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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask about work commute

19 replies

Fantastic47 · 17/04/2018 23:37

I know there’s been threads like this before but need a bit of reassurance - have accepted a job for 4 days per week ( for 9 months) that’s 1.5 hrs drive away so 3 hrs in car each day . I’m fine with that but my partner seems to think it’s not a good idea
I love driving and the idea doesn’t phase me too much but does it seem too long ?

OP posts:
Meopham · 17/04/2018 23:38

If its only for 9 months its not really an issue. It'll soon pass

frankchickens · 17/04/2018 23:39

It would be too long for me but if you’re happy that’s all that matters

pestilentialboundary · 17/04/2018 23:43

Realistically you are going to be working 12 hours a day (working or driving), four days a week, It will be fine for a while, but by the time the nine months are almost up it will be feeling gruelling. Hope your DP is good at cooking.

DamsonOnThisDress · 17/04/2018 23:44

If you're happy and the wage outweighs the fuel costs I don't see why not.

DH's commute is 1.5 hrs each way 5 days a week. Has done for years. He'd prefer not to but it's a pretty good job and he's so used to it he doesn't give it much thought.

I'm a bit more precious and couldn't consider it. For years I had a 5 min drive to work so I'm spoilt. Now it's about 15-20 mins and I feel very hard done by and shout at traffic a lot.

Entirely up to you. Not everyone's ideal but doable.

Congratulations on the new job btw.

dancingqueen345 · 17/04/2018 23:47

I do a similar distance commute 3 days a week. It bothers me a lot loss than people think, although it has been easier over winter. Now we're getting back into lighter nights I do feel I miss out on my evenings a bit more.

For 9 months though definitely doable!

yummumto3girls · 17/04/2018 23:47

That’s a lot of your life to waste sitting in a car - I assume that does not take in to account traffic. For 9 months it would be manageable but depends if you have children, their ages and good support at home.

thetigerthatcamefortea · 17/04/2018 23:49

I do the same commute 3 days a week.
If I’m tired, or the weather is bad I find it rather draining but for he most part it’s ok.
I don’t start until 10am which is a game changer.
But I do have 2 young children.
I wouldn’t want to be doing it forever but it’s fine for now

BackforGood · 17/04/2018 23:55

I really wouldn't want to drive that long each day - and I presume that's without problems - snow, accidents, road works, etc. ?

However, when you do something for a set length of time, it is probably manageable, as you know it will end on a set day, if you think it is worth it, for whatever reason you are doing it.

Does depend what impact it has on others too - dc, partner, etc.

Ariela · 17/04/2018 23:59

I did this for about 2 years, it was OK because I was commuting away from London, so against the traffic.

However I soon clocked the best way was to leave before 6.

Certainly wouldn't do it now - my commute is down the hallway at home!

SmallBlondeMama · 18/04/2018 00:06

Not a big deal unless you have kids at home! I would go for it as long as the pay is good and makes up for the expensive commuting costs. Especially since it's just for 9 months.

brokeForYou · 18/04/2018 05:09

I love my 7 minute commute now and it's changed my life.

I had a nearly 2 hour commute for a couple of years. It's doable, especially for a few months and I enjoyed listening to podcasts.

If you want the job then go for it.

araiwa · 18/04/2018 05:34

After the first week, the novelty of it all disappears hard and fast. It will suck

RedDwarves · 18/04/2018 05:37

As it’s only 9 months, it’s fine.

I know lots of people who do that commute every day (Australia), but I view it as effectively unpaid work. And when you factor in the cost of petrol, the increased frequency of services etc. it ends up being work you’re paying to do.

Shoxfordian · 18/04/2018 05:38

Why does your partner say it's a bad idea?
As long as you're ok with it then it shld be fine

swingofthings · 18/04/2018 06:32

What kind of drive is it? Motorway or smaller roads? Is it 1.5h of fluid driving or being stuck in traffic?

I found that the biggest difference in whether commuting long hours was bearable or not was the season. Driving when it's light is so much less stressful and tiring than when it's dark, but on the basis that there is an end to it and you get a day off, I would do it.

fluffyowlagain · 18/04/2018 07:42

My journey to work is an hour each way on motorways. I work 7.30-3.30 which means I miss the rush hour traffic at both ends of the day. Thankfully my employer is very flexible about the hours people do, as long as the work is being done. If I had to work a set 9-5 then it would take me a lot longer to get into work due to traffic - my drive currently is pretty much flowing traffic so it isn't too bad. I've had long commutes for several years now. I spend £2,500 a year on petrol and parking (plus of course the costs of running a car generally) but my salary and job satisfaction make this worthwhile. Although I would prefer a job closer to home if I could find one!

Original poster
Fantastic47 · 18/04/2018 22:34

Thanks for all the responses Mixed thoughts but I think I’ll do it - and it’s for a set amount of time
Thanks again for the advice

OP posts:
Chocolate1984 · 18/04/2018 22:39

I did that commute for 3/4 years & didn't think anything of it. Getting up at 6.30 was a bit of a killer but I liked having that time to myself.

redastherose · 18/04/2018 22:44

I think it would be fine. I like driving too, audio books will be your friend 😊

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