is the job worth the commute?
We’re buying a house in a small town that is beyond “suburbia” and I’m in the process of finding a job. I’ve not had a lot of success finding anything that looks interesting and possible. I really don’t want to drive very far for work and that is the biggest challenge because we’re moving away from major employment areas. The partner will have a moderate commute to his job and isn’t looking forward to it. However, we are looking forward to the benefits of the town we’re moving into and the additional peace of mind it will give me as a haven away from the bustle of east coast living.
So, I just found a listing that is exactly what I’ve been saying I want to do since entering college. I mean, it is a perfect fit for my aspirations and I qualify for it and am very confident that I could get it. However, it is far away and the commute would be pretty intensive. Suddenly the partner’s commute looks a lot more manageable when we talk about the possibility of me commuting to Washington, DC.
Now, I’m all for public transportation and would usually say that is the best method, but where we live is beyond the major in-routes to DC and there is nothing near the house that I could use. It leaves me with having to drive to Frederick or driving to Columbia, each about a 30 minute drive with little traffic, just to start the public transportation route. Now, to drive into DC would be almost 50 miles and, if during rush hour, would easily take 90 minutes or more and I might be under estimating it.
Now, maybe I can modify my hours and do very early hours — like starting at 6:00am or so. Since the work I’d be doing is very individualized, that might be possible. However, I’m not sure if that will be possible. I worry that, if forced to travel during rush hour, that I may never be home. However, again, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for and thought that I’d never actually get to do. Also, I fear that the compensation will be lower than what I want. If I wasn’t needing to commute, I probably wouldn’t care, but if it is going to really hit the budget to get there every day — it might add up.
Sigh, I’m not going to talk myself out of applying, but it is bringing up a lot of questions and concerns. If you found your dream job in term of principals (money has never been my motivating job factor) would you be willing to drive to get there and see you family a little less? I feel a little silly about the issue because I am sure that there are people who commute further for a job that isn’t their dream job. However, traffic in the greater Washington, DC area is excruciating and I absolutely hate having to drive anywhere.
Rebecca
June 9th, 2006 13:05
Hey, I appreciate that you blog about real-life concerns like this. It’s not silly at all.
Personally, I would not take a job with a horrendous commute — it’s just too high a cost in terms of your life. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s not right for you; you get to decide.
(I tried to leave a comment yesterday, I’m sure you know Blogger was having issues.)
Anonymous
June 9th, 2006 13:21
Hi,
I can centainly relate. I am finishing up week 3 of my dream job with a 50 mile commute. This job is right up my alley experience wise, it was a nice step up. I am working for a University where one of the perks is free tuition for my dependants (11 yo, 6 yo and DH who might want to get a Master’s Degree). Being in SW Ohio means the commute is about 1 hour, one way (normal traffic).
The challenges so far for me is that I do have less time at home. DH is taking responsiblity for getting dinner on the table. I am workign to have stuff ready to warm up 3 days a week. Then throw is the baseball schedules for 2 boys. I have been known to run home, dig in the fridge for leftovers, nuke them and end up at the ball diamond eating my dinner out of a rubbermaid container. Long term this is worth it to me. But my kids are both in school and less in need of me around all the time. We have lots of extended family nearby to help out in emergency situations. I am also holding out hope that Dh will find a new job closer to mine and that we will move closer.
Good Luck,
It’s not an easy decision.
Jenn
June 10th, 2006 15:32
ohhh, tough. Personally, for me, that amount of time on the road would make the rest of life pretty darn stressful, especially since DH has to commute too. And are there additional hidden costs that will come with the job, such as the extra time and planning to bring lunch or the expense of eating out? How about the work wardrobe? etc? Will the joy of having a dream job outweigh the other changes you’ll have to make?
Good luck in making the decision.