how far is too far to commute?

TrickieTam · Aug 30, 2007

Well I got you beat a little in my commute. I just accepted a job 45 minutes away at a prison. The benefits are 10 times better than what is offered here in my town and the workload is less. Sometimes you got drive away to see the light :chuckle

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2007

You'll notice that my screen name is "TheCommuter," because long commutes have been deeply intertwined in my life throughout the course of the past 4 years.

When I was living in California, my workplace was located 120 miles away from my home. The commute took approximately 1.5 hours each day. Yes, I drove at 85 miles per hour. :)

When I was a student, my school was located 95 miles away from my home. In one year, my vehicle had accumulated a whopping 53,000 miles.

Last year, I had a PRN/part time job at a small psychiatric hospital that was located 50 miles away from my home. I willingly made the commute because, at the time, the job offered relatively easy money.

I don't mind commutes because I love driving, and I don't have a family. However, choosing to commute is a very personal decision that will involve many factors, including your family dynamics, willingness to drive, personal finances, and other issues. Good luck with your ultimate decision!

smile123 · Aug 31, 2007

Just looking for some wise advice. Have been offered an RN job that sounds okay that is 30 minute drive. I have an upcoming interview for a same day surgery position which is an hour commute one way. I am more interested in that type of position but the drive and gas prices scare me. What should I do? Thanks for any advice.

See what commute options are available. Perhaps there are other people who would be willing to carpool with you or there may be a discount offer on carpools, vans or public transit. If you do have to drive, you can always listen to books on tape or music CDs to help you endure the commute. I got hooked on mystery thrillers during my commute! Good luck! Let us know what you decide!

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 31, 2007

You really do have to weigh things out for yourself.

I've commuted as much as an hour and a half each way. I did that for six months. I loved the job but left when I got offered something closer. I was spending 15 hours a week commuting.

However, I'm about to leave the closer job (15 minutes) for one an hour away. I've been miserable in my short commute job and am leaving for a much more pleasant work situation plus a big fat increase in pay that will more than offset the cost of the commute.

You will also need to consider the length of the shifts you'll be working and how much sleep you'll be able to get. Personally an hour commute is fine for an 8-10 hour workday but I wouldn't do it if I were working 12 hour shifts.

Like The Commuter, I really don't mind driving. However, if you're one of those folks who nods off after about 15 minutes, you might want to think about that, too.

I'd probably go for the interview first and then see if you need to spend a lot of thought on the commuting aspect. You may find that you really don't want the job, or that you really really do want it, and those things will help you sort it all out.

Good luck!

Zookeeper3 · Sep 4, 2007

I have traveled as far as 75 minutes each way.

Husband drives one hour each way

I've spent 18 months at an hour each way

I'm now 5 minutes away from work and work per diem 45 minutes up the I95.

so I'm not against a long drive (listening to language tapes and audio books, it's my only quiet time).

lionfish · Sep 5, 2007

I traded a 15min one-way commute for a 72 mile one-way commute, and once I get there I drive to see my clients. However, the hours and benefits were such an improvement that I do not mind the drive at all. Though recently I have started to look for a house a little closer since my DH also drives an hour plus to work, so we're trying to find something in the middle.