Stay on with a much longer commute, or hold out for something better?

[FlappicusSmith]

I'm on a FTC and have about 4 months left. My manager is keen to keep me on, but the only role coming up is based in a different office, which would mean a far longer commute (c. 2.5 hrs each way via train). It is only 1 day a week in the office though...

I need to decide in the next week whether to go for it. On the plus side, it would give me more experience on my CV (I career changed after a long career doing something completely different, and this is my first role). Downside is the commute - I currently commute about 1.5hrs each way, and that exhausts me as it is. However, would turning it down be foolish given the risk of not finding something else before my contract expires??

What would you do??

Unless you’re in a very shortage occupation in the current job climate I would go for it. The commute is far from ideal but it’s only 1 day a week so is probably do-able.
Just keeping looking for jobs nearer to home, either with the same company or externally and hopefully something will come up soon

Is your current commute by train? Would you need to change trains? Could you stay closer the night before? I think 5 hours commuting a day is a lot but on a train it is easier than driving

@Cracinbik not a shortage per se, but jobs do come up frequently. However, I fear that my lack of experience in this particular field (despite 15+ years transferable skills) often takes me out of the running. So staying on would bolster my CV.

@Gizlotsmum Current commute is by train with one change. New commute would be two changes, however the 2nd and 3rd leg would be on a frequently serviced and pretty reliable route. Don't want to stay closer the night before as that just turns the whole thing into a bit of an epic (and expensive) enterprise. I think they'll probably be relaxed about what time I get into the office, esp if I say I'll work on the train in.

One day a week I’d go for it. I currently travel 1.hr 10mins each way 4x a week. Nightmare really but needed the job. One long day I think will be ok any more def not.

If it will enhance your CV and is only one day owr week I'd say take it. A triangle commute can be quite nice - find a way to treat the time as "me time" and use it for something for you, learn to knit/ watch a film etc.

Then keep an eye out for something that uses this new experience but isn't such a commute. I've had a similar set up and I'd much rather have one long train commute pw than a shorter drive every day.

I day a week is fine. I’d not turn it down without another job lined up just now.