Friends I Need SERIOUS Advice - Those Who Commute Via Public Transportation To Work

[matcom]

I have been offered a job. Quite out of the blue. I have turned it down once but they have counter-offered.

This would be a dream job. So much so that I probably wouldn't be able to publicly post who I worked for on this or any other message board.

Having said that, this commute would involve a 15 minute drive to a train station and then an hour to an hour and a half (each way) on the train. My transport $$ would be picked up by my employer 100% and they have told me they would be flexible with my train schedule.

Their counter offer has me at about $10k more annually than I make now.

The $$ has nothing to do with this being my 'dream job'.

So, if you are a public transport commuting DUer I would LOVE to hear your thoughts. I've always worked fairly close to home.

Oh and selling my house and moving is OUT of the question.

Thanks.

[Bunny]

1. Holy crap - a 3+ hour/day commute??

That would suck, IMO. Three+ hours a day seems like a LOT of wasted time for only 10K more/year.

Of course, I don't take public transportation to work, so I'm not really qualified to answer your question. I hope others have a better response.

Edited because I cannot add.

[Richardo]

42. They're flexible about commute times? DO IT.

I had that commute (90 mins each way) in the Bay Area in the 90's, except I HAD to be there by 8AM. Do the math - that was a 5:30AM alarm no matter how you figure it. You get used to it. Bonus: You can sleep on the train - in both directions.

For a dream job at +$10K, seems like a slam dunk. :bounce:

[Bunny]

45. I drive 45 minutes each way, and there are day when I totally hate it.

Of course, if I didn't live in Hooterville and there was actual public transportation here, I would love to take the train.

PS - I get up at 5:00 every morning! :hangover:

[Richardo]

47. Me too. Muthafuckin 5 AM.

My drive is 40 minutes each way (at least) for a 20-mile drive. Luckily I'm in a carpool so we get on the HOV lane, otherwise the trip would be 50-70 minutes, and that's leaving no later than 6:15. :hangover: is right.

If we had a train I'd be dead asleep in both directions. :boring:

[Parche]

2. COMMUTE

Hey
I take this everyday to work here in Portland Oregon
it is awesome, I have met a lot of awesome people on the MAX and the bus
and a few times I have had some 'flings' but we wont talk about that!!!! :rofl:

It is awesome as I dont have to pay for parking either
and it is easy to do

[GOPisEvil]

3. Can you be somewhat productive on the train?

Does it have wireless internet? I'd hate to think of that much time out of my day just totally wasted.

Edit - though, you can't put a price on a dream job.

[matcom]

7. no wireless on the train but I could get work done locally

[GOPisEvil]

9. You know what? You should do it!

How often does the dream job you've been waiting for come up?

You're not that hot on the place you work now, right? F 'em!

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

18. That's what books are for.

It took me a while to learn to read on the bus without getting sick, but now I never take the crosstown without a book.

[Midlodemocrat]

34. Shouldn't the question be "Can you be somewhat productive"?

:hide:

Kidding, matcom, kdding. You already know how I feel about this. GO FOR IT!!!!!

[swimboy]

92. What on earth did it say before it was edited!

:rofl:

[huskerlaw]

4. I commute.

Basically an hour each-way. I walk to the bus stop, take the bus for about 3 miles, then hop on the subway the rest of the way.

Honestly, it's not that bad. Unless the bus schedule is off or a subway train breaks down. ;)

I just take along my iPod and a book, and the commute is far more enjoyable than being stuck in traffic. It also cuts down on car-related expenses (gas, upkeep, etc).

In an even more extreme example, one of my co-workers takes the Metrolink (basically like an Amtrack train) for over an hour each way. She loves it. Her train has wireless internet and plush seating (unlike the LA subway), and she actually gets work done during her commute.

Hope that helps. And congratulations!

[Sequoia]

5. I take public transportation.

I get to:


Read my book

Drink my cofee

Be warm in winter, cool on hot days

Drops me off near work

Don't have to white knuckle the steering wheel

Only pay $10 a month for it, and I take it almost every day.

Save $$$$ in gas

Talk to people

No road rage for me

Enjoy the scenery of morning fog whisping through vineyards as the is rising and sparkels on water

GO FOR IT!

