Commute or location

warby68

50 minutes is not a long commute in my view but then I've never had less in over 30y. 

Your schedule sounds flexible enough that it won't be every day

The increment on the other location is what you're giving up so 15-30m. I don't think that's a lot for a much preferred location to live especially when you can WFH a couple of times a week.

It depends is the real answer though, if its horrible traffic all the way that's much more demanding than a clearish speedy drive or a dozing train ride. If you work very long hours the add on could be a killer. On the plus, a decent length commute can help you decompress so you don't take work home with you but if you really want a shorter/easier working day and 50 minutes sounds too much then perhaps it really is for you.

Ramouth

I commute by foot 80 minutes each way 2 - 3 days a week.  I enjoy the time to mentally transition.  It does mean having less time at home but as I don’t have children I don’t mind that.

boxer234

warby68 said:

50 minutes is not a long commute in my view but then I've never had less in over 30y. 

Your schedule sounds flexible enough that it won't be every day

The increment on the other location is what you're giving up so 15-30m. I don't think that's a lot for a much preferred location to live especially when you can WFH a couple of times a week.

It depends is the real answer though, if its horrible traffic all the way that's much more demanding than a clearish speedy drive or a dozing train ride. If you work very long hours the add on could be a killer. On the plus, a decent length commute can help you decompress so you don't take work home with you but if you really want a shorter/easier working day and 50 minutes sounds too much then perhaps it really is for you.

Interesting view today I’m actually doing the commute so I’m going to see what I think of it.  I’m so worried I’ll make the wrong choice.  I’m hoping this is a long term move so it needs to be right.  All I can afford around here is a 1 bed cluster home in a busy town.  I’m noise sensitive and one of my dogs is reactive so could be difficult.  The house I’m looking at is detached with a 60ft garden. 

getmore4less

Ramouth said:

I commute by foot 80 minutes each way 2 - 3 days a week.  I enjoy the time to mentally transition.  It does mean having less time at home but as I don’t have children I don’t mind that.

That's a healthy option, I would find that too much especially in bad weather.
When younger I did cycle(all year) 15-20min  what would have been ~hour walk.

silvercar

Our son has this dilemma. Central London for work, currently renting in zone 2. Option to buy in zone 2 would give a flat of around 800 sq ft where he is now with a 20 minute commute; move out 2 tube stops and a change of line (35min commute) and a similar area gives him 1000 sq ft. He’s going for the latter.

jimpwarsop

Only you can decide, we are all different.

I never travelled more than ten minutes, but I was mainly a shift worker, my son has done three hours each way with a ten hour day in between, but he was very young, he now does 45 minutes each way (he is 28) and is looking to change jobs to get nearer to home.

Thing is, travelling the same route day after day is boring as hell.

TBagpuss

I think it's a very personal choice - for me, I wouldn't do it. I spent several years with a commute of 40-45 minutes each way and that was too long for me personally, but I do have some physical issues which are exacerbated by driving so my tolerance for a long commute is probably lower than average.

AFF8879

Ramouth said:

I commute by foot 80 minutes each way 2 - 3 days a week.  I enjoy the time to mentally transition.  It does mean having less time at home but as I don’t have children I don’t mind that.

This is a big thing for me actually too. I went from living 15 mins tube journey from my office in London to 1hr on the train from Hampshire 2 days a week- that train journey, particularly on the way back, is really calming and transitioning, especially as you look out the window and see the urban turning into rural. I never realised previously how my short commute meant I never really got out of work mode.

Mahsroh

Thrugelmir said:

boxer234 said:

400ixl said:

Is the 50 minutes each way?

What method is the commute, car, train? If car, how much is in heavy traffic? Who pays the commuting costs?

Is the number of days you can work from home likely to increase?

I travel by car.  I do get paid some mileage.  The days I work from home are flexible I manage my own diary so some weeks I’m in 5 days a week others not. I’d have to arrange myself better if I moved away.  It’s 50 minutes each way.  

Home to your permanent place of work isn't eligble business mileage. 

Some companies still pay it, albeit it's taxable. I worked for one company who even topped it up to cover the tax burden!

Going back to the OP, I think it depends on your personal situation. Now I try and limit my regular commute (by car) to half an hour one way. I currently do three days in the office (15miles, 30 minutes) one day on another of our business premises (about 1hr 20mins) and another at home. That balance for me is about right.

Previously i've had jobs where i've had an hour commute one way 5 days a week, so ten hours travelling a week. It didn't bother me in the slightest, but I was single at the time. Now I have a young family it's important to me to get home most days before my son goes to bed, so wouldn't entertain doing that now. 

newsgroupmonkey_

I'm having to move as I've a new job that's 2.5 hours away (so even once a week, a bit far to travel IMHO - I'd have taken an hour and a half max)

However, previously I spent 20 years doing 45 minutes every single day before moving 10 miles further away.

As you say, it's not like it's every day any more.