What would you rather do?

[BettyBoop01]

Would you rather commute an hour and a half each way (knowing your shift starts at 530am) and pay all the gas prices and wear and tear on your car, or rent an apartment (which will cost a little bit more) and be away from your spouse for 4 nights a week but be close to work?

I want to rent a small apartment, after a 12 hour shift the long drive home is painful. And having to be at work for such an early shift makes me want to be closer. I love the job though! I can work my 3 or 4 shifts in a row if I want, so that would make it easier to only crash there a few nights a week.

Gas costs are around 80 bucks a week, or 320 a month.BUt the car is taking a beating. An apartment would be 400-500 a month plus any expenses or utilities which would be minial. This would only be for 6 months until we can get out of our current lease and move somewhere in the middle.

What would you prefer? I looked at a few places to rent just a room and have roommates, but they were all a no go.

[glutton4punishment]

Def rent an apartment. Driving that far to work is VERY stressful. After 12-13 hours, that is detrimental to your health. UGH! Sorry you have to drive so far.

I don't know what your work situation is, but maybe you could crash on a co-workers couch until you get an apt? It still seems like a lot of money for an apt. If you break down how many days you will have to work to live on your own?? I don't know, I would try every avenue.

[General E. Speaking, RN, RN]

I would search out an option for staying with someone too. An extra bedroom somewhere...or a couch? You could offer to pay them/help with some groceries. I'm sure it would be less than $500.

We have had numerous people over the years stay in our extra room, sleep on the couch who needed temporary shelter or until they got back on their feet.

[Sl1011]

I wouldn't want to do either If you can, definitely try and see if you can stay with a co-worker on those nights and just give them a little money. Have you tried that option yet?

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

What about a long term hotel with weekly rates, such as budget suites etc they are usually furnished and free utilities

[germanshep]

What is the cost to break your lease and move earlier? Either way (commute or apt) you will pay close to $3,000 ($500 x 6months). It may cost more, less or the same but then you would not have to be away from your spouse/home as much, the commute would be shorter, you would not have to move twice, etc. Could you post an ad on Craigslist that you are seeking a room for X amount of dollars? Some families may be willing to rent a room out for a few days a week. Make sure it is safe though :) Good luck!

[kalami08]

I'd probably go with a budget motel as well. Not as much of a commitment, and plus you can start doing it now while you look around for a cheap room, and then switch later.

[ItsTheDude]

ha, i'd get the apartment/motel to get away from the wife, hehe.

seriously though, i work 12 hr shifts and have commuted up to 2 hrs away. nursing isn't hard work, but a long drive after a 12 hr shift can get dangerous, hard to drive (boring) while sleepy.

i've crashed at many a co-workers houses that lived closer to work, that's probably the best option if some of your co-workers are cool like that.

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

Why not just go ahead and look for something in the middle that you and your family could live in, rent or buy it, live in it, and then move everyone else in when the time is appropriate?

[NoviceRN10]

Heck, just use Priceline and get a decent, affordable hotel for a few nights and see if you actually like (can handle) being away from your spouse and it helps you deal with the driving issue. It wouldn't cost you that much to experiment :).

[1louise1]

why not a hotel room? you won't pay for utilities that way!

[noahsmama]

Have you asked your landlords if they'd be willing to let you out of your lease early? Can't hurt to ask.

Good luck!