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

6. So is the extra 10K

worth 10 to 15 hours of commuting a week? Spread over a normal work year (50 weeks) meaning 500 to 750 hours on the train? Per hour that equates to $13.3333 for the 750 hours and $20 per hour for the 500 hours. Does that make sense?
For the record I've never had any real kind of commute but never had any jobs where people sought me out to work for them. If this company makes this offer, are there others that might top it?
:)

[matcom]

8. nothing would top this job

and it could launch a thousand ships

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

22. Then I think

you have answered your own question! :) :toast:

[Dave Reynolds]

10. When I lived in Washington,

my commute was 2.5 to 3 hours a day. Walk to the bus stop, ride the bus to a boat dock, ride the boat to another dock, and then another bus to work.

Caught up on my sleep, or read on the boat.

[Book Lover]

11. So, three hours of uninterrupted reading time each weekday, eh?

My commute is 15 minutes in the car to the train, 25 minutes on the train, and 20 minutes walking to the office: my 25 minute train ride is the best part of the deal, IMO. I listen to my Mandarin language mp3s, or read, or people watch. I find no downside to commuting this way. Good luck, you lucky Mr Counteroffer you!

[Breeze54]

12. Rent a studio near the new job for the workdays.

That's what my sister and her husband have done over the years, to avoid long, daily commutes.

Boston to New York; New York to Chicago, etc.

[AngryAmish]

90. aka "The Stabbin' Cabin"

[sir_captain]

13. It's not that bad

I spent a few years with a 2 hour (1 hour in each direction) commute. It's a pain in the ass, and there are certainly days you wish you could take some magic transporter home, but if it's for your career, I think you just have to take the lumps and go for it.

Is there some reason you couldn't drive the whole way? I've never commuted that distance by car, but I feel I'd be less frustrated being in my own environment with the radio and so on.

[matcom]

14. would be a nightmare via car

think 20 miles west INTO Boston

[sir_captain]

17. Ah, yes, that would do it.

There's nothing quite as fun as driving around Boston.

[Breeze54]

21. That is NOTHING!!!!!! LMAO!

20 miles into Boston?? I can see, with the parking situation, that driving would be a problem.
Unless there's parking at the site, then drive it. You'll just have to leave 15 minutes earlier.
Or drive to a commuter rail station, park and then take the train. Or do Ride Share.
Is that where the new job is located? Boston?
My sister commutes daily from Hopkinton into Boston via car. She's doing fine.

[matcom]

23. i'd be coming from Ashland!!

the PIKE every day?

:scared:

[Breeze54]

25. I live very close to you!

:hi: Neighbor!

Ashland has a Commuter Rail stop now, as does Hopkinton; Framingham and Natick.

I commuted from Medway to Marlborough and that took an hour and a half in a car! :)

Just scope out the parking and take the train and walk to work from the station.
Are you closer to the South or the North station?

My sister takes the pike everyday into Boston. She's an RN.

You'll be fine! If I were you and I had parking at the job?
I'd drive it and just go in early and then get coffee or breakfast before work. ;)
But I like being in control and I don't like sharing other peoples colds.

=================

Ashland Rail

wheelchair accessible station / parking available

On Pleasant Street next to the restaurant off of Route 135

Parking Spaces: 678

Parking Rate: $2.00

Accessible Parking Spaces: 16

Bike Spaces: N/A

Comments:
This lot is owned and operated by the MBTA.

http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/stations/?stopId=24437

Passes / Tickets Rail

$1.70 - $7.75 Zones 1A - 8

$59 - $250 Monthly Pass, unlimited travel to and from your zone
plus travel on all bus, subway and Inner Harbor Ferry.

50% Seniors and Persons with Disabilities

[matcom]

30. didn't know you lived so close!

LET'S GET TOGETHER!!!

its NOrth Station. Parking = yes.

need a new car. not sure how early I could go in. will find that out later. suppose if I could get in at 7 it would be better and leave early.

i'll figure all this out

[Breeze54]

32. Are you new to Massachusetts?

Are you near downtown Ashland?
There is parking at the job? That's awesome! Then drive it!
It's all in the timing when you drive it.
It takes a few dry runs to get your timing down.
There are short cuts to the pike from downtown Ashland too! Back roads.
15 minutes, either way, can make the difference.
Your goal is to get on the road before that hours rush! ;)
That's what I strived to do going North on 495 in the AM.
I usually timed it pretty well. I'm sure you'll figure it out.
Take the job!! Sounds like a great opportunity! :)

:toast:

It's an hour from Ashland to North Station

8:46 AM Depart from Ashland Station
9:33 AM Arrive at Back Bay Station
9:49 AM Arrive at North Station

[Gormy Cuss]

15. You're talking about the T commuter rail, I presume?

It takes a while to get into a groove but usually commuter rail is rather pleasant. People nap, work, read. I don't know whether the T does quiet cars yet but if they don't one loud cell user can ruin the whole trip. You should try to do a test run on the actual morning train that you would use most often to see how many seats are available, or ask people on the platform. Standing that distance every day gets old fast.

