Money versus shorter commute

[Bonrosie]

I have a difficult decision to make. Currently employed as agency staff at a job 15 minutes drive from home. I know I'm temporary but really like the work and people. They will be advertising a permanent post soon and I would be hopeful I would get it although nothing is ever guaranteed. I've been offered a job which is a temporary contract for 1 year with possibility of extension. Pay is better, about 5k more but would mean a 45min commute each way in crawling traffic. Can't decide to stay where I am and wait for the permanent post to come up (at my current salary) or take a 1 year job with more money and further commute. I'm not even sure I will like the new job and anticipate it being a bit boring. I like the job I'm doing currently. Can't decide what to do.

I went the other way. From a 1 hour crawling commute to a 15 minute commute with greater flexibility but for £3k less salary.

Never looked back.

Purely in time, you'd use up about an extra 230 hours a year, just sitting in traffic if there was never any issues with being stuck in traffic due to an accident or roadworks or snow or whatever.
If you are on £10 an hour, that is £2300 of your time spent in the extra time traveling. If you are on £20 a year, that is £4600 of your time spent just in the extra traveling (if no problems).

Add on your additional petrol / wear and tear on your car... tyres, brakepads, clutch, added mileage when you sell your car or just quicker depreciation..... How much will that cost?

This is before the fact you know you like it where you are and you suspect you won't enjoy the work nor the company so much at the possible new job.

I'd stay.