Is it silly to avoid commuting?

[Ivyleaguestoner]

I'm a confident driver, driven all over the country, in central London etc. Yet I have managed to avoid ever having a job with a long commute. I always move jobs so I can walk to work or get the bus. I just cannot stand being stuck in traffic. The rare times where I have to drive in peak traffic, e.g. to get DC's to holiday camps or to pick up relatives, I have become very aware that I would do anything to avoid waiting in traffic with my engine running. It feels like such a waste of time and bad for the planet.

I've taken a job which is necessary for my career progression and excellent in all other ways but is an hours drive away, travelling in peak times.
I'm wondering about driving up early on Monday morning, when dp can take the DC's to school and leaving my car there (I will need a car to do the job) and then getting the train back home. Then I have to cycle half an hour (flat, easy route, no roads) and then get the train daily. I will then drive back on Friday.
People think I'm crazy as I drive and have a car but I'm really worried that it will be harder to start the new job stressed from a horrid commute in a sweaty car (it will be summer) and then start a new job.
Thoughts?

Of course it's not. I've actively looked for jobs that have meant a much easier commute.

I would totally do this. I also have avoided commuting by car so far in my career and would far rather walk or cycle/public transport even if it takes longer. One day a week I have to work a fair distance away. I set off at 6am, drive for an hour and a bit, then ditch the car and cycle the last bit. This means no traffic, a shorter drive and some exercise.

I have a bike rack so carry my bike with me rather than leaving it.

I wouldn't take a job in those circumstances! Can you move somewhere eloser to the job? I have done that in the past, many times in fact.

I’m a bit confused why you will be driving Monday and Friday but train and cycle the rest of the week? Why can’t you train and cycle every day?

If your car is being kept somewhere new for the majority of the time it may well affect your insurance. Please check this as part of your decision.

If it works for you do it, but if you’re worried about arriving sweaty, how about arriving windswept and rained on?
Any possibility of car pooling with anyone?

See how you feel. Sounds like you've got options. I hadn't driven for a commute before and then found it very easy. Nice little cocoon out of bad weather, find a radio station you like, invest in one of those coffee cups that keeps warm. Could be great.

@Clusterfunk so I can leave the car by my work. I don't have a drive at home so it could potentially be safer!

She's leaving the car, and going home by bike.

Because she needs the car during the curse of her work.

-"course" not "curse" but great typo!

but I'm really worried that it will be harder to start the new job stressed from a horrid commute in a sweaty car (it will be summer) and then start a new job

Surely a 30min cycle then a busy train every morning will acheive the same effect?

My commute to work has ended up being one of the things I miss about WFH. Getting in the car, music on, driving to work...better than going from the bedroom, to the kitchen, to the office.

You've been lucky not to have a commute so far but I'd change your mindset now and resign yourself that a commute = careers progression and such it up. Nobody likes being stuck in traffic but you get used to it!

Then I have to cycle half an hour (flat, easy route, no roads) and then get the train daily. I will then drive back on Friday.
People think I'm crazy as I drive and have a car but I'm really worried that it will be harder to start the new job stressed from a horrid commute in a sweaty car (it will be summer) and then start a new job.

Sounds completely batshit if i’m honest. It’s hot for like 2 months a year here surely?
Why would cycling in the heat make you any less sweaty than being in a car??
Your logic doesn’t really follow.

I have recently had to drive to work for first time ever - hate it and it’s only been 3 weeks! Always cycled or Tube before. Totally get your reservations. If the job is worth it then trying it out? Or can you go in early/finish early to avoid worst traffic?

Having to do the cycle and train every morning (except monday) would mean you aren't about much to help with school run would it, given the amount of time it would add on to beginning of day.

Which is a little bit self indulgent to leave all that up to one parent just because you didn't fancy the drive.

I don't see avoiding a bad commute as silly. It can have a big effect on your quality of life.

It is an individual choice and for some people it won't be a big deal and the other opportunities from a particular job outweigh the commute. It will depend on your own tastes and circumstances.

Other people wouldn't enjoy the bike/train option, but if you find it less stressful than driving daily, that's up to you.

I love the sound of your bike/train option as it should be better for the environment overall, plus you get the exercise of the bike ride on a regular basis. However, you may find that the train is also stressful (often late or cancelled, standing room only, expensive). I guess you could try it and see?

Is it possible there would be any effect on your car insurance if you're leaving it parked up near your workplace, rather than at home, during the week?

Well I think commuting is one thing to take into account when choosing a job. It's a lot of wasted time and takes its toll.

That said you seem to be going to quite some extremes to try avoid it. I question whether your dislike for commuting (by car) is clouding your judgement for what is a reasonable arrangement. It seems odd to make much more complicated travel plans just to avoid going by car.

Can you not go by train anyway? Lift or taxi to station.

Not crazy at all. I’ve loved the last (almost) three years working from home and can barely believe DH and I used to travel a minimum of 90 mins a day (round trip) to work. I’ve just applied for voluntary redundancy as the payout will be huge and I’m only going to be applying for home working jobs if it’s approved 🤞

You should do what’s right for you @Ivyleaguestoner Don’t worry about what other people think.

I don't think you are crazy to do this. It makes a lot of sense. May be if more people found ways to cycle and use the train instead of commuting by car would be less stressful for those with no choice!

In my experience it would also take little or no longer than driving a similar distance with the benefit of daily exercise as part of your routine so no need to take extra time for exercise.

Some people are so car fixated they will never get why you would want to do this.

You could try both ways and see which you like best. You might find the train is crowded or frequently late or cancelled, or it might be fine. You can change your mind every week based on the weather, your work commitments that week, or just how you are feeling.

Me, I’d get a car with air-con and listen to radio 4 during the journey.

But we’re all allowed to make our own choices.

The main problem I see with this is whether it will leave your DP doing all the school runs/nursery drop offs and whether or not that’d be fair? Which only you know the answer to.

other than that I don’t blame you. My long commute is crap, even with audiobooks and podcasts.

It's quite obvious you dislike driving and you can choose whatever commuting options you like, but your reasons are disingenuous. Driving in hot weather is way more comfortable than cycling and taking the train. I say this as someone who used to commute 1h each way, which often turned into 2h on jam packed commuter trains. It's not fun.