If you're thinking of a subway commute, definitely do a few test runs. The subways don't have the same definable space --- lots of crowding and jostling even for some of the seated passengers. When I lived there I was a reverse commuter and used to read the Globe on the way to work each morning and do some work on the trip home. The advantage for me was once I got home I did no more work for the evening.


Don't forget that in addition to your 10K bump in salary you are saving wear and tear on your vehicles and saving $$$ in gas money.

[rug]

16. I wouldn't travel 3 hours a day to masturbate elephants..

[bicentennial_baby]

19. What line will you be riding?

:)

[Mrs.Matcom]

35. Hey Baby!

I will PM you the details...:hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

39. I'll be on the look out!

:hug:

[Shakespeare]

20. I'm in the minority here, but you just may hate the commute. I did.

I was in a similar situation a few years ago when I was in northern California. Better job, WAY better money, etc., but the commute into the city was about 90 minutes each way via Golden Gate Transit (very cushy, very nice buses).

After about a year, I felt absolutely inhuman--I had to get up REALLY early every day (hideously early) to catch the 6:25 a.m. bus, and wouldn't get home most nights until 7:30, assuming there were no traffic snarls. Then it was basically eat dinner and go to bed, and start all over the next day. I ended up exhausted and depressed. Got a lot of reading done, but ultimately the exhaustion and depression were a bigger factor. I know some people do it happily, and I thought I could, but I'd advise you to REALLY think hard about it before you make the jump.

[asthmaticeog]

24. I'd say do it.

It's your dream job? The money's great? They're paying for transport AND giving you flex schedule? Other than the loooong commute, where's the problem?

If it were me I'd take the job, but I'm single and I don't own a home, so it's maybe a wee bit apples & oranges.

[yewberry]

26. I've had pretty good luck with public transportation.

When I've had long transit commutes, I've been in a position to get work done and reading done. I'm also a serious iPod convert--those NPR podcasts are free and there are lots of them (This American Life, All Things Considered, Car Guys, Wait Wait Don't tell me, etc).

It's a real money-saver. (Okay, so I don't have my own car--I share one with my husband.) At the same time, no gas, insurance, parking, tolls--you get the idea.

I used to do a car commute that took about the kind of effort you're looking at. I lived in Peabody and worked in Brookline--(*&#! 128 to #$@! 9 and then back again) and I'd never do it again with a car.

I guess it's about how much you're willing to compromise for the dream. The lost hours at home are really worth considering; the logistics of the commute and what to do with your time are the easy part.

Good luck!

[AwakeAtLast]

27. First, congrats on the offer

Second, I don't commute, but I will relay my husband's and sister's routes.

My husband drives 45 min. to 1 hr. one way to his job. We live near Indy. He leaves early, comes home late and is usually exhausted.

My sister rides the El (yep, Chicago) for about 1 hr. total. She takes books on tape and her iPod and when she gets home she has energy to do lots of other things.

Hope this is helpful - let us know how it goes! :hi:

[Xipe Totec]

28. Sounds like my commute

Except that instead of a 15 minute drive, it's a 15 minute walk to the 'T', then an hour's commute on public transport, then a 15 minute walk at the other end.

Hour and a half each way.

Yea, it's doable, but not exactly a bed of roses.

Being able to read on the 'T' is a plus. If you plan for it, you can actually get some enjoyment out of it.

[izzybeans]

29. My cousin's father-in-law has a commute like that. he starts his workday on the train

He loves it.

I used to take public transit in jersey and I miss the hell out of it.

[yvr girl]

31. Two questions for you...

1. If you are able to work on the train, could part of your commute time be considered 'work time' by your new employer? (e.g. could you download your emails remotely from home, answer them on the train and then send them when you get to work; use that time to get work done uninterruped by co-workers etc.) If they'd consider this option, then your day won't be that much longer.

