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AIBU?

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Original poster

Is this too long a commute?

111 replies

rememberitalltoowell · 07/11/2025 19:36

1.45 hours each way, 3 hours a day - 10 minute drive to train station, hour train, 20 minute walk. Would be out the house 6.30am - 6.30pm ish.

Two days a week

I have two young kids, nursery and reception.

I've worked remotely the last few years so a bit worried about doing this and the knock on affect of the long days on the kids.

OP posts:
OnARainyDay2012 · 07/11/2025 20:23

That's similar to what I do. I work condensed hours to make the most of those long days. Its manageable, I always get a seat on the train so can work, read, etc. I work shorter days the other 2 days so I do school run then. Id go for it if its a good job.

Original poster
rememberitalltoowell · 07/11/2025 20:22

EnglishRain · 07/11/2025 20:21

Depends on more details.

I am about to end my London commuting days. I do one day a week and it’s 2 hours 15 door to door. But the trains are bad. Often it takes longer. I couldn’t do it more than once a week which is what I have been doing, and I’ve still had enough of it.

Swapping for one day in a fortnight, 50 min drive away.

Yeah I'm worried about the trains being messed up and making a long day so much longer.

I remember how stressed I used to be commuting to London pre kids.

But also, unemployment is stressful 😑

OP posts:
Original poster
rememberitalltoowell · 07/11/2025 20:21

I mean I'm sure it won't be much fun, but I'm thinking I can just suck it up for 2 days a week? That's still 5 days a week I don't have to leave my house if I don't want to!

OP posts:
EnglishRain · 07/11/2025 20:21

Depends on more details.

I am about to end my London commuting days. I do one day a week and it’s 2 hours 15 door to door. But the trains are bad. Often it takes longer. I couldn’t do it more than once a week which is what I have been doing, and I’ve still had enough of it.

Swapping for one day in a fortnight, 50 min drive away.

xSideshowAuntSallyXx · 07/11/2025 20:18

I do a 3 hour round trip once a week and it's tiring and I don't have kids. But I drive, train would be less tiring.

luckylavender · 07/11/2025 20:16

Comedycook · 07/11/2025 19:40

Five days a week...no chance.

I might do two days a week if the money and prospects were good.

Also...what childcare do you have in place for your kids? Is there someone nearby to do an emergency pick up if they are sick at school or nursery?

It literally says 2 days a week in the OP

Original poster
rememberitalltoowell · 07/11/2025 20:10

OhDearMuriel · 07/11/2025 19:55

It would have to be VERY well paid.

I mean not by MN standards!

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Original poster
rememberitalltoowell · 07/11/2025 20:05

RabbitsEatPancakes · 07/11/2025 19:51

Although tbh 2 days a week sat on a train instead of morning rush and bedtime routine actually doesn't sound like a bad exchange.

Depends also on the route. Is there lots of delays? If it involves Euston then I'd say no immediately.

This thought had crossed my mind!

I'll be wfh the rest of the time. But going from fully remote so the v early starts are scaring me!

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LupinLou · 07/11/2025 20:03

I always look at total commuting time per week, 6 hours a week is ok, whether that's 35 mins each way per day or 3 hours on 2 days.

DurinsBane · 07/11/2025 19:57

Did almost that for a few years (1:45 to work, back was nearer 1:30) and it got to me after a while. That was full time though, I think I could do 2 days ok.

Seahawk80 · 07/11/2025 19:55

I do similar 2 days a week. Out of the house 7.15 until 7-7.30 depending on trains. It’s fine. I wouldn’t do any more than this but I enjoy the job and the money is decent so it’s worth it and much better to do this 2 x a week and 2 days WFH than when I had a 30-40 min commute 4 x a week!

OhDearMuriel · 07/11/2025 19:55

It would have to be VERY well paid.

GreenSmithing · 07/11/2025 19:54

For two days a week, it's doable. Preferably not two days back to back. Hopefully, you can get things done on the train. But I would check how reliable the train is, and how likely you are to get a seat before committing.

Downplayit · 07/11/2025 19:54

Sounds fine to me. Its just about what you are used to. Before Covid I used to commute two hours every day. Initially it felt like a lot but I found things to fill the time. I wouldn't say i ever enjoyed it but it wasn't awful. I imagine if you asked this same question pre-covid you would have got very different responses.

Apileofballyhoo · 07/11/2025 19:53

I think for 2 days it's not so bad, assuming seat on the train I'd be happy enough having 2 hours a day to myself and 40 mins exercise sorted 2 days a week.

LeedsZebra90 · 07/11/2025 19:52

It's a long day, and i wouldnt be up for it.. but it the moneys good and its only 2 days a week... the train is great downtime for reading/listening to a podcast or even life admin on your phone etc so not totally wasted time. A twenty minute walk twice a day also good. Can you park at the station? At ours if you get there after the first train at 5.55 there are no spots and it's a right faff.

RabbitsEatPancakes · 07/11/2025 19:51

Although tbh 2 days a week sat on a train instead of morning rush and bedtime routine actually doesn't sound like a bad exchange.

Depends also on the route. Is there lots of delays? If it involves Euston then I'd say no immediately.

Catsandcwtches · 07/11/2025 19:50

I did 1.5 hours each way (so 3 hours total) five days a week for several years BUT before having kids. I would do it 2 days now I have kids if my partner could be relied on to help.

Praying4Peace · 07/11/2025 19:50

Anything is doable if you need to. And it is only 2 days a week.
Less stressful than having to work 5 days.
Depends how much you need to work

MountainBiker · 07/11/2025 19:49

I think the fact that an hour of it is on a train is a big bonus (assuming you'll get a seat). Yes it's a long journey, but you get to sit with your eyes shut for an hour if you want to! I'd happily do it 2 days a week

RabbitsEatPancakes · 07/11/2025 19:49

Depends on the rest of the week. Just 2 long days then absolutely fine but if you're working 5 days a week then you'll be tired.

DappledThings · 07/11/2025 19:47

2 days a week would be fine. I love that time I get on the train listening to podcasts or reading or napping.

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 07/11/2025 19:47

I have a 1.5 and 3.5 yesrs old... i couldnt do this 5 days a week long term.

2 days a week i'd have a go....

Original poster
rememberitalltoowell · 07/11/2025 19:47

I'm sure I will be exhausted! That's what worries me. My youngest up a lot in the night still.

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Original poster
rememberitalltoowell · 07/11/2025 19:46

Yes, my partner and I will have to alternate days in the office so one of us is home.

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