Is a 45 minute driver too long?

CreditCardChris

My current job is only a 20 minute drive, I want to continue doing the same job but for a bit more money but most of these jobs are about a 45 minute drive away.

Do you think 45 minutes each way is too far just to get to work? Trains and busses are not an option due to the rural area I live. If I did take one of these new jobs it would only be an extra £2 an hour but they're bigger companies and so better future opportunities too.

AdrianC

All up to you, and the job itself. I've certainly done longer - as a lot of other people do.

Brilley

...in the grand scheme of things 45 mins is not a lot for a commute, I know people who spend double that commuting. I guess it's what you are used to and how much stress is involved in the actual journey. eg a nice rural commute of 25 miles with no traffic, or a 5 mile route that is queues buses / trains / stop start all the way?

I was lucky that I spent most of my later working life "commuting" by foot for less than 10 mins. each way!

Korkyb

I drive 25 miles (usually takes 45 to 60 minutes) to my work - last few miles is town.


Would I like a shorter commute.... yes.


Would I like to live nearer town.... no.


You get used to it - I recommend audiobooks :-)

foxy-stoat

My current commute is 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic - was ok when I was on my own, not so good now I have a little one. It does eat into the evenings a fair bit, more so when there is a hiccup on the road.

curlygirl1971

Generally speaking 45 minutes is a very reasonable commute - many people do that and more, although I would say 45 mins in a car is different to 45 mins on a bus. Mine is currently 44 miles one way, 50-70 mins and I hate it. But other times in my life commutes have bothered me a whole lot less.


I think its entirely down to you and what kind of person you are (patient, laid back....and I hate to say it but Age...I've found long commute much more difficult the older I get lol) Also what is your car - is it comfortable, efficient, reliable? What the journey like - bumper to bumper, motorway stretch, country lanes? What are the other pressures on your time? But on the other hand - go for it. Its not for ever and as you say it will hopefully open up better opportunities.

AdrianC

curlygirl1971 wrote: »

although I would say 45 mins in a car is different to 45 mins on a bus.

That's largely personal preference - I'd far rather do the same amount of time by car as by public transport. Other people will vary.

CreditCardChris

AdrianC wrote: »

All up to you, and the job itself. I've certainly done longer - as a lot of other people do.

Yeah I know 45 minutes is perfectly normal for a commute but 45 minutes driving can be quite different to 45 minutes sitting on a bus or train.

curlygirl1971 wrote: »

Generally speaking 45 minutes is a very reasonable commute - many people do that and more, although I would say 45 mins in a car is different to 45 mins on a bus. Mine is currently 44 miles one way, 50-70 mins and I hate it. But other times in my life commutes have bothered me a whole lot less.


I think its entirely down to you and what kind of person you are (patient, laid back....and I hate to say it but Age...I've found long commute much more difficult the older I get lol) Also what is your car - is it comfortable, efficient, reliable? What the journey like - bumper to bumper, motorway stretch, country lanes? What are the other pressures on your time? But on the other hand - go for it. Its not for ever and as you say it will hopefully open up better opportunities.

It's an automatic, in decent condition and it's about 15 minutes rural roads, 40 minutes motorway. Pretty chilled driver, don't really mind sitting in my car with the heating on and music playing etc.

AdrianC

CreditCardChris wrote: »

Yeah I know 45 minutes is perfectly normal for a commute but 45 minutes driving can be quite different to 45 minutes sitting on a bus or train.

I meant by car...

Longest I've routinely done is probably an hour and a half. I've worked with people who've done a lot further.

CreditCardChris

AdrianC wrote: »

I meant by car...

Longest I've routinely done is probably an hour and a half. I've worked with people who've done a lot further.

How much was your salary a factor in this decision though? My hourly rate would only jump by about £2 an hour. If it was like £5 an hour more I wouldn't hesitate at all.

AdrianC

CreditCardChris wrote: »

How much was your salary a factor in this decision though? My hourly rate would only jump by about £2 an hour. If it was like £5 an hour more I wouldn't hesitate at all.

As I said...

AdrianC wrote: »

All up to you, and the job itself.

Any job change, you've got to weigh the pros and cons - and money alone isn't the be-all-and-end-all.