2. Will the job itself be more satisfying? Extra money is great, but doing something you LOVE is worth even more.

[Midlodemocrat]

33. Huh. Who knew Drudge was hiring?

:hide:

:rofl:

[ikojo]

36. I have had a commute like that and

did NOT like it one bit. I think of quality of life issues...you will spend AT LEAST three hours a day just getting to and from work. That is no fun, regardless of whether you can read, sleep or do whatever on the train. It still means you have to get up earlier than you do now. Sure $10k a year more sounds good but in reality is it really worth spending 15 hours a week commuting? What happens when there is a snow storm and it takes LONGER to get to work and get home?

I don't think so and was very happy when the company I work for moved a little bit closer to where I live.

[Breeze54]

37. There is no way it's a 3 hour commute...

just saying. It's approx. an hour by train,
where matcom is going, from what he's saying.

[liontamer]

38. You should give it a shot

that kind of commute is fairly common around here. It's easier if you're just sitting on a train, rather than driving for an hour and a half. If you hate it, you can always switch to something closer, or see what kind of telecommuting options are available.

Congratulations on landing your dream job!

[Mrs.Matcom]

40. TAKE THE JOB!!!!!!

But that is just my opinion... :* :loveya: Oh, and I will pack you a nip of scotch and some ice and water for the ride home!! :D

[matcom]

41. Johnny Walker BLUE???

:P

[greatauntoftriplets]

43. LOL, the boss has spoken.

Seriously, he sounds really excited about the job. I'd hate the length of the commute (mine jumped 10 months ago from 30 - 40 minutes driving each way to one hour each way and there is no good public transportation to take that would require less time), but the train can be fun. When I worked in downtown Chicago, I did take the suburban Metra commuter train and loved it.

[Midlodemocrat]

68. WORD, girlfriend!!!!

He needs to take the job. He will love it and my brother, who is one of the greatest guys on the planet, LOVED his commute time on train. He read, napped, whatever.

Going to a job you LOVE is worth jumphing through hoops!!!!

Plus, just think of all the SHOES you can buy with the extra $$$$$.

Kidding.


Not really.

[dropkickpa]

44. I commute by bus

And, even though my work is now closer to home, because I leave later I have a much more congested ride in the morning (but the time spent commuting is still cut in half). I actually miss the reading time I used to get, I only get about 20 minutes each way now instead of 45. When I was in school, I perfected the art of the bus nap, I'd get that extra hour every day in the morning an counted on it.

I like commuting. I never have to worry about parking (or paying for it!! $20/day at either site), the weather isn't usually any kind of factor, as the bus can make it through just about everything (they're the ones who provide the most street clearing after snow in my neighborhood, we're just a short-cut to the city salt and plow trucks, not worthy of their precious plow or salt supply), and I like not contributing to the traffic congestion (nothing like Boston's traffic, but still not pleasant).

**edited to add - I earn less than I used to in my former career and spend more time commuting, but I love what I do which more than makes up for it. Doing something you love counts for a LOT!

[Rabrrrrrr]

46. That travel time is ALL YOURS dude - it's what I miss most not having public transport.

I hate all that my driving time is fucking wasted time; time of my life I will never, ever fucking get back.

When I lived in NYC and had a commute, I got a half-hour to an hour of reading in every day on the way to work and on the way home.

If it was a difference between driving a half hour to one job, or taking a train for 1.5 hours to a job I really loved, I'd take the job: better job, AND I'd get a lot more reading (or drawing, or painting, or just sitting and thinking, or even work) done.

Driving IS A WASTE OF LIFE.

Congratulations on the job offer!!! Exciting!

[matcom]

48. thanks pal

great info :thumbsup:

[Shell Beau]

49. Go for it! You will always regret it if you don't!

I commute (via my own car) every day at least 2 hours total a day! Wouldn't trade it for anything! It takes getting used to, but once you do, you are set!! Good luck!!! :thumbsup:

[Kat45]

50. I assume you're talking about commuter rail into Boston?

I've never taken it, but from what I hear it's not bad. If I were you, I wouldn't sell your house either.

You lucky shit, having employers seek you out! I'm having a heck of a time even finding jobs to apply for. And the last one I had a phone interview for is still going through their resumes because they got hundreds of them--yes, that's hundreds, plural. Glad to hear you've got it going on. :hi:

[jmm]

51. An hour to an hour and a half each way?

Since they seem flexible with your schedule see if there are any express trains that don't make as many stops and try to work around those hours. You could easily save half an hour each way if you take the right train. I can walk to work now but I've taken the commuter rail, buses, and trains before and I liked it. When I use to commute from Somerville to South Attleboro or Salem to Cambridge I got to read a book a week, make good use of my portable DVD player and be entertained by wanna-be American Idols, couples getting rather friendly, some guy getting dumped on his nextel...

