What is the longest daily commute you would consider for a GREAT JOB?

Question

I was offered the greatest job. But it is 45 miles away and would take me 90 minutes each way to arrive at work. I talk to people all the time who commute even longer but in today's world of rising gasoline prices and heavy traffic, it seems like quite a burden. What would be your commuting limit?

Answer 1

i would, before accepting or turning down the job, consider many factors including:

-how much the job pays

-if and how much the job compensates for your travels (but most won't)

-how much gas will cost you to drive to and from work every day

-how many hours you will be working

Answer 2

The times of the buses between the village where I live in the the nearest town/city is the deciding factor I face when it comes to jobs - the first bus of the day arrives in the town/city at 8.30 am (if traffic is good) and the last bus of the day going to my village leaves just after 4.30 pm (if I miss that bus I am stuck in the town/city until the following afternoon, or if it's a Friday then Monday Afternoon).

Answer 3

Probably the longest commute would be about a 3 hour commute if the traffic is extreamly bad, such as bumper to bumper traffic, as if the roads are like a parking lot.

That could make anyone frustrated.

Answer 4

Your time is valuable - you are worth way more than gasoline.  If the job is that good, man, seriously consider moving closer.

For me I could only tolerate maybe 10 minutes in a car.  I hate traffic - it's a waste of my time, waste of gas (i.e. my money) and just downright offensive overall.

I ride a bicycle and it takes me 30 minutes to cover 8 miles, but I don't really count that as "commute" time - that's my time - excercise - feeling it - getting happy.

If I were to drive (and I have) it takes about 20-25 minutes -unless there is traffic... then it could be an hour or more!!!

Public transit takes about 45-50 minutes... unless the train breaks down - or the bus is late - or some idiots decide to get into a gang brawl...

So I am in the bonus no matter how I look at it.  I truly wish everyone had the options I have.  I'm not a snob, seriously - I feel for you folks who HAVE to drive.

Answer 5

It's not bad at all. I drive 80 minutes each way to get to work everyday. It was stressful in the beginning but eventually you'll get use to it. Gas prices are rising but if its a great opportunity than I think you should take it. Look into ride-share options, buy a fuel efficient car (its good for the environment as well), or you can talk to your HR department and find out who else from you town is working for the same company so a ride-share could work out.

PS: the gas prices in the states are much better in comparison to the rest of the world. I was just in Australia and the price per gallon is about $10 and similar prices or higher around Europe as well :).

Answer 6

I commute 32 miles a day for a c**p job. 45 miles for a great job is a breeze. Get yourself a motorbike and you'll enjoy the commute like I do, only difference being you'll enjoy the job too when you get there lol.

Answer 7

My idea of a tolerable commute is proportionate to my salary. How much is 3 hours of your day, sitting in your car worth to you?

Answer 8

The way I make this decision is as follows.  I count it as time at work.  Even if you get paid salary, you can now figure out how much you will make, per hour, including your commute time.  If you can't make that same amount closer to home, it is worth the commute.  If you can, then you are commuting too far.

Answer 9

I would say just under an hour would be my limit. I was commuting an hour and about 20 minutes every day. I loved my job. I loved the people. It was getting to be too much and I was fortunate enough to find a job that was much closer to home that offered the same amount of money and less stress.  I definitely hear what you are saying. Plenty of people in my area have long commutes. There isn't that much of a choice. I really got lucky.

If I could take public transit easily then I might consider a longer commute because at least my time commuting would not be totally wasted. If I had to drive, no more than an hour on even the toughest commuting day. I see driving to work as a waste of time beyond a certain point. I wish I could afford a driver. :-)

Answer 10

I had one job I drove 130 miles one way and it took 2 hours or a little less.  It really helped when I got a rider to help with gas.  It made a 8 hour day a 12...but I loved to drive and the coast mountains beautiful..  I am glad it only lasted 6 months..