Long commute vs shorter, more stressful commute

[d000hg]

Ugh.

But a single long train ride seems better if it's an OK train - especially if you can go 1st-class. Use the time for sleeping or get 1-2 billable hours out of it.

[SlipTheJab]

+1 I would go for the longer stressful commute and deffo pay the extra for 1st class.

[unixman]

I'm mixing it up so I'll only have to do the journey both ways twice a week.

I'm loathe to do a Mon - Fri on this one because its only 65 miles from home. Problem is, I've got Bath/Bristol between me and Cheltenham so driving isn't really an option . train fare is £23 return so saving denting my daily rate by not staying up.

I hear that. in the south east, distance has little to do with journey time. Try option 1 for a while. After a few trips you may be able to do it with your eyes shut and no stress. if not, switcheroo to option 2.

[BolshieBastard]

Option 1:

Drive to Brislington park&ride - 45 mins
Bus to Bristol TM - 15 mins + 5 mins wait
Train to Cheltenham - 40 mins
Walk to office - 15 mins

Total: 2 hours

Option 2:

Drive to Westbury station - 25 mins
Train to Cheltenham: 2 hours
Walk to office: 15 mins

Total: 2 hours 40 mins

So the second option is 40 minutes longer but its on s train that seems to be mostly empty. Less stress & fewer things to go wrong compared to option 1

What would you do?

1. Find accommodation near the place Im working and stay away during the week
2. Find something closer to home with less daily travel

[Whorty]

I'm currently on 3 hours each way at the moment, and do it 5 days a week and it's not easy. Can't stay over due to family care commitments, so the travel is the only option. I wouldn't recommend this tbh, but I said I'd do it to get the project over the line.

My next contract will have to be closer to home and less travel. It makes no difference how good the day rate is, time with your family is always worth more!

Aim for the shorter time if you can if only to get more time with your family.

[Gumbo Robot]

I'm currently on 3 hours each way at the moment, and do it 5 days a week and it's not easy.

How long are you doing that for?

[eek]

How long are you doing that for?

Until the inevitable heart attack...

[SteelyDan]

I'm currently on 3 hours each way at the moment, and do it 5 days a week and it's not easy.

FFS, no amount of money would get me doing this type of thing...

[TykeMerc]

I'm currently on 3 hours each way at the moment, and do it 5 days a week and it's not easy.
Aim for the shorter time if you can if only to get more time with your family.

FFS, no amount of money would get me doing this type of thing...

Nor me. 30+ hours a week commuting to site isn't worth any rate or obligation.

[vwdan]

Ugh.

But a single long train ride seems better if it's an OK train - especially if you can go 1st-class. Use the time for sleeping or get 1-2 billable hours out of it.

Yep - a longer, chilled out train journey is far better than a shorter hectic one. Pay for first class and use the morning time for sleeping and relaxing and the evening time for catching up on your personal admin.

You'll get home feeling far cheerier, which is better for everyone.