The commuter rail overall is pretty damn reliable until there's more than a few inches of snow. Then it can be pretty horrible so if next winter is bad expect 1 hr+ delays and some trains to stop running completely.

[SOteric]

52. I do a lot of commuting for all three of my jobs,

some driving and some on the State Ferry system. The ride on the ferry is by far the best part of it. I can crank up my mp3 player and get some reading done; meditate; chat with the regulars; or set my watch and catch a 45 minute snooze.

I know that DS1 had a long commute for a time after taking his new job a while back. But the major part of what he hated about it was having to drive with idiots in traffic. (Okay, to be fair, idiots bother him even if they're not in traffic.) If you're on a commuter train, a bus or a ferry, your exposure to these things is somewhat dialed down.

[Silver Swan]

53. I got up at 4:30 AM

I had a similar commute for a few years. My train ride was 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours each way. I read at least one book a day, plus the newspaper while on the train. I also finished the crossword puzzle.

It wasn't too bad, but I was happy to retire! Now I sleep until 9:00.

[graywarrior]

54. I worked in Boston and lived in Gloucester

Took the train every day five days a week. You can get more done on the train than in the office, OR you can sleep on the train.

Do it. It's better than driving. I also took the bus/train from Lynn/Swampscott to Boston for 7 years. Piece of cake.

[Godhumor]

55. Well, I have a 90 minute commute by car now

3 hours of driving each day, I commuted by public transportation an hour and 20 minutes away for years, and I lived 90 minutes away from Tokyo by train while in Japan. In each case I've found something to occupy my time (public transportation was reading and sleeping, mainly.), but the 3 hours of driving per day right now kinda sucks.

That said, you just need to ask yourself one question--will I regret 10 years from now not taking this job? If the answer is yes then take it and consider the transportation time as "me" time where you can veg out without other responsibilities.

[VelmaD]

56. how much longer is it that your current commute time...

to work? Is it a lot more?

Because it seems like a lot of time you won't be able to spend with Mrs. Matcom.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

57. I'm a huge fan of public transit

I'd rather ride a train for an hour than drive for an hour any day.

Sure, you can listen to your own music when you drive, but nifty little inventions like iPods and Walkmans mean that you can do so on the train. Plus, you can read. Ah, bliss! (Or knit, if that's your thing. :-) ) You can even nap.

[mcscajun]

58. I've done exactly that commute. Did it for years. It's very, very

wearing on you in no time at all. The older you are, the more wearing.

You'll lose, at minimum, four hours out of your life every single day you work. Four Hours. Four Unpaid Hours. How long before that extra $10k gets eaten up by those unpaid hours and your dream job looks less than dreamy?

Others have mentioned the weather, and this is another serious consideration. Will telecommuting on really bad weather days be an option? There ain't Nothing more obnoxious than shlepping out in the ice and snow to clean off your car, park it, trudge to the train, and repeat the whole business when you're tired after a long day's work before you can get home again.

How dreamy is the job, and how badly do you want it? Is there another 'dream job' out there somewhere closer to home?

Things to ponder...
:hi:

[Breeze54]

61. I liked the commute time!

It was MY hour and 20 minutes, one way, without kids and without a boss!! :rofl:
I listened to my music and drove the car my way!
Sometimes fast, sometimes slow. Stopped when I wanted.
Opened the windows when I wanted. It was heaven! :) My daily mini-vacation!

[Redneck Socialist]

59. I commuted an hour each way for over a year

and it sucked big time. That was two hours tacked onto an already long day. Granted I was driving so that made it worse. A commute with someone else at the wheel would have been more tolerable, but as others have posted it gets mighty wearying, mighty quick.

I don't know that that will help you with your decision, I mean 10g's is pretty hard to turn down, but that commute is going to eat up far more of you life than you expect.

