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Original poster

How far would you travel for £27k job?

38 replies

Coconuttts · 20/05/2021 18:56

Looking for a new job, I'm pretty desperate because I hate being out of work. My last job was a contract that ended last month. I am not in a particularly well paid field, but jobs are out there so I'm luck in that respect.

However, I'm noticing that the jobs coming up are often on the outskirts of my closest city (40-50 min drive). I acknowledge that this isn't earth shattering, but I'm not the most confident driver, plus I need to factor in school runs...

I wondered if this sort of length of drive is worth it, and usual? I have been lucky so far with shorter commutes.

OP posts:
OopsUp · 20/05/2021 18:58

It's way more than my journey but I know some people travel up to 2 hours each way for work.

LadyFlossieParkingson · 20/05/2021 19:24

For 27k seriously...30min max.

The long commute just isnt worth it

ArosGartref · 20/05/2021 19:27

Most mumsnetters won't get out of bed for 27k.

That commute sounds fine to me. And you'll get more confident with driving the more you do it.

LIZS · 20/05/2021 19:30

Sounds fine.

pinksnowball · 20/05/2021 19:34

I'd probably avoid it, nothing to do with the salary but just because I hate long commutes too.

Are there any options to do a few days from home or is it not that kind of job?

You could always take it and keep looking for something closer.

SnarkyBag · 20/05/2021 19:38

20-30 minutes max

Samanabanana · 20/05/2021 19:40

I think that's a long and costly commute for a 27k salary but it's whether you think it's worth it and whether you'd be happy to do it every day. Could you negotiate a permanent arrangement where you can wfh 2-3 days per week?

partyatthepalace · 20/05/2021 19:40

It’s longer than you want but better than being long term out of work, because then it can get really hard to get back - you can always move after 18 months. If you’ve been looking for a while and can sort the school picks (flexi hours?, after school clubs? DP?) then I would for now.

bonfireheart · 20/05/2021 19:41

I do a long commute for average pay which everyone told me was crazy but I knew that it would great for my career (great organisation, great career development) and I was right and it was worth it. Ask yourself if it'll help your career longterm.

Ivy48 · 20/05/2021 19:42

Is it possible to get a train in? If not I would do it but then a 30/40 minutes commute where I live would be into the city centre for example and I would do it for £27k as long as I could afford the transport costs after usual bills and not be left short.

Elouera · 20/05/2021 19:45

I used to commute on the tube that length of time, but driving is very different. 50mins each way, could soon turn into 2hrs a day! Some things to consider:

  • What will it cost in petrol?
  • Is there parking when you get there? How much?
  • Is the journey often congested when you would be travelling?
  • Would the road be affected by heavy snow/ dangerous conditions in winter?
  • Could you commute part or all the way instead and how does that cost compare to fuel and car wear and tear?
LordOfTheOnionRings · 20/05/2021 19:47

I used to travel 45 minutes, needs must.

Killahangilion · 20/05/2021 19:50

Is it a 50 min drive during rush hour period?

I used to work in Bristol and live outside of the city. A 20 min commute could take over an hour when the traffic was particularly bad during the summer months.

PattyPan · 20/05/2021 20:07

No more than 20 minutes! My normal commute is an hour and a half each way for £40k and I resent it/am very much enjoying wfh. I wouldn’t put up with a longer than average commute for a salary which isn’t above average, unless it’s your absolute dream job or you might be able to move closer.

Original poster
Coconuttts · 20/05/2021 20:08

Yeah, I sort of think fir the money it's just a bit too far, also good points about the journey being weather dependent - I hadn't thought of that. I think I'll set my sights a bit closer, even if I need to wait it out a bit.

OP posts:
JemimaMuddledUp · 20/05/2021 20:12

A lot depends on where you live. I live in a rural area and it isn't unusual for people to drive an hour to work for that sort of salary.

One question to consider might be whether going for a role would be likely to mean staying at that salary or if there would be promotion prospects. It might be more worthwhile doing it if it would lead to something more.

tonyunclejohnny · 20/05/2021 20:12

I earn 30k and 11 mins drive away from my workplace. I wouldn't take on a 50 min commute without a very very decent salary

LeroyJenkinssss · 20/05/2021 20:14

It depends really on the school run surely and travel costs. How much flex do you have in your budget? Would you need to pay for parking and is there dedicated staff parking? Are you able to flexi time to start earlier to avoid traffic? Is there any possibility of WFH? Would you have to pay for wrap around care? Is there a chance for progression? Realistically is there another option - I’d certainly pick a closer job but if the choice is that or nothing...

For reference, I travel around 2.5 hrs per working day and spend 7-8% of my salary on travel/car parking. But I don’t have to worry about the DC as DH is a SAHP, that would have impacted my decision to stay in this job and my salary is more so the relative impact is less.

converseandjeans · 20/05/2021 20:15

ladyflossieparkingson
For 27k seriously...30min max.

You do realise that for some people this is a decent salary? You obviously rather more!

LavendulaAngustifolia · 20/05/2021 20:21

I wouldn't want to do it for very long but if there wasn't many other opportunities I would do it. If it was job I could see myself doing for a really long time I'd move closer.

proopher · 20/05/2021 20:23

It depends on more than the salary for me ... I'm far more likely to travel further for a job I enjoy, rather than anything to do with the salary.

50 mins is completely normal in some places. When I worked in London I didn't know anyone with a commute less than that, and we were all recent graduates on about £20k.

Original poster
Coconuttts · 20/05/2021 20:25

I think occasional working from home might be considered, but most employers seem to have that as a temporary plan, aiming to bring staff all back eventually, for these roles I've seen anyway.

My gut has been saying that for the wage it seems too far, but then I wondered if I needed a reality check about this, having worked pretty close to home for most of my working life (20 min commute, max).

I know 27k isn't mega-bucks.

OP posts:
HelpMeh · 20/05/2021 20:32

I'm considering a similar commute for a 26k job BUT it is something very specific that I want to do and comes with some really extensive training. I'd rather it was in a more convenient location though!

SwedishEdith · 20/05/2021 20:42

But aren't most jobs going to be on the outskirts or in your closest city? Can you get a train? I think that length of commute for that salary is completely normal for lots of people.

MilduraS · 20/05/2021 20:52

I'm a really unconfident driver but my drive to work was second nature after a couple of months. It involves pulling out on to a busy A road, some country lanes and a nasty single lane bridge around a blind corner in the morning (opposite direction is fine). The first couple of weeks were the worst and my heart used to start racing before I'd even left the house. It's been three years and I love my commute now. Still not a fan of the bridge but it doesn't fill me with dread and despite the tricky roads, my journey varies by 10 minutes max. My older safe commute into the town centre used to take anything from 20 minutes to 60 minutes and I could never predict it.