having to decline a job because of distance

[KimBarbossa]

I'm so upset. I'm a new nurse grad, I went to a job interview last week for a nursing position at a long term care ( my mom drove me), and it went so well I basically got the job on the spot, my references got called and everything. but the only thing is i didn't realise how far it was by bus. if I had a car it would be an easy route (30 minuate drive) , but because I don't I would have to bus and it would take 3 hours. I'm upset because it's already so hard to get a job as new grad, I don't have money for a car *sigh*. anyone else have to decline a job because of distance, and how did you get over it

[llg, PhD, RN]

Are you sure you can't buy a cheap, used car? It might be worth the debt, it if allows you to get a job.

[KimBarbossa]

sadly there is no way for me to get a car at the moment, I work at payless and barely get by. I used my last paycheck on my nursing license. I guess i just gotta keep looking

[turtlesRcool]

My advice would be to do what you can to make the job work. I'm assuming the nursing paycheck would be significantly higher than what you're making now. So suck it up and take the bus, or splurge and take an Uber for a few weeks. If your mom drove you to the interview, maybe she would be willing to do pick ups or drop offs for a short period (or there might be a friend who can help out here or there).

Obviously, this is not a long-term solution, but it's not a long-term problem, either. Once you start getting your nursing pay, you can buy a car. Yes, it's more expensive to go through a dealership for financing, but many will get you into a car with no money (or little money) down. If you can swing a downpayment of some sort, getting a car loan from a credit union would give you a better rate overall. Have you actually looked into the real costs of buying a car? Have you gone to dealerships and asked? Many of them will work with you. Have you called around to see what kind of insurance rates you might be eligible for and what companies have payment plans?

I think you need to overlook the short term inconvenience of this commute for the long term benefit of a job in your field.

[DowntheRiver]

If you really need this job to get your career going, make it work. Hate to say it, but suck it up buttercup. I used to drive 1.5 hours each way (3 hours total) for my first new grad job. It was only 6 months but it got my foot in the door. It was after working nights so I was exhausted, but it was worth it because I got another job WAY closer to home after. Plus, you can save your money for a few months and then purchase a reliable used car.

As another has mentioned, can your mom drive you at least once or twice a week to ease the strain, even if you paid her? Or a friend? Depending on where you live, there are people who still carpool. Those services exist, you just have to really search them down on Google.