how far is too far to commute?

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Jul 5, 2006

An hour is a long time to drive. And that's twice a day. So add 2 hours to your work hours, which of course takes away from time at home. 30 minutes is the most I'd drive. I think it'd be too tiring after a long day at work to have to drive at least an hour. And yeah, thats a lot of gas. And extra wear and tear on your car, and lots of extra miles on your car. Maybe a job more to your liking will open up in the future (that is close by) and you can change. There is nothing wrong with changing jobs. Let us know what you choose.

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Jul 5, 2006

Or you can move. If that is an option. The OP doesnt provide enough information so its hard to tell.

rj

CardioTrans, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2006

I commute an hour from my back door to my time clock. I actually like the fact that I have that drive time, because in the mornings it gives me time to think about the day ahead, get family issues out of my head and be ready to go to work. On the way home, I have time to wind down before I get home. That hour both ways is my "Me" time.

Lots of people dont like driving far. It depends on what you want to do with your career and what you are comfortable with. As far as gas prices, I drive a Camry, and work 3 12 hr shifts. So I fill up once a week.... $30/wk.

Its all up to you. You are the one who has to be happy.

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · Jul 5, 2006

i'd go for the 30 minute one

celle507 · Jul 5, 2006

I would say go with the position that seems like a better fit for you. Better work hours and a less stressful environment is worth it (at least for me) to be in the car an extra 30 minutes each way. But, it also depends on what the other job is, the probability of finding a job that you like in your vicinity, and how much you like the other job offer ...

I've only been out of school a year, but I've already "settled" for a couple of jobs that I had to leave due to poor working conditions. I know that I would definitely drive an hour away for a job that I actually liked.... :)

dolphindodger · Jul 6, 2006

thanks guys for the advice. I am looking to work 2 or 3 10 hour days so I wouldn't be driving every day. I just want to enjoy my job. I am afraid I will "settle" because of the drive and miss out on something I would like. Where I live is atleast 30 minutes from everywhere. Mtn girl, are you anywhere near johnson city, tn?

NaomieRN · Jul 6, 2006

If you can switch to a more economical car, than I would take the best job with the best benefits. If the pay is more, you can calculate the cost for gas, maintenance for your car. If you going to drive bumper to bumper, than it wont be worth the driving. Good luck to you.

Trauma Columnist · Jul 6, 2006

I just started a job where I will go to several different places on different days of the weeks - some as close as 30 minutes, up to 90 minutes away one way. My job however, pays my mileage - otherwise I would question the extensive travel with the price of gas.

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Jul 7, 2006

thanks guys for the advice. I am looking to work 2 or 3 10 hour days so I wouldn't be driving every day. I just want to enjoy my job. I am afraid I will "settle" because of the drive and miss out on something I would like. Where I live is atleast 30 minutes from everywhere. Mtn girl, are you anywhere near johnson city, tn?

Yes, it's about 15 minutes away from me. Even though I live out in "the sticks" lol.

SteveNNP, MSN, NP · Jul 8, 2006

I say go for the better fitting job. I currently commute 35-45 minutes each way to work now, and I find that I can clear my head on the way there, and "self-debrief" on the way home. It can be rough working nights with a 1 hour drive home though......I assume you'll be working days?

WhatNext? · Jul 9, 2006

I would suggest doing a test drive to the location during your actual commute hours to get a real sense of what the traffic will be like. I did home care for a year and grew to hate the driving along several stretches of road due to congestion both during the day and at rush hour. It taught me to look for work near to home. BTW, I got great gas mileage, but had to fill up twice a week anyway.