[salin]

60. I just started using wireless modem - anywhere anytime....

if you have a laptop - and use a wireless internet system - you can do all your DU time (and any other surfting) during the commute. And then free the at home time to be without any internet time? Not a great solution (as it assumes two to three hours a day of internet time.) - But perhaps one that might make the time work. I use nextel (almost as fast as broad band, and sometimes faster) and I think verizon also has the same type of wireless service. Long way to say - if you can find a way to make that travel time "productive" to you - and do it in a way that minimizes time at home that you might otherwise be spent with the family that you might find a way to make the negative aspect of taking the dream job, a little less negative.

[BlackVelvet04]

62. I lived in the DC area

and commuted into DC via bus or carpool. I found the commute exhausting, but I'm not a morning person and I had to get up at 5:00 a.m. to make it to work by 8:30.

I don't think there is a job dreamy enough for me to sacrifice 3 hours of my day to commuting.

[Redstone]

63. Hye, it's three hours a day, but at least you're not driving. I've alwyas considered commuting to be

the WORST waste of precious lifespan there is, but on the train? Maybe not so.

You can sleep, you can work, you can read, you can watch a movie on your laptop, whatever, because you're not driving.

Might not be so bad.

Redstone

[Art_from_Ark]

64. My commute is more than 2 hours

But I can sleep in the train. It took a while to get used to this system, but now it's no big deal. If your job offer is that wonderful, take it and commute.

[ThomCat]

65. I commute 4 hours per day by public transportation.

I get a whole lot of reading done. It's not so terribly bad if they're going to be nice about when you arrive and when you leave. You'll be subject to every delay that happens along the route, so that flexibility is necessary. But if you trust them to be flexible and accomodating, I'd say to go for it. Just invest in some more books. You'll have time to read them.

[flvegan]

66. How about taking a couple days off and doing a test run for those days.

Try the commute, see how awful it is or how awful it isn't. Mirror the exact times you'd be doing it. Maybe twice in the morning, twice in the afternoon. Big decision. "Dream job" to me sounds like 3 hours a day might not be so bad.

[quiet.american]

67. Take it. People go through much more for a job they hate. n/t

[RPM]

69. i will not consider a job without public transport nearby

its a must-have

[ddeclue]

70. Not worth it..do the math...

3 hours a day on the train x 260 work days a year = 780 extra hours of your life every year for a mere $10k more that works out to be 39% more hours per year. That translates to 11-1/2 hours a day of work or commute or 57.5 hours of work or commute/week counting car, train, and work.

i.e. at 100,000, 10k= a 10% raise
at 80,000 10k=a 12.5% raise
at 50,000 10k=a 20% raise
at 40,000 10k=a 25% raise
at 25,000 10k=a 40% raise

Unless you make less than 25,641/yr, an extra 10k will be less than a 39% increase so if you make more than that your effective hourly rate will actually DECREASE.

10,000/.39=25641

2000+780=2780

2780/2000=1.39 = 39% more hours.


Doug D.
Orlando, FL

[Breeze54]

71. It's a ONE hr commute, one way ...it's only 20 miles!

$10K is worth that, imho!

Anywhere you have to go in MA is a one hour commute!! :rofl:

It's not the miles; it's the congestion. ;)

[ddeclue]

72. The OP said 1-1/2 hours...

It's a simple math problem...your hourly rate actually goes DOWN if you were making more than 25,641/year before the job change because you are obligated to spend the extra 3 hours every day on the commute.

The only way it MIGHT make sense is to relocate to be near the new job or have them pay per diem so that the OP can live near the job site on the weekdays and return home on weekends. This gets old quick too - I've done this myself being a contract engineer. I've also done the long commute (albeit by car) over long periods of time and that will wear you down quickly.

If the new job offers a 39% raise, in reality that's just a lateral move given the extra commute time. If it doesn't at least offer a 50% raise, it's not worth it for the risk in changing jobs.

Doug D.
Orlando, FL

[Breeze54]

74. But I live almost in the same town

and his estimate is off, imho, having done it many times myself! ;)
It is not a 3 hr. commute, unless you're driving a '59 Ford or Chevy! :rofl:
And the $10K raise would not nearly cover his expenses; if he moved into Boston.
It's a very expensive place to live and is short on housing.

[ddeclue]

75. OK let's use your number...

At 1 hour each way that's 520 additional hours per year or an additional 26% in terms of hours of work and commute.

That means the raise has to at least be a 26% raise just to break even.

10,000/0.26=38461

So if the OP makes more than 38,461/yr then their effective hourly rate goes down.

For me this would definitely NOT be worth it.

