What would you say a reasonable commute to work would be?

Johnmcl7

Kynthia wrote: »

I've commuted for at least 90 mins each way most of my life. I'm very tempted to move to a local job soon but that would involve a significant drop on salary and I'm the main earner, but we can afford it. I'd hate a long commute driving though. As annoying and unreliable as trains and busses are, I love to read on my commute and hate the fact I can't do that on long car journeys.

Agreed, I had the same thought when I had a longer commute and used to watch DVD series on the train so at least the time wasn't completely wasted. I also felt it was safer as well as the long day was often quite tiring and wouldn't have wanted to be driving in that condition.

ReadingTim

What's "reasonable" is whatever you think is reasonable, as you are the one who's doing it!

Time is probably a better unit of measurement than distance, and one should also consider the reliability of the mode of transport - walking or cycling provides the most consistent journey times, car/motorbikes are subject to delays caused by other traffic, while public transport is subject to delays, cancellations, other traffic etc. You should also consider the extent to which you have alternative routes should your primary route be delayed.

But as you're the one doing it, you're the one who has to decide if it's reasonable for you to do.

Jlawson118

Wow, thanks for all the responses!

After reading through responses here over the weekend and working things out for myself, I decided that I don't think the role would be for me at that location. I do enjoy driving, and a 50 minute commute on clear roads wouldn't bother me in the slightest. But it's the extra unnecessary mileage, fuel and service costs that I would end up racking up. Proving successful in the interview process that is.

There's also the matter of my working hours. If I'm going to be stuck on congested motorways at rush hour everyday then I couldn't be bothered with the commute. I don't want what should be a 50 minute journey, to end up being 1.5 - 2 hours. I live just off Junction 27 of the M62, I know how congested that motorway can get, even when it's not rush hour. I suppose I've got a huge advantage at the moment living just 3 miles away from my job, and most of the time I set off at 3:45am where there's nobody on the roads. :rotfl:

But I emailed the lady who invited me to the interview explaining that I was unable to attend the interview this week due to last minute work commitments cropping up. And also explained that the job was going to be located too far away for me. She soon emailed me back offering me an interview for a higher paying job at a location that's 23 miles there opposed to 42! 35 minute commute Google says. All I need is for this to be a good job, decent hours where I won't get stuck in traffic, and of course to pass the interview if it does meet the criteria for me! :eek: