Should I keep the long commute?

Question

I could really use some insight here --

I currently work for a mutual fund company that is about 29 miles from my home. It is a great company and I generally enjoy my job and the people there. However, I was recently offered a job that would only require me to commute about 6 miles to work everyday. This job also happens to be closer to my field of study, where my current job is not (Degree in computer science, currently working with mutual funds).

They are offering me pretty much the same salary, but I will be saving a ton on gas, going from a 60 mile round trip commute to a 12 mile commute.

What are your thoughts on this? I'm really struggling with this decision. I appreciate the help.

Answer 1

Buy a Prius or bike to work like me.

Answer 2

I would go with the short commute job in your field.  It sounds like you would add at least an hour a day to your free time, as well as living greener, and saving gas money.

How much vacation time do you have coming?  If you had three weeks, you could try the new job for a week, and still give two weeks notice.  If the new job doesn't work out, you can go back to the old one after vacation.

Answer 3

Ditch the long commute!  It will change your life!

You will only save more money as gas prices go up and perhaps more importantly - you get your time back and don't underpay yourself for that (you are worth more than gasoline) and check it... at 6 miles you could easily bike or maybe take public trans (if it's decent).  More savings!  

Don't think you can't bike to work either - it's really easier than it looks and there are a ton of online support forums and whatnot to help get started.  I ride 8 miles in and 8 miles out rain or shine and it takes me about 5-10 minutes longer than it would to drive and is shorter than pub trans!

I'm not Lance Armstrong - I'm just a regular guy - and kinda wimpy!

Every dollar you don't spend on gas is a dollar you make.  I am excited for you because it is rare to get an opportunity to make a meaningful life change like this.

Assuming you like the new job of course.  If so this is like the holy grail my friend.

Answer 4

No brainier for me.  you will save on gas, save on engine wear and tear.  Some commutes might be healthy, while other can pretty much kill you.  Relaxing commute would be one where you drive by a lake, or the beach an a virtually empty road, but if its all rat race, stop and go, parking lot.....Well...you get the picture.

If it were me....go for the new job, specially with gas prices theses days.

Answer 5

Truthfully, if you enjoy what you are doing, does it matter that your studies are towards Computer Science? Is it too late for you to change the field of profession. To most people now-a-days, they go for what is most enjoyable. If you work for a job that isn't enjoyable for you, then you'll most likely regret leaving the mutual fund company. If you work at the new opportunity that's closer, you don't need to drive. Unless it requires the highway, just bike, or walk if you're savy that way. But, if you worry that you wasted your time studying towards a Computer Science degree, then go for the new opportunity, or else, if you're happy with your life the way it is, stick with what you got.