To be considering leaving my job because of this?

[fadedafternoons]

I live in a village about 5 miles from work.

There are ongoing roadworks just outside the village meaning road closures and diversions.

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that at peak times it’s like an island, no one can get in or out. It takes me an hour and a half to get to work. Coming home is hit and miss.

I’m utterly sick to death of it.

AIBU?

The road works on the A14 are unbelievably bad. If you don't live in the middle of you have no idea of the utter horror. Because it's so awful it pushes the traffic into the country lanes through the towns. It is carnage every. Single. Day.
My sympathies OP

As soon as I saw the title of this thread I knew where you lived. I am in the same boat. I cannot leave any earlier than I do as breakfast club doesn't open until 8am and every single route into Cambridge is gridlocked by then.

I am contemplating getting an electric bike but they are £££.

Of course you can’t cycle on the A14. But other roads are available, and the path beside the bus way.
I work with 2 colleagues from a village off the A14. One day in their car for 1.5 hours today. The other took 45 mins to cycle down the busway

Some of the necklace villages around Cambridge have safe cycle routes into town (Histon, Milton, Hardwick, Comberton) others really do not have safe routes.

I would get/rent an ebike and give it a try. There's lots of cycle lanes, some are not along roads. It is a nightmare there though, we moved

I feel your pain op. One way or the other I have been stuck in road works for years. Latest is 23 weeks roadworks near work and similar nearer home, Also the last few weeks there has been temporary traffic lights on a busy route near my home causing delays. It is driving me to the edge.

I wouldn’t recommend cycling in. On my local Facebook page there’s several posts about how dangerous it is cycling into Cambridge. The A14 upgrade has effected the junctions crossing the A14, and cycle lines have temporarily closed. Adding to the fact there’s no street lights and cars jumping red lights, now is not the time for a beginner to cycle in. Even experienced cyclists are put off.

I LOVE how the op hasn't given any indication of where she lives, but we've all automatically assumed roadworks/traffic=A14

get a grip if it's temporary!

Have a look at your local council's website - that will give you information about the roadworks, how long and where.

Contact your local councillor and explain the situation. Contact your local MP too (although they've probably got other things on their mind at the moment).

WE had this problem - nobody coordinating roadworks which meant we were (literally) in danger of not being able to get from the estate into town. Local councillor spoke to local council and got them to stagger the work. Also chivvied them up when they went over time ...

It seems like you’re feeling sorry for yourself, which is understandable. But you’re not a victim here. You do have choices. If you like your job, you could move closer to work if you’re not bothered about your job try and find one That’s nearer to you, or in the other direction. Have a chat with your bosses and see whether you can start earlier or later, and finish early or later. Perhaps you can work from home?

If you really do live somewhere that has never-ending roadworks then I would suggest that you move. That can’t be pleasant weather en route to work or anywhere else. Otherwise stop wallowing and look for a practical solution.

What are you going to live on if you give up work? If you're independently wealthy, do what you like.

I sympathise with your position - I contemplated giving up a new job when the 18miles to work was taking nearly 2 hours each way (average 9mph) due to them deciding to do the East Midlands rail freight terminal, build a section of smart motorway and the Kegworth bypass all at the same time.

I do wonder when they cost up the benefits of some of these schemes whether they take into account the misery they cause 100s of people for years.

@LochJessMonster actually OP has confirmed she's trapped in the seventh circle of hell that is anywhere near the A14 roadworks. OP's post in reply to @HugoSpritz at 08.02.45.

Is it possible to park your car beyond the roadworks and walk the remaining distance? Only have the last bit on Friday night and Monday morning?

God this would drive me mad. Full sympathies but no ideas to offer, sorry.
Am so glad that I got a home based job, still involving travel some days but not like a daily commute. Any home based jobs going in your area??

I feel for you OP, I’ve had to change my working hours because it was taking.1/2 hour to do just 1 mile getting out of an office park centre, and that trust me was the easy bit.

To many cars on the road, to many people, to many roadworks, potholes, traffic lights. I hate it.

I think it’s a bit harsh about wallowing, some of us have complications in life to deal with and to add a bad journey to work (that was previously ok) can be the last straw. I’ve just lost someone from my team at work because of commuting problems. OP hope you find a solution that works for you.

I know you don't like the thought of cycling, but I spent 2 years cycling to work and back 7.5 miles away in all weathers. I actually got really into it. It would take 30 mins each way, and that was before ebikes so would take you maybe 25 mins? That's got to be better than quitting your job... and saves on a gym membership!

Sounds a bit like what I've been through the past two years with major motorway work making my commute three times the length it should be some mornings (M5 - just two junctions!)

The end is hopefully in sight but I've fantasised about quitting and that was before the roadworks over ran by what will end up being almost a year.

You need to be proactive and check which roads will be closed and when, work out the best route and not stress about stuff you can't change.

I know it's hard though, I've done almost two years of it.

Lots of people work those hours

Commuting is one of the genuine stressors of going to work. I have an hours trip which is ok in summer but gruelling at this time of year and particularly if the weather is bad. There is something horrible about going to work and returning in the dark. Look around you for other opportunities that could make life easier.

Zoejj77 and in most cases they choose to work those hours. I have a 20 minute commute and wouldn't be happy if it suddenly got a lot longer as I don't intend to spend my life travelling. It's bad enough that I have to go to work, life's far got short for a long commute on top!

OP I have no advice for you but you have my sympathy

Sitting in stop start traffic is also a totally different experience to driving for the same length of time when you're actually moving.

I empathise with OP, sitting in traffic is just soul destroying. My last job was based 6 miles from my home, and home journey could take up to two hours on a bad day.

The nearby motorway was being changed to a a smart motorway, and the works went on for years. The had a bad knock on effect on major surrounding rounds.

I was luckier than you because there were a number of other roads I could use, but it was always bad on the evening journey.

I didn't like my job very much, and have been lucky enough to get a new job which I can walk to. I feel so much happier.