To be worthwhile in this scenario based on a 1 hr/each way commute, then the OP's raise would need to be at least a 40% raise from your current rate in my opinion.

P.S. Boston is hideously expensive - another good point.

Doug D.
Orlando, FL

[Breeze54]

76. But the company is paying his commute expenses.

All he has to do is get his body there, by car or by train, doesn't matter.
And if he drives? The parking is included. No $$!! No out of pocket expenses for that.
So? He gains $10k a year and possible raises, experience and a promotion to a better paying position too!
Plus? He loves that kind of work, so he'd also be happier! :)

[ddeclue]

78. You aren't following along with me at all..

The OP's TIME is worth MONEY too.

He/she has to sit on a train for an additional 2 or 3 hours depending on which numbers we use and he or she is NOT getting paid to sit there.

That's my whole point, not whether they buy the OP a train pass. Who cares about that? The OP doesn't have to go out of pocket for a train ticket now either.

That's either an additional 520 or 780 hours of your life every year for a measely 10k more. I ran the numbers for your and showed you where the break even points were and the minimum raise I'd expect before considering changing in either case.

Certainly not worth it to me. It may be to the OP depending on their current salary but I really doubt it. Especially when you consider the quality of life factor as in not having one outside of work because you are 12 hours a day on the job or commuting.


Doug D.
Orlando, FL

[Breeze54]

79. But what you don't seem

to understand is that's the way it is in MA!!!
We all have at least a one hour commute, one way, here!
Unless you work at a local place and the big companies are not in the suburbs.
They're on the highways and in the larger cities.
MA has lost thousands of jobs in IT, since b* and 9-11. I do understand what
you're saying but you seem to be basing it on the huge availability of jobs.
It isn't that way here anymore, since outsourcing became prevalent.
IT Jobs are scarce here and so are these kinds of opportunities. ;)

[frankenforpres]

93. bad math

his opportunity cost is not prospective commute time, it is (prospective- current)

[grace0418]

73. That's a hefty commute for sure. How long is your current commute?

If it were just for $10K more a year, it wouldn't seem worth the extra time for me. But if it is your dream job for other reasons, it may be worth giving it a shot.

Is selling your house out of the question right now or forever? Maybe you could do it for awhile and if you hated the commute but loved the job, you might be able to reconsider a move a year or two down the road? Because, who knows, you may do it and not like the job as much as you thought you would, then the decision would be easy.

Seriously think about your day though. If you have to be there at 9 am, that means you have to leave your house by around 7 am. If you work until 5 pm, that puts you at home at 7 pm. That's just assuming you can find a good train schedule and you don't have to work a minute of overtime ever. That's a pretty tough day. Not impossible, but tough. I used to work 12 hour days at an ad agency. My commute was short but those hours got to be pretty brutal after awhile.

[Whoa_Nelly]

77. Go for it, matcom!

More $$, your dream job...and who knows? Maybe, over time you can call your hours, your days, or be able to move closer to the job site!

So, matcom...Go go GO!



and

[hyphenate]

80. Having lived and worked

in Boston most of my young life, I took the T to work every day for many years. I got to read, listen to music, not spend money for gas, and generally felt normal most of the time. When I went to L.A. I ended up with a 90 minute commute morning and evening, and got to the point where I wanted to blow my head off.

Now back in Massachusetts, I find the system worthy of praise in a way that the system in L.A. could never achieve, and recommend public transportation highly.

You might try to make a "halfway" point to commute to--like going in as far as Riverside and parking there, or somewhere else where parking and riding would be a peaceful endeavor. I used to know a lot of people who commuted in from Northboro or even Westborough, who never had a problem.

If you've got flex-time, you might try going in either before or after rush hour--even my niece (still in L.A.) can get around the horror that is L.A. traffic because she can go in early (at or around7 or 7:30) and leave before evening's rush. The pike isn't as bad as you might think it is--trust someone who has dealt with bi-coastal traffic.

A friend who lives in Falmouth used to make the commute into down town three days a week for four or five years. She brought her small DVD player with her, and watched a movie every day, back and forth. She really put the time to good use, and never complained about the ride because she was getting something out of it.

[madinmaryland]

81. As a commuter into NYC from CT for 10 years, it will

take a toll on you. Physically and mentally.

My commute averaged 2-2.5 hours each way, including trains, subways, and shuttle buses.

The morning trip consisted of a 45 minute nap on the train, and the evening ride would often be spent on the BAR CAR (One good thing about being on the CT line into NYC!!)

Good luck.

[Midlodemocrat]

83. Where in CT?

We used to commute from Monroe to Stamford and that was horrible. No public transportation, so we had to drive.

Often took 3 hours to get there and 3 hours to get back.

[madinmaryland]

84. Danbury, Norwalk, and Bridgeport.

Danbury really sucked, because there are only a couple of direct trains, and the connecting train schedules suck.

[underpants]

82. Wow paid to post porn?

That IS a dream job!!!

:bounce:

What about days when your scooter has a tail wind?

Okay so who are you working for now?

This is the end of my comments and questions. If you have any questions or I can be of any assistance feel free to contact me.

[Patiod]

85. Train time isn't bad at all

Used to drive an hour from my home to a "dream" job through horrible traffic, and it made me want to cry. It was 20 minutes if I drove it late at night but 60 minutes in the morning, so most of the time was spent sitting at traffic lights, cursing other drivers.

Now I ride the train 35 minutes to a different job in town, and it's very pleasant. Listen to NPR, read, or chat (quietly!) with one or two "train friends". As some folks have mentioned, it can actually be MORE productive than being in the office, because there are far few interruptions.

I noticed many (not all) of the "don't do it" comments came from drivers, not riders.

edit: the only thing that made the car commute bearable were books on tape, which can be enjoyed on the train, too.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

86. i commute about 45 mins to an hour everyday...

wouldnt prevent me from my dream job

[crispini]

87. Ask if they might let you telecommute 1-2 days a week.

I commuted, 40 minutes each way, in a car. I really grew to dislike it because there's nothing else you can do in a freaking car except drive. The loss of productivity and fun time out of my day really irritated me. BUT, I was able to work from home two days a week, and that helped immensely. You won't be driving, but that's still a lot of time out of your day.

[ironflange]

88. Does this mean we'd see fewer of your delightful news snippets?

If so, then TAKE THE DAMN JOB!!!!

Just kidding. You have a very difficult decision to make, I don't envy you. Good luck.

[MANative]

89. I commuted from Danbury CT to NYC

daily for almost 7 years - with almost exactly the same logistics you describe - 15 minute drive, 75 minute train ride, then 2 subway transfers to get to my office in mid-town. The worst part about it was the VERY early mornings - oh, and standing on the platform in below 0 weather a few times! The train ride was actually not that bad - in the mornings, I'd snooze or read. In the evening, I'd read or chat with friends. Good wind-down time. I did make some very good friends in the process - two of which who have also turned into clients since I went into business for myself.

If you can tolerate really long days - my day began at 5AM and rarely got home before 7:30PM - AND if the job is PERFECT for you - I'd make the jump. If you have any hesitancy on either front, I'd pass. You'll make yourself miserable in no time at all. BTW, there were 2 reasons that contributed to why I stopped commuting - my 9/11 experience and the 8/03 blackout. Working in a target zone (and a high-profile building) was very stressful - cops everywhere, checking IDs every 2 minutes, you name it - gets wearing. During the blackout, it took me more than 7 hours to get home - walked from MSG to Harlem that day - in high heel pumps! (forgot the sneakers that day - the ONLY time I did in all the time I worked in Manhattan - oy!)

Good luck with your decision. Don't make it about the money - that's a lot less important than mental and physical health.

[madinmaryland]

95. Hey!! I did the Danbury to NYC for a couple of years in the mid 90's.

If you didn't catch the 6:20am (i think), then you got stuck having to transfer. And I hated the 4:59 out of GCT. Local from Stamford to Danbury (ugh!!)

I moved to Norwalk and the commute got an hour shorter!!

[MANative]

96. I tried the Danbury

line for a couple of months and it really sucked - finally figured out that it was a lot easier (and $60 a month cheaper) to leave from Brewster on the Harlem line. MUCH better schedule! Since I lived on the west side of Danbury, it was no more difficult to hop over the state line, and it gave me lots more options for schedules.

[LSK]

91. I commuted to school to downtown Chicago on the train

It wasnt that bad and its a good time to read.

Get an iPod if you dont have one yet.

[Phillycat]

94. Hell to the no.

I walk to work now, and I will never, ever commute long-distances again. I had no idea the toll it was taking on my sanity and quality of life until I stopped doing it.

[Javaman]

97. If you have a life, kiss it good bye, you will be living on the train.

However, beyond that, it's not a bad deal.