To turn down a job because of the commute?

[superstarheartbreaker]

Im a supply teacher. Ive been offered a job in a referral unit which will be rewarding but tough and the commute is about 1.5 hours each way through heavy city traffic and hidious roundabouts. Aibu to turn it down. I dont mind an hour each way but 1.5 hours is too much.
Its inly two days a week but id rather work more hours but less commute.

whether you're unreasonable or not depends on whether you need the money / would be claiming benefits if you didn't take it / if you have alternatives / how long it's for.
I commute 1.5 hrs e/w daily and it's not so bad, decompression time (car not public transport though).

It doesn't sound like that journey is going to be much use as decompression time, certainly not either side of a tough day. If you don't have to take it then YANBU not to.

Dh commutes 1.5 hrs by bus and train, but his previous commute was two hours by different buses so it doesn't seem so bad.

Are you getting regular supply work or is there not much about? Would there be a lift share or could you take public transport for any of it, or an alternative route? Which hours would you be working, as if you are not commuting at rush hour it is often easier?

I would do it if it were me, but my commutes have always been that length at least and it very much depends on what you are used to as to how you will find it, and you don't sound keen at all.

i don think you would be unreasonable to decline. it adds another gruelling 3 hours to an already tough day.

that said, it sounds like a nasty journey but as another poster said it would depend how long its for, 3 weeks or 3 months etc.

i would ask also how long it is since you last worked. ive been forced to take longer commutes which ate into profit due to more chilcare to cover travel and extra fuel cost but did it as i wanted to close gap on cv and it was only for 3 months.

I read something recently that said the main thing that people can do to improve their happiness in their life is to live near to where they work! My commute is 20minutes and I consider that almost too long!! Can you move??

• it is only two days a week
• it sounds like it would be good experience
• it sounds like you would enjoy the challenge

I think you should go for it.

Im thinking of moving to a city. Its just notvthat easy to move is it when my support network is here and when my child is settled in school. Its only very temporary. I finished my last conteact at the beginning of the summer holidays. Good thing about supply is that lots of jobs come up.
The guy at the agency actually rekoned I would need to leave two hours before work begins.

Not unheard of but still miles away.

how short a gig?

I did it for ten years, and it adds up to an awful lot of your life in transit and a lot of stress and expense. So long as you can afford it, I'd say no.

YANBU. 3 hours a day is a long commute and time you will never regain. You'll be tired as well. I have managed to get my commute down to an 8 minute walk from door to desk though so I am perhaps biased!

I have said no and the agency have found me a potential temporary job nearer. It's not a career move but I know the route well and so feel better. It's only a 30 minute drive too!
I think if my career is to take off then I will have to move to the city.