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f the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that working remotely can work. While many strides have been made towards the value of remote work, the nature of jobs for many people still require that they go into the office or general workplace. Or employers simply want you back in the office. This means commuting. Depending on where you live, your schedule and the location of your place of work commuting can be easy or difficult.
In fact, almost two-thirds of people will suggest that the work commute is often one of the biggest make-or-break reasons for accepting a new job or not. After all, even your dream job can seem much less appealing if you have a 2.5-hour commute in either direction five days a week.
Let’s consider, then, if a work commute is acceptable to you or not. More importantly, how to decide your own parameters. If you’ve been offered a job, are considering moving to remain closer to one, or are figuring out new methods of getting there, then consider some of the following advice.
How Much Will It Cost?
Put simply, how much will the commute cost you each day? It might be that you can buy a train ticket for a third of the cost you would spend on gas when driving, but of course, that might add ten minutes to your journey walking to and from the station each day or simply waiting for the train. Well, perhaps the job can pick up the tab. Many places of work will help you with commuting costs, via pre-tax contributions or as part of the relocation bonus. If you prefer to drive, perhaps you might downsize your car for a simple city hatchback from Edmunds, giving you the kind of flexibility you’re really looking for.
How Will You Be Travelling In?
Speaking of the hatchback. It’s not just about where you’ll travel to, but how you’ll get there that counts. An hour commute by car or even train, might not sound that bad, but if you have to do that on foot? Well, that’s not always a good way to start the day. For example, if taking a train, you might decide to plan out the two trains you need to catch each day, or perhaps two one way, which equals four in total. If there are regular bus services and train services you might have a pick for which way you’ll go. It’s okay to want to enjoy the morning commute, so don’t limit yourself if this is most important to you.
Do A Dry Run on The Commute?
If you’re near enough to the new job, you might practice the commute to see if it’s doable. Perhaps it’s twenty minutes longer than your current job. Yet with a little planning, you can find a few good shortcuts and ways around traffic at peak times. Never discount the value of a good commute pre-run, it will help you understand if you can stomach it each day. We’d also recommend doing it how you would usually, at the same time to see what the traffic is like, and even wearing your work outfits to “get in the zone.” Nothing beats direct experience.
With this advice, you’ll be sure to decide if a commute is personally worthwhile to you or not.
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