Job offer but bad commute

[Jennifer S]

I did a one hour commute for 2 years! HATED it. Loved the job but could not wait to quit. Don't do it. You will be late and if it's a spare job sooo not worth it.

I drive 30 min for a PT job. i am ready to quit myself.

 

[FireDancer]

It sounds like your DOT needs to widen some roads. Our here is pretty good at widening 2 lane roads once they get that bad. When I lived in FL they were even better.

That commute sounds like a nightmare.

 

[MarilIncredible]

LOL - I remember when DH got switched from NYC to Princeton, an hour away, and he was thrilled! It took abut 10 minutes longer, but he no longer had to drive to the park and ride and get on a bus.

I live outside Annapolis, MD and work in DC and LOVE the commuter bus. I can nap on the 35 minute trip into the city in the morning and during the 45 minute trip home in the afternoon. SO much better than driving (and way cheaper than paying to park in DC).

 

[Kathi OD]

It sounds like your DOT needs to widen some roads. Our here is pretty good at widening 2 lane roads once they get that bad. When I lived in FL they were even better.

That commute sounds like a nightmare.

There have been discussions about widening Route 206 for years, but it's not a priority for the state. First, it's not in a heavily populated area. Second, there is much local taxpayer resistance to said project. Third, there's no money to widen roads. NONE. Our state is in debt to the tune of $46 Billion.

The commute might be a nightmare for the rest of the country (excluding California), but it is an every day, fact-of-life thing for many people who live in NJ.

 

[Gabes_mommy]

Pass! I took a job with a horrible commute and I only lasted about 9 months - I just couldn't stand spending 2 hours in the car everyday. I ended up finding a job I liked much better too when I left.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I commute 1 1/2 hours in the morning, 2 hours in the evening, every day (public transportation, though). My train comes in at 5:42, and I have to pick up DD at after school care before 6.

Before I accepted the position a year ago (it is a perfect position from a career and salary standpoint, and I had been unemployed for 6 months), DH and I sat down with the kids and talked long and hard about what it would entail for him and the kids (DD10 and DS16). So far it's been fine (and they've ALL become much more responsible!), but the commute wearies me.

If you do take the position, you need to be sure to develop a "what if" scenario with the kids. "If I'm late, this is what you need to do." As long as they know to wait, to go to a neighbor's, to get the key in the garage, it will be fine.

And visit your local library for books on CD! Put the car time to good use! Best wishes.

 

[Nette]

I've come to the point in my life where a long commute is a deal breaker unless we are in a position where we are desperate for the income. I think DH feels the same way.

A few years ago we moved because the commute to work was over an hour for me. We moved less than 5 miles, but it cut my commute in HALF. (And we're in a much nicer neighborhood for not much more money.

 

[Micca]

Sounds like the job is not a fit for you logistically.

 

[luvmy3]

I would be ok with the job if I didn't have to worry about being late to get the kids after school. If i'm late, the kids will be stuck and one time being late would be enough to make it not worth it.

IMO the commute is do-able but since you have other concerns such as this, it sounds like this job is not right for you.

 

[Minnesota!]

I live 7 miles from work and it takes about 20 minutes to get there and then about 25 to get home. When I lived 12 miles out, it took 45 minutes to get back and 30 to get to work.

So, for 16 miles I would assume it would take about an hour around me. And it's all due to traffic. If I were to take the highway, it would take more time. My coworker lives 2 blocks from me and she takes the freeway. It takes her 30 minutes to get to work.

If you feel the job is worth it...and wouldn't be spending all your money on gas...then I would take it.

ETA - just saw about getting to the kids in time. I would rethink it, then...

 

[daughtersrus]

I think that in NJ the average commute is about an hour to as much as an hour and a half.
Depends on how much you want the job and it sounds like you don't.

I think that is pretty average for the Chicago area as well. DH works 14 miles from home. In the morning it takes him about 35-40 minutes (leaving at 6:30) but the ride home is close to an hour (he leave work at 4:30). We're in the suburbs so these are all side roads. If he gets stuck by a train or two, it's a bit longer.

 

[Hillbeans]

I declined being in the running for the job this morning - the recruiter wasn't surprised but I still felt bad.

I just can't deal with that sort of commute and worry about being stuck in traffic and being late to get the kids, i'd rather work closer to home for less money.

 

[Micca]

I declined being in the running for the job this morning - the recruiter wasn't surprised but I still felt bad.

I just can't deal with that sort of commute and worry about being stuck in traffic and being late to get the kids, i'd rather work closer to home for less money.

Life is stressful enough without worrying about being late for the kids(which is some of the worst stress!) Good luck finding something closer to home.

 

[marcyinPA]

Well, my DH drove from the Lehigh Valley to Clifton NJ every day for about 2 years. It was not a picnic, but it was a job. If you're offers are few and far between, or if you really need a job, I'd take it. We are not in the kind of economy in this country where people can be picky.

 

[kacaju]

I grew up in Hillsborough (graduated from HHS in 85) and back then 206 was always a nightmare. As a pp said they have talked about widening 206 for years I doubt it will ever happen.

I am sorry you turned down the job, but it is for the best, you will always be worried about picking up the kids!!

 

[ZeitgeistDuck]

I just ended an assignment in December which was also about 15 miles away but it took me 22 minutes to get there.

I got very, very lost my first trip there and it took me 1 hour and 40 minutes. I think the wind blew out of my sails and now i've had closed roads, pothole repair, detours each time i've made the trip. I think it's a sign.

A sign of what? Spring being road construction seaso?