To commute 50 minutes to a low paid job?

[NancyFrank]

I work in childcare and currently commute 25/30 minutes (as do two of my colleagues who live in the same area as me). I have worked in this job for 5 years and for 1 of those years me and my partner lived in a different city and I spent a year commuting 50/60 minutes each way to work. We are thinking of moving back to that city permanently but I love my job and where I work, it is a very small business and I've known some of my colleagues since I was a child.
So WIBU to not leave just because we move? I know lot's of people commute to jobs but I feel I may be judged for doing so for a low paid job that in theory I could do elsewhere..

Judged by who? Why would you care?

I don't think it's an issue of being judged, more is it financially and energy-wise a practical use of 2 hours a day.

Who would be judging you?

I commuted about 45 minutes to work for years, I was then made redundant and after a while took a job on the national minimum wage but still the same commute. No-one said it was wrong. I admit that as I was over 60 the commute cost me nothing as I had my bus pass but I'd say it is your choice and go for it. YANBU

You're probably right, I shouldn't care. Just a few comments from friends regarding why I would do that, seemed to be more acceptable for high paid/niche work. I work 3 long days so it wouldn't be 5 days a week

I wouldn't care what anyone else thinks. All I'd be thinking about is whether or you there would be a financial implication?

You should base your decision on what works for you/DP as a family, don’t worry about anyone else. If people do question it just say in a surprised way ‘oh- yeah I kind of see what you mean but that isn’t an issue, this works for us’. and then don’t discuss further. My initial thought was- you might think it would be ok but the reality would be different when you’d been doing it a while- but just seen your update that it’s for 3 days- so I think I’d definitely consider it in your position. There is a lot to be said for enjoying your work and getting on with your colleagues, I think I’d be trying to make that work. Good luck!

It’s entirely up to you but I wouldn’t commute that far for a crappy low paid job.

The Op didn’t say it is a ‘crappy’ job, just that it is low paid. Did you mean to be so rude?

We moved but I kept my low paid job at 45mins travel time. I also used to take the dc's to school, so it had to be done.
30% of my wage went on diesel.
Like you, I loved my job and was v upset to leave but I did once the dc's had finished yr6 and yr11.
Now, I am closer, I wonder how I managed to afford such a % of my wage on travelling.

You like the job, that is number one, you like your colleagues. Very important in your day to be happy.

Do what works for you. Having worked in some awful organisations I think a place of work where you are happy is really valuable.

Doesn't it come down to economics? Will you earn enough to cover the cost of your commute as well as leave you with enough to pay bills & whatever else you need to pay for? If so, what's the problem. I know someone who commutes further than that for a voluntary role.

I would stay initially anyway and see how you go. It isn’t easy to find s job you love. However, the reality of the commute may change thinG’s. I did it for first few months when dh and I moved house. 60mins commute but it just takes one thing to go wrong and you get delayed and suddey it’s an hour and a half 2 hours. I found mornings ok but getting home after a busy day was exhausting. But plenty of people do fine. Good luck

I work in an office where many people have 2hr commutes but they have the salary to match their effort. The receptionist went through divorce and wanted to move back to the city she lived in as a child but keep her job so she had a 2hour commute but not the salary to match.
It worked fine for about a year and then slowly you could see it was really wearing her down. She did it for 13 months then decided to quit as she was so exhausted and got a job locally which paid the same
I really don't mean to be negative, just trying to give a balanced view with other posters x

Crappy job? Lewismam rude!

OP I'd say what are your reasons for wanting to move? If you love your job I'd stay but you might find in a few months/year's after doing the commute you are ready to move to a job closer to home.

I commuted an hour each way for a minimum wage job for a long time. Reason being I moved home after a break up but I loved my job, my boss and my colleagues. It was the only constant in my life at the time. I wouldn't do it now as it was pre-children but I don't see the issue at all - do whatever makes you happy

I commute an hour and a half each way for a part time job, some people think I'm stupid but it pays well and I'd rather be on the train than working.

Also, I like my job (or at least more than I like the jobs nearer me.)

Do what pleases you, OP.

You can be spending nearly half of your waking hours on a weekday at work. If you have colleagues who are good to work with, and reasonable length of employment, I'd think twice about moving to another job.

Lovely to hear some of your own experiences with this, thank you. To the poster who referred to it as a crappy job, yes it is a low wage (shouldn't be but that's a whole other thread!) but I wouldn't say it is 'crappy' I look after, care for and educate other people's children all day. Financially it is manageable yes, I did it previously for a year but I guess I didn't overthink it as it was 'temporary'

I travel 40 minutes to work slightly over min wage. But due to the shitty bus service semi rural area I live in I have a 30 min 'wait' when i get there and 50 minutes when I finish. It makes for a long shift but I like the job, it does pay slightly more than mine wage and I'm lucky to have permanent hours in hospitality, summer and winter so all in all it's worth the travel time and the waiting around, because I couldn't guarantee that I'd get the same regular hours elsewhere.
If it works for you then you don't need to consider anyone else.

We spend so much of our time in work that I think it is important to be happy in our work.
You say it works financially so I wouldn't give up something so good.

I have about an hour's commute to work(I get the train and cycle a couple of miles to work)My job is just over minimum wage.

I've been asked by a couple of workmates in a different department why I don't get a job in my home town,especially in the winter when it's pouring down or high winds. Simple - I like my workmates,we're a very good and close knit team. Plus our manager is a good bloke.On the whole,I quite like my job,I've been there just over 4 years.

I see the commute as time that no one needs me/wants me/can nag me/call me mum,it's my chill out time.