Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be fed up with this commute

30 replies

Kennedydavenport · 26/04/2023 14:29

It's a position where I start at 3:50 but not paid until 4pm (but that's another thread) basically have to be there for a handover that isn't paid.
I don't drive, use public transport.
I have to leave my house at 2:30 as it takes me 20 mins to get to the bus station, then I get the bus, then 10 mins walk to the actual workplace.
Buses are roughly every 10 minutes, but I have to go early because the traffic is sometimes awful or the buses are late.
So I'm usually about 10/15 minutes early for work but otherwise I'd risk being late which has previously happened.
I previously had an electric bike which I sold, and still paying some of it off on a credit card so reluctant to purchase another bike for now until it's paid off.
I need to learn to drive really. Just fed up of having to leave 1.5h before I'm actually paid for.
The way home isn't as bad. Aibu or is this a standard commute? I am looking for other work.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
TheAudie · 09/06/2023 12:50

It’s not a race to the bottom, Jeeze.

I understand your frustration. i have a 2 hour commute each way, but it’s mostly by train and I get to read, study on the train. It’s only 2 days a week commuting (wfh other days) . I love my job and I’m paid well for it, so I’m happy to do that.

If it’s a job you hate; and it’s not well paid, then yeah, I totally get why you’d be annoyed

Napmum · 09/06/2023 12:19

I've always said my maximum commute is an hour, and I try to be under 45 minutes. So, no, it's not unreasonable to be fed up.

Could you access a cycle to work scheme through work? Or get a second-hand bike? There are more non-profits offering cycling proficiency and cycling confidence meets and courses now. Sounds like that might help. Or could you get an electric scooter? For some reason, I felt more confident on a scooter than on a bike, maybe because of part experiences with bikes.

heartofglass23 · 09/06/2023 11:41

Surely you could walk/jog 5 miles in under 90 mins.

I wouldn't have applied for a job with that commute.

Hattifattene · 09/06/2023 11:23

There might be a nicer way to cycle a ay from the main roads. it might still be worth it even if it's a bit longer for a nicer experience. Look really carefully on Google maps and have an explore in the morning or on a non work day

Housenoob · 09/06/2023 11:21

Kennedydavenport · 26/04/2023 18:57

Thanks, totally right that I should've taken it into account when taking this job, that's true. I feel like it's different in the London area, but I'm in the north and most people at my work have under 30 mins commute, they can't believe that I travel so far. I am going to get a cheap bike. Thanks for all help.

But 5 miles isn't far, it's just you've limited yourself by not driving and selling your bike.

Buy a cheap bike for now and learn to drive is prob the most logical solution. Or get a new job with an easier commute via public transport.

Mari9999 · 09/06/2023 11:17

@Kennedydavenport
You did choose to live where you live. You wethe re neither forced nor compelled to move in with your partner. He could also have moved in with you.
Most people's mode of transportation is chosen based upon preference, cost, and availability of public or private transport. Your choice falls into the same categories . Do you really believe that you deserve some special acknowledgment for making the same choice that thousands of people make everyday when they walk because they cannot afford a care and there is no reliable public transportation available?

Original poster
Kennedydavenport · 26/04/2023 18:57

Thanks, totally right that I should've taken it into account when taking this job, that's true. I feel like it's different in the London area, but I'm in the north and most people at my work have under 30 mins commute, they can't believe that I travel so far. I am going to get a cheap bike. Thanks for all help.

OP posts:
Truestorypeeps · 26/04/2023 18:52

fruitbrewhaha · 26/04/2023 18:38

Hang on, you bought an e-bike on a credit card and sold it at a loss and are still paying it off, for holiday spends. I think that’s your problem. Bummer, was a bad decision.

That's really valuable and insightful, NOT! You must be perfect though right (facepalm)?!

I hope the OP had a lovely time away and it was worth it!

fruitbrewhaha · 26/04/2023 18:38

Hang on, you bought an e-bike on a credit card and sold it at a loss and are still paying it off, for holiday spends. I think that’s your problem. Bummer, was a bad decision.

beAsensible1 · 26/04/2023 18:21

can you not make use of the cycle to work schemes to purchase your e-bike or get a boost kit and then just adapt your regular bike to an e-bike?

Cars are expensive and honestly not worth he hassle just for a 5 mike commute if you're not really using it for anything else.

take a book on your commute, or some other stuff that can be done sat still

rookiemere · 26/04/2023 18:10

Driving is really expensive, even if you buy a cheap car there is insurance, petrol wear and tear.
If you're not confident cycling how about a scooter which you could use on the pavement?Granted you might look a bit silly unless you're in London but would cut your walking times in half.

FatCatSkinnyRat · 26/04/2023 18:04

Why does it have to be an e-bike? Just buy a normal bike! 100 quid

Skankoot · 26/04/2023 18:02

Kennedydavenport · 26/04/2023 17:55

Grow up because I don't want a 90 min commute, sort your disgusting attitude out.

What??

Original poster
Kennedydavenport · 26/04/2023 17:55

Grow up because I don't want a 90 min commute, sort your disgusting attitude out.

OP posts:
trisfreya · 26/04/2023 16:29

Kennedydavenport · 26/04/2023 14:49

I didn't use it much at the time and wanted some funds for a holiday, I do regret selling it now though.

you sold your ebike to go on holiday? Are you serious?

Tinkerbyebye · 26/04/2023 16:06

You need to grow up. That commute is not bad at all compared to what some do. Get a new bike, plenty of second hand pushbikes around, or find a new job

Nordicrain · 26/04/2023 15:46

No, I would not be up for a 90 min commute.

But you had a - presumably - better alternative and sold it for a holiday which does not sound like a sensible decsion.

Essentially this is your issue, not your job's. And if you don't like it I suppose you better find something else. But 5 miles is not very far and you will need to consider how you get to any alternative job.

zingally · 26/04/2023 15:42

Presumably you chose to work there, knowing you would have to get public transport? That's not your works issue.

crazyaboutcats · 26/04/2023 14:59

A 90 minute ecah way commute is gruelling. You need to learn to drive, get another bike or change job.

In the last few years I've both learned to drive a car and re-learned how to ride a e-bike, and road on city roads for the first time. I have to say that I found the bike much easier as well as being significantly cheaper then driving and really good prep for it.

updin · 26/04/2023 14:56

For a career and a job I enjoyed it wouldn't bother me, but appreciate the frustration if it's just a salary.

That said, it doesn't sound like "dead" time, a fair bit of walking so you're ticking your exercise off as well as getting to work? Add an audiobook and you may enjoy it!

Smoky1107 · 26/04/2023 14:52

My commute is 90 minutes I use it to read a book or do my online shopping. I'd say yours is fairly average

Original poster
Kennedydavenport · 26/04/2023 14:49

I didn't use it much at the time and wanted some funds for a holiday, I do regret selling it now though.

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 26/04/2023 14:48

Why did you sell the ebike?

PinkFootstool · 26/04/2023 14:47

Wear a helmet and bright hi vis. Do a cycling proficiency class if you think you might benefit from it. Look for a route on Google maps that avoids main roads.

Original poster
Kennedydavenport · 26/04/2023 14:45

I'm not confident cycling on busy city centre roads, but I need to do something

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread