We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

how far are you willing to drive to work?

At the moment I drive 11 miles each way and it takes me 15 mins door-to-door. 2/3 of my journey is on dual carriageway.

I'm considering a job that is a 27 mile trip and would take anything from 40-60+ minutes and most of it on a busy dual carriageway.

I would end up in pocket at the end of the month, but does the fact that I'd be in a happier job compensate enough for the journey?? Or does th convenience outweigh the unpleasantness of where I currently work?

Just asking about how much you all drive. Have I been spoilt by only having a short journey up til now?
«13

Comments

  • getmore4less
    getmore4less Posts: 46,882 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper I've helped Parliament
    I used to do between, 18-20 miles country roads. 30-50mins depending for most of my working life

    It was becoming a drag(20y+) so I started working from home when practical.
    (I used to bring work home weekends when busy anyway).

    In some ways a 30mins ish trip is about right to wind up/down for some jobs and conveniently the same time as typical radio prog.

    I would have done longer if needed and worth while but I am now in a position to be more selective and reluctant to do more than about 30mins(expecting some days to be longer) if I get another job.

    A job with driving/travel is not an issue it is the my time commute.
    A weekly total of around 5 hours would be another option longer but fewer trips

    My preference would be close enough to walk/cycle in the < 45min window much more healthy.

    If the job will be happier it will be worth the extra time, most of the time. Plan your background music/radio to help fill the time.
    I often you think about issues/ideas, 30m-60m is a good time to work things through.
  • There are 3 things to consider with a job - money, location, job role. Getting all 3 sorted is great but if I can get 2 out of 3 then I would also be happy with that. Sounds like you get 2 out of 3 in the new job, which in my book would be acceptable.

    I work down the road so it's about half a mile away. The money could be better but I love my job :)
  • I have recently taken a new job and I drive 37 miles each way it takes me an hour. I enjoy the job the money is good and the people are great, so I consider it's worth it.
  • isplumm
    isplumm Posts: 2,219 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Hmmmm..

    I drive a minimum of 60 miles a day each way .... that has reduced from 90 miles I was doing last year .....

    Mark
    We’ve had to remove your signature. Please check the Forum Rules if you’re unsure why it’s been removed and, if still unsure, email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • My commute currently takes me anything from 35 minutes to an hour depending entirely on what time I leave home/leave to come home. My journey is about 20 miles a mix of country lanes and main A road (some dual some not).

    I find the drive is a good wind up/wind down time, it really depends on how much you like/don't like driving and also how much you want the new job.

    Best of luck with whatever you decide.
  • Likewise I may be starting a job in Cambridge and driving from Windsor every day until I relocate. Won't be a pleasant commute but will be a good job move for me.
  • Loanranger
    Loanranger Posts: 2,439 Forumite
    The maximum commute for me was 150 mile round trip each day for four years.
    I took the job to broaden my experience to enhance my career.
    You need to factor in whether you have the stamina to get up very early and then put in a good day's work.
  • getmore4less
    getmore4less Posts: 46,882 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper I've helped Parliament
    SurreyBear wrote: »
    Likewise I may be starting a job in Cambridge and driving from Windsor every day until I relocate. Won't be a pleasant commute but will be a good job move for me.

    Look at the cost of travel and local overnight stays if these are an option.

    180mile ish round trip 40mpg £25+

    Holiday Inn 2-4-1 might work out not much more for a 2 night mid week stay.

    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1535105

    from £35pn including pool etc.

    also a chance to look for long term accomodation and do a bit of local social.

    Plus join up for the rewards and you get benifits these deals count towards the free rooms when available.
  • clairec79
    clairec79 Posts: 2,512 Forumite
    It does depend I currently travel 25 miles, but because of shifts I'm not stuck in traffic, wouldn't want to work where I do now if I was mon-fri 9-5 (had to do that for a week not long after I started and it added well over an hour and a half to the time out of the house)
  • I think travel time is more important than mileage.

    I drive 15 miles to work but as it's one of the worst roads in London, it can take me up to 1.5 hours.

    I hate the journey but don't have a choice at the moment.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.6K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.6K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.6K Life & Family
  • 262.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.