Commuting: Is The Hour-Long Trek Worthwhile?

Travelling an hour or more to work is a common dilemma faced by many, especially those living in rural areas with limited job opportunities. While some may consider it a normal part of working life, others view it as a significant drain on their time and energy. This raises the question: is it worth it to travel an hour to work each day? This decision involves weighing up various factors, such as the value of one's time, the financial benefits of the job, and the potential for burnout.

Pros and cons of a long commute

A long commute to work can be defined as anything over an hour and is becoming more common, especially in areas with higher living costs. While some people find a long commute draining, others find it manageable and even rewarding. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if a long commute is worth it.

Pros

• Higher Pay: Often, a longer commute means higher pay, and this financial incentive can be a significant motivator for many.
• Broader Opportunities: In some cases, the best job opportunities may be located further away, and a longer commute can give you access to these.
• Time to Wind Down: Some people view their commute as 'me time', where they can listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts, or simply have some quiet time before and after work.
• Networking: If your job requires travel, you will get to know your colleagues better and expand your internal network.

Cons

• Time Commitment: A long commute can mean a significant amount of time lost each day. This can add up to many hours over a week or a month, time that could be spent on other activities or with family and friends.
• Physical and Mental Drain: A long commute can be exhausting, especially if it involves multiple modes of transport or dealing with traffic. This can lead to burnout and affect your overall well-being.
• Cost: Depending on the mode of transport, a long commute can be expensive, especially if it involves flights or long-distance travel.
• Impact on Personal Life: A long commute can make it difficult to commit to social activities, classes, or networking events in your home city, affecting your work-life balance.

Ultimately, the decision to take on a long commute depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. While a long commute can provide financial benefits and broader job opportunities, it may also take a toll on your time, energy, and personal life. It is important to weigh these factors and consider if there are alternatives, such as remote work or moving closer to your workplace, that could make the commute more manageable.

Impact on mental and physical health

Travelling for an hour to work every day can have a significant impact on both your mental and physical health.

Physical Health

Long commutes have been linked to a range of physical health issues. These include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High blood sugar
• Weight gain
• Back pain
• Spinal conditions
• Joint disease

The monotony of commuting can also cause a rise in blood sugar and cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and kidney disease. Commuters also tend to exercise less, further compounding these health risks.

Mental Health

The impact of long commutes on mental health is also significant. Research has shown that long-distance commuters suffer from higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than those with shorter commutes. Commuters may also experience:

• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue
• Concentration problems
• Lower life satisfaction
• Unhappiness

The stress of commuting can also lead to psychosomatic disorders, with symptoms such as pain, dizziness, and severe sleep deprivation.

Impact on Overall Wellbeing

The time spent commuting also takes away from time spent on healthy activities, such as spending time with family and friends, exercising, or pursuing hobbies. This can further contribute to feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction with work and life in general.

Mitigating the Impact

While long commutes can have negative consequences, there are ways to mitigate their impact:

• Switching up your route or mode of transport can make your commute more interesting and less stressful.
• Listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts can help you unwind and decrease stress.
• Accepting the lack of control during your commute and focusing on your safety can help reduce anxiety.
• Getting regular exercise, even if it's just taking the stairs or going for a short walk, can counteract the negative health effects of sitting for long periods during your commute.
• Considering carpooling or using public transportation can make your commute more bearable by giving you time to rest or socialise.

Individual Differences

It's important to note that the impact of a long commute may vary depending on individual circumstances. For some, the benefits of a higher-paying job or living in a desirable area may outweigh the negatives of a long commute. Additionally, those who choose to commute longer distances may adapt better than those who feel forced into it.

However, it's essential to regularly assess your situation and consider whether the commute is worth the potential health risks and negative impact on your overall wellbeing.

Rural living and career opportunities

Rural living often means fewer local career opportunities, but it doesn't mean that you have to be limited by geography. Remote working has opened up a world of career opportunities for those in rural areas, allowing them to pursue lucrative careers without having to relocate.

