How far would you commute?

[loving2]

Would you commute to a job that you love even if it was 1 hr away? Or would you work at a job that you don't like even though it is more convenient (i.e. much closer to home, better hours for family)?

[Quickbeam, BSN, RN]

For 12 years I commuted 60 miles each way to a job I loved. I owned a house outright and the job wasn't moving so I just learned to listen to music and enjoy the drive. That job was eliminated and now I commute 20 minutes each way....leave work at 1530, hoem by 1550! It's a joy.

[AICU RN]

I'm 27 years old with two small kids and commute one hour each way. My previous hospital is ten minutes from where I live and am thankful every day that I didn't take an RN position there. I had second thoughts about my decision, especially taking into consideration the long drive and the time it took away from my family. In the end, I decided that the hour commute was worth my children having a mother who is happier, calmer, and very appreciative of the time she does get to spend with them. I mean, sure my commute could be 15 minutes instead of 60, but it my life would be a lot less happy overall. That's just what worked for my situation though. I always have a couple of my favorite CDs on hand and I'm just fine.

I start night shift next weekend, so I'll let you know how I feel about my commute then...

[Ozzybear]

I drive 60 miles each way but the amount of time depends on the traffic. With absolutely no traffic and driving a little faster than the speed limit I could make the commute in about 1hr and 5 min. Usually my commute is around 90 minutes each way. Sometimes less and sometimes more. Fortunately I absolutely love my job otherwise I would never commute that far. I live in the suburbs and work in a specialty that is only in the big city. I am sure I could eventually get a job closer to home but I know I would hate it. I had a job that I absolutely hated before nursing and the 45 min commute was completely horrible. I work 12 hr shifts so I only have to commute 3 days a week. 3 in a row is hard and try not to do that if possible. Ideally I would like to live closer to my job but the housing market is not going to allow me to sell my house anytime soon.

[AnonRNC]

Off the top of my head, my answer was "60 miles" but that is assuming 12-hour shifts, that I love the job and the people and that the commute time would be under 2 hours. I work in a specialty area (NICU) and realize that I cannot live "out there" and NOT have a commute into a bigger city/close-in suburb.