What's a long but still reasonable commute?

[Mariagatzs12]

I'm considering a 90min commute each way. That would bring in about 1k to 1.2k net extra each month. Is it worth it? I've lived in London before so I know this commute isn't entirely crazy but I don't know if the extra fuel costs would reduce it massively.

If you were talking the difference between 35/40 and 50/60 then I'd say think v hard, but at 18k you must be stressing about finances and therefore I think I'd take the commute. Also, you'll find it easier to get another comparable wage more locally once you're on that amount

It's not just the fuel....it's the wear and tear on the car. It will take you away from your baby hours every single day that you could be home. I would move first.

If its any help, my 24mi, 50 minute commute (each way) costs nearly £50 a week. £200 and 40 hours a month. Its worth it for the job but its tiring. Especially in bad weather.

Is a 3 hour commute per day (approx 60 hours a month) worth £1.5k?

Depends on your commute now I guess?

I couldn't. Once or twice a week maybe but not full time. It's a bit soul destroying I think. Obviously everyone has to do what they need to to get on or feed and house their family etc so I'm speaking from a lucky position to not have to do that commute whereas others do.

Ok if on train where can get stuff done while travelling.
Unacceptable if driving. I'd crash for sure, so exhausting.

Google maps says my journey to work every day is 8 miles and 30 minutes. In reality it’s 45mins on an extremely rare day and 90 minutes on an average day. I can almost tolerate it in the summer but when it’s dark by 4pm and I’m in slow traffic desperate to get home to my family it’s absolutely sucks. I’d think carefully, especially with a little one.

I didn’t take a pay rise of £1-3k because it would mean a one hour commute.

I’d have concerns that the journey in reality (and in rush hour) would be much more than 90 mins. If I were you I’d do a trial run, outside of school hols, arriving at the time you’d need to for the job. I’d use that to calculate the petroleum costs and then make the decision.

The OP said an additional £1-3k a month though, not a year! I think it's worth it but i would be looking at ways to reduce it longer term - working from home, moving closer or whatever.

I would do it for that salary increase and try and negotiate WFH one or two days a week. It’s not an insane commute at all but I would try it at the time you’ll be driving to check it out.

Commuting is expensive. I have to drive. I spend £200 ish a month on petrol (and I’ve got a hybrid)

Even at 1.3k a month it's still 60 additional hours?

• up to 60 hours. I don't know the OP's current commute.

It’s not just the salary to consider but the pension.

And consider future earning potential plus the OP’s mental health. Under-earning can really begin to wear on a person’s self-esteem depending on how you’re wired. raises hand

A lot depends on traffic
I live about 4 miles from work. 10 min drive in the morning, bliss. Evenings? 45 mins of stand still traffic and it's awful

Yes it's a pay raise, but it might as well be working more hours for it. View it in that light.

Personally if I had a 90 minute commute each way I would be striving to change that, by either moving house or changing job. Assuming a typical 8x5 week it means 11 hours a day either working or travelling to/from work.

Late to the party but one a week I do a 4 hour commute to a client, 2 there 2 back, 8 hour day. It's long but it's an extra 1k a month and its term time so not all the time. Definitely worth it as I like the work.

If a future employer is family-friendly and supports remote working, it could be a game changer, if you only have to do the 90 min commute 3 times a week rather than 5. I wouldn't do it 5 days a week.

If dh can pick up slack 're childcare, do it.
Sounds like you are rotting in your job now. If career also offers pension etc and other benefits then leap. It might lead to something else or offer flexibility once you are in.

I drive a commute of 75 mins , traffic or roadworks / diversions can add 15 to it , I like the drive and listen to audible on it but the I'm only commuting 3 days a week , more wouldn't be as pleasurable

So roughly that from where I live to central London door to door. £6500 annual season ticket. Around £600-£1000 parking. A 90 minute journey you need to build some contingency for train delays. I used to get a train anywhere from 6:30-8:00. The earlier the easier the whole journey. Finishing at 5:30 was rarely home before 7:15. Your baby is still tiny. I don't know how old your other child. But is it really worth only seeing them at weekends? And for your eldest would that mean only every other weekend? (My husband did it while ours were young and he still has a wonderful bond etc with the kids.) Personally I couldn't and didn't. But the difference in salary to you is huge. As you are still on mat leave maybe just take another month looking for a more local or WfH opportunity. With your language skills and purchasing experience I'm sure there are lots of opportunities. Maybe call and speak to some recruiters.

A 90-minute drive each way, every day? That's way too long in my opinion.

It sometimes takes me 90 minutes to get to work, but that is on foot, on the days when I choose to walk the 5 miles to my workplace. Walking for 90 minutes is fine, but driving for that length of time is not, imo.

I do 90 mins each way. It's not ideal, but it's not horrendous and I try to use the time productively (learning a language on Duolingo, reading a book).

For me, it's worth it so I can live in a nice place, and don't have to live in London.