For example, a remote customer service job can offer a small pay raise and the benefit of working from home. A remote position can also allow for a better work-life balance, as it cuts out the hassle of commuting. In addition, remote jobs can provide access to career opportunities that may not be available through online job postings or in rural areas.

However, if you are unable to find a remote position, there are still options for career opportunities in rural areas. Rural jobs often focus on agricultural tasks, manual labour, and technical work. For example, you could find work as a farm manager, farmer, or farmworker. These positions are essential to the local economy and can offer a variety of skills and experiences. Other rural job opportunities include construction worker, mechanic, teacher, and nurse.

Developing trade skills, such as electrical wiring or mechanics, can also be beneficial for finding work in rural areas, as these skills are often in demand for farming and husbandry activities. Connecting with the local community can also be a valuable way to learn about unique job opportunities that may not be advertised online.

Cost of living vs. commuting

The decision to accept a job that requires a long commute is a difficult one. While it may be tempting to take a job that is further away because of the salary or benefits, it is important to consider the hidden costs of a long commute. These costs can include not only money but also time and health.

Financial Costs

Commuting to work can be expensive, especially if you are driving. The costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, parking passes, tolls, and parking tickets can add up quickly. According to Clever Real Estate, commuters in the US spend approximately $8,466 on their commute every year, with an additional average of $867 on fuel and $410 on vehicle maintenance. On the other hand, living closer to work may mean paying higher rent or mortgage costs.

Time Costs

A long commute can also eat up a lot of your time. The average American spends 239 hours commuting each year, plus an additional 32 hours stuck in traffic. That's a lot of time that could be spent on other activities, such as hobbies, spending time with family and friends, or simply relaxing. A long commute can also lead to burnout, as the time spent commuting can be exhausting and take a toll on your mental health.

Health Costs

The stress of a long commute can also impact your physical health. Long commutes have been linked to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Additionally, if you are driving, you may be at a higher risk of being involved in a car accident. California, for example, is the state with the most car accidents.

Weighing the Options

When considering a job with a long commute, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. Ask yourself if the salary and benefits outweigh the financial, time, and health costs of the commute. It may be helpful to calculate the exact costs of the commute, including fuel, maintenance, and tolls, and compare that to the potential increase in housing costs if you were to live closer to work. Additionally, consider the opportunity cost of the time spent commuting. What else could you be doing with that time?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to take a job with a long commute depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. For some, the benefits of the job may outweigh the costs of the commute. For others, the time and financial savings of a shorter commute may be more important. It is also worth considering if there are any options to work remotely, either full-time or for part of the week, which could help reduce the costs of the commute.

Work-life balance

Travelling for an hour or more to work is a common phenomenon, especially in rural areas where people have to travel long distances to get to their workplace. However, this long commute can take a toll on an individual's work-life balance.

A long commute can be draining, both mentally and physically. It can lead to burnout and exhaustion, affecting overall well-being and productivity. This is further exacerbated by traffic, making the commute seem even longer and more tedious. Additionally, a long commute cuts into personal time, leaving less time for hobbies, social activities, or simply relaxing. This can impact an individual's overall quality of life and sense of fulfilment.

However, some people may find that a longer commute is worth it if it offers certain advantages. For example, the job may provide a higher salary, better career prospects, or more opportunities for growth. In such cases, the trade-off between a longer commute and the benefits of the job may be acceptable, at least in the short term.

To maintain a healthy work-life balance, it is essential to carefully consider the impact of a long commute on your overall well-being and happiness. If the commute is causing excessive stress, it may be worth exploring alternative options, such as moving closer to work or even switching to a different job or career path that is more aligned with your location. Remote work or flexible work arrangements can also help alleviate the burden of a long commute, providing more time for personal pursuits and a better balance between work and life commitments.

Ultimately, the decision to travel an hour or more to work depends on various factors, including personal preferences, the job's benefits, and the availability of alternative options. It is important to periodically evaluate your work-life balance and make adjustments as needed to ensure your overall well-