

[AndStilliRise]

ZX10R NIN said:

Start earlier I live near Brands Hatch if you're getting in work for 7am you'll do it in an hour going home at 3pm will maybe mean it stretches out to an hour & a (school run will have started) half & if you don't mind the cost use the bridge going to work & depending on traffic (the tunnel is usually rubbish by 3pm) head towards Heathrow when going home.

Ok, let's try this.

Thanks for all the replies.

[AndStilliRise]

essayer said:

Couldn’t you do Harrow-Euston-St Pancras-Maidstone on the train?

14 mins to Euston, 5 min walk to St.P, 45 mins to Maidstone East?

I am going to try the train on Thu/Fri. However it does look like the best option will be to either use a hotel or find a flat.

[AndStilliRise]

Super Slo Mo said:

I work in dartford Monday to Thursday, work from home Fridays. So far I’ve been using cheap hotels that cost £30-£40 a night. Food can get expensive but I just buy salads and fruit from supermarkets, as it’s very easy to start eating junk and fast good, which has a detrimental effect both physically and mentally.

That said, I am thinking about getting a 2 bed flat and letting out the second room to help with the costs and give me a more permanent base.

I could be interested in that second room. Whereabouts in Dartford? I will be working on the high street in Maidstone.

[AndStilliRise]

Day 1 done.

Left home @06:15 and got there @7:45
Left work @16:00 and got home @18:00

In actual fact it really is a good job, I just need to work around the difficulties to get the best out of it. Next week it will be a hotel and then hopefully a flat afterwards.

[AndStilliRise]

I would always have at least an hour commute going into London. The advantage was I could run/cycle some/all of it which would convert the dead time.

Sometimes life can be tough so I just need to make the best of the given opportunity. I could always be worse off!

[AndStilliRise]

6mths. 90mins this morning. I am going to see how this week plays out with a view to get a hotel for next week. I will then be looking to rent a flat.

The biggest loss, along with the time, will be the good weather. I really don't want to be loosing running/cycling time sitting in a car.