New Job 35 miles away

Black Jade, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2011

I don't know what you are complaining about. I used to drive more than 30 miles with a klunker of a car to my first nursing job. Of course, I worried about gas, but I knew what I was getting myself into when I had my interview. You have to do what you have to do. One of my suggestions is when you get your paychecks set some money aside to set up a "gas" fund and in the meantime make some sacrifices on things you cannot afford ie. Starbucks coffee or in my case, Jamba Juice. Also, if possible, carpool, or drive halfway and take the bus. You should consider yourself lucky that at least you got a job.

Catch22Personified · Mar 22, 2011

Count your blessings

You could try going to a hotel or something for the three days. I've heard of nurses doing that especially if their job was far away.

Bobbkat · Mar 22, 2011

I commute 56 miles each way, 4 days a week. Yeah, the gas sucks, but having a job is well and beyond worth the expense of gas.

germanshep · Mar 22, 2011

OMG-we are like mirror images of each other! I just got a new job which is 35 miles away, in another state and have to work 5 8hour rotating shifts I live in one of the WORST rated areas for traffic. Each way will be 2 hours regardless of the shift. Gas, toll roads, wear and tear on the car will kill me slowly. The pay is not that great nor are the benefits.....I do have XM/Sirrus radio which helps. Good luck! I feel your pain.

jesuslovesme · Mar 22, 2011

RNvampire

Unfortunately, I can't do 12s or 16s, it is not available.

It is 99% highway driving. Once I get off the highway I drive 1.5 mi to my destination.

I live near a very big city, one of the largest in the U.S., so I am accustomed to not having to drive so far.

I thank God everyday I have a job, especially as a new grad.

germanshep

I feel for you having rotating shifts. Yes, I know the pay is not great, they have us over a barrel in this economy. My drive is about 45min. Feel your pain.

carolmaccas66, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2011

I wish I had a 45 minute drive.

I've seen documentaries where people have sold their car/s to save their house. There was a women on Oprah once who was spending 100s of dollars at Starbucks. That Susie Orman told them they had to stop their extravagant ways of living as the hubby (I think) lost his job. They really had to cut back on everything and move to a cheaper neighbourhood.

Nobody is willing to make sacrifices for what they really want nowadays.

You could also ensure your tires are also well inflated, that saves on gas. Drive on good roads, and don't load the car down - as that uses up more petrol That may help as well.

We are all in the same boat with regards to gas (petrol). It is going up soon again here in Australia, and I am looking into moving and getting public transport. I doubt I will be using my car very much at all, as I won't be able to afford it. I always look at the public transport option first before I take any job as well.