Long commute to contract - experiences?

[psychocandy]

Most I've ever done was an hour away and this was working on an hourly rate for client who wanted 8 hours a day (pre-IR35 this was). I found it did my head in a bit having almost 11 hour days door-to-door which was even worse if there was traffic/accident on the motorway etc. This was 15 years ago though - bit old and tired these days!

Got a potential contract opportunity which is in the wilds of Mid Wales. (Didnt know anyone took contractors there!). 60 miles from home, crappy roads so we're looking at 90 mins each way easily. No traffic but wont be too clever in the winter because of the route.

Of course, I could stay over occasionally but its the arse end of nowhere (even for Wales) so not much to do there.

Anyone else got experience of doing similar sort of commute? Do-able of course, but I'm concerned that 5 days a week of this for any extended period of time is going to knacker me big time.

[Liamxtype]

I'm currently 75 miles away from home,so I stay away Mon-Fri, I find it better as I'm a 10min walk to Clientco, I can work extra hours on weekdays and leave early on Fridays. Did a 50 mile each way commute a couple of years ago and that was knackering.

[psychocandy]

I'm currently 75 miles away from home,so I stay away Mon-Fri, I find it better as I'm a 10min walk to Clientco, I can work extra hours on weekdays and leave early on Fridays. Did a 50 mile each way commute a couple of years ago and that was knackering.

Yeh. Not so keen on mon-fri away, never have been. Its difficult with family/kids etc.

And deffo not spending 4 nights each week away staying in said mid-wales town!!!!!

[northernladuk]

I am currently 80 miles from home taking between 1 hr 15 and 1 45 on a cleanish run. Client is flexible with times so I can come in up to 10am to miss most of it but it does mean a long day before I get home. Haven't done a gig less than Hour and 15 from home in 5 years. All just becomes part and parcel of the daily routine. You get used to it. Saying that I haven't worked anywhere less than an hour from home in 15 years and travelled all over the place so I don't mind the driving.

TBH I wouldn't bat an eyelid at that journey nowadays and in the current climate is no way a deal breaker on a gig. If it is an issue book one of these Holiday INn or other budget hotel bargains for 29 quid a night and refresh a night or two but 90 mins isn't a lot. Takes nearly an hour just to get from Manc ring road in to town and that is less than 5 miles!

[ctdctd]

I'm currently 75 miles away from home,so I stay away Mon-Fri, I find it better as I'm a 10min walk to Clientco, I can work extra hours on weekdays and leave early on Fridays. Did a 50 mile each way commute a couple of years ago and that was knackering.

I did 2.5 years commuting to London by bus and walk - left home 6:40, got home 19:45 (ish) so about 13+ hours door to door.

That broke me

Now do gigs that either are within 30 mins from home or stay overnight.

[speling bee]

Have done this for 18 months. Stay away Tuesday night. Find a decent pub with rooms. Get your feet under the table and negotiate Friday at home and a late start / finish on Tuesdays and an early start / finish on Wednesdays. Take the odd Monday off.

[kaiser78]

I have a 100 mile round trip and negotiated home working 2 days per week to break up the commuting - is this an option for you ?

[BolshieBastard]

With a repeat client, I had a 160 mile a day commute. Wasnt so bad as it was only a 35 hour week and they let you work it in 4 days!

Note to self, must contat them again soon and see if they have any roles coming up.

[psychocandy]

I am currently 80 miles from home taking between 1 hr 15 and 1 45 on a cleanish run. Client is flexible with times so I can come in up to 10am to miss most of it but it does mean a long day before I get home. Haven't done a gig less than Hour and 15 from home in 5 years. All just becomes part and parcel of the daily routine. You get used to it. Saying that I haven't worked anywhere less than an hour from home in 15 years and travelled all over the place so I don't mind the driving.

TBH I wouldn't bat an eyelid at that journey nowadays and in the current climate is no way a deal breaker on a gig. If it is an issue book one of these Holiday INn or other budget hotel bargains for 29 quid a night and refresh a night or two but 90 mins isn't a lot. Takes nearly an hour just to get from Manc ring road in to town and that is less than 5 miles!

I guess. I just get the feeling it'd knacker me. The one/two nights a week away sounds like a plan. At least then you get the chance to maybe work later that day, get in early next day as well. No chain hotels this place though. arse end of nowhere.

No way deal breaker for me either. Needs must and all that. Just one of my options at the moment....

There'd be no traffic that's one thing. Just lots of sheep on the road maybe (and tractors!).
Lovely drive as well (if you had to do it once or twice not every day).

[Butcheroo]

Long commute to contract - experiences?

I used two do two hours drive to work. I did it for a year. I got myself a lovely motor which helped. I prefer driving to trains. An hour train would kill me more than two hour drive. Hate trains

Also I would drive three hours rather than stay away from my kids and not sleep In my bed mon-thu