Do-able Commute to work

Undervalued

robatwork wrote: »

This isn't a job it's purgatory.

Or did it pay a 6 figure salary?

If it did I would imagine he would have got a taxi!

Bonniepurple

My current commute takes about 40/50 minutes each way by car, depending on traffic. I used to cycle to and fro to our local station and catch the train, however an ankle injury has meant that I daren’t risk rush hour trains as I simply can’t stand for more than a few minutes.

My commutes have always been around the 30 minutes plus, even when I lived 2.5 miles away from the office. It was walkable, however the route went across a field (unlit and isolated) and a rather dodgy part of the city. I drove. Cycling wasn’t an option as the roads weren’t suitable at that time.

My worst ever commute was a few weeks ago when the Prince of Wales Bridge was closed. It took me 5 HOURS to get home (a journey of 20 miles!).

Lokolo_2

I like this thread despite it being old it's still interesting to read other peoples' experiences!

My commute is about 1hr each way, consisting of 15min drive to the station and 45min Train journeys involving one change, As I work for that train company the travel doesn't cost me anything.

I could drive the whole lot in just over 30mins if there's no traffic (I am lucky to be doing night shifts so often no traffic) but its a 65 mile round trip so I save money by getting the train with my pass, as others have said it is also more relaxing as you can switch off and do your own thing, I listen to music!

Every way to commute is at the whim of delays though, whether it be train delays, motorway holdups so there are days when I wish I lived closer to work, but I keep reminding myself I am happy in the countryside, would never want to move to London!

bamgbost

As an update...the commute has gotten the better of me!
been doing it almost 2 years.... and I have now given my notice to get a job closer to home. Rather than a 94mile daily round trip i will be doing a 16mile daily round trip! big difference!

I will miss certain parts...like the peace n quiet n podcasts etc. But with a family, its not the most sustainable thing. losing nearly 3 hours a day to travelling.

So yh i can say i have tried the long commute, but ultimately it wasnt to be.

Anyone else done it for a sustained period, longer than 2 years??

mickd27

Ive been reading forums on this sort of thing as I’ve been doing a 2 hour commute there and back for about 2 months now. It’s a 1.5 train journey and I am driving to the station in the mornings and parking the car. My girlfriend has a secure job so she won’t move and my job seems really secure which is a positive thing during these sort of times but at the moment I don’t know how long I can do this for. She doesn’t want me to go and live closer to my work as we are trying for a kid. The worry is we have a kid and I can’t get a job around this area and I’ve got to continue this commute for years and years. Another option is I buy a flat closer to where I work but the problem with that is all my mates live there so I’ll end up just going back and living as if I’m single again - out with the lads etc. For me there appears to be no  easy solution. 

Sandtree

I think the method of travel makes a big difference.

My commute used to be about 1hr 40 but the issue was the trains were only every 30 minutes and if you got there in the last 10 minutes before leaving it was standing room only on the way home (was fine on the way in). I personally didn't find it too bad as after a short while I got good at sleeping the journey on the way in (thankfully get off at the end of the line) and generally got there early on the way back to get a seat and napped/read the paper etc. 

Don't have kids so no bath time to race home to and with an extra ~2hrs of sleep on the train was staying up later than my alarm clock would suggest I'd need to. I wouldnt be excited to do it again but it was ok. I've known guys doing longer journeys and those going by train are fairly similar... knew one crazy guy doing much longer each day by motorbike (didnt stop him joining the after work drinks either) but you wouldnt catch me doing that!

lincroft1710

mickd27 said:

Ive been reading forums on this sort of thing as I’ve been doing a 2 hour commute there and back for about 2 months now. It’s a 1.5 train journey and I am driving to the station in the mornings and parking the car. My girlfriend has a secure job so she won’t move and my job seems really secure which is a positive thing during these sort of times but at the moment I don’t know how long I can do this for. She doesn’t want me to go and live closer to my work as we are trying for a kid. The worry is we have a kid and I can’t get a job around this area and I’ve got to continue this commute for years and years. Another option is I buy a flat closer to where I work but the problem with that is all my mates live there so I’ll end up just going back and living as if I’m single again - out with the lads etc. For me there appears to be no  easy solution. 

Have I read this correctly? You and your girlfriend have a child between you, both of you have have steady jobs, both want another child but do not live together? 

bamgbost

lincroft1710 said:

Have I read this correctly? You and your girlfriend have a child between you, both of you have have steady jobs, both want another child but do not live together? 

No i think hes planning to have a kid. And the worry is it will only get worse with a kid... responsibilities, sleepless nights etc.

bamgbost

Sandtree said:

I think the method of travel makes a big difference.

My commute used to be about 1hr 40 but the issue was the trains were only every 30 minutes and if you got there in the last 10 minutes before leaving it was standing room only on the way home (was fine on the way in). I personally didn't find it too bad as after a short while I got good at sleeping the journey on the way in (thankfully get off at the end of the line) and generally got there early on the way back to get a seat and napped/read the paper etc. 

Don't have kids so no bath time to race home to and with an extra ~2hrs of sleep on the train was staying up later than my alarm clock would suggest I'd need to. I wouldnt be excited to do it again but it was ok. I've known guys doing longer journeys and those going by train are fairly similar... knew one crazy guy doing much longer each day by motorbike (didnt stop him joining the after work drinks either) but you wouldnt catch me doing that!

Mick... have u guys bought, or renting? Are you able to live slightly closer, maybe halfway?

Or you just have to stickby it for now, and see how things go. Alot changes quickly with life. Maybe you do get a new job or whatever.

mickd27

lincroft1710 said:

mickd27 said:

Ive been reading forums on this sort of thing as I’ve been doing a 2 hour commute there and back for about 2 months now. It’s a 1.5 train journey and I am driving to the station in the mornings and parking the car. My girlfriend has a secure job so she won’t move and my job seems really secure which is a positive thing during these sort of times but at the moment I don’t know how long I can do this for. She doesn’t want me to go and live closer to my work as we are trying for a kid. The worry is we have a kid and I can’t get a job around this area and I’ve got to continue this commute for years and years. Another option is I buy a flat closer to where I work but the problem with that is all my mates live there so I’ll end up just going back and living as if I’m single again - out with the lads etc. For me there appears to be no  easy solution. 

Have I read this correctly? You and your girlfriend have a child between you, both of you have have steady jobs, both want another child but do not live together? 

No child yet. We are living together but I have to commute 2 hours to work and 2 hours back Monday-Friday. Ye we both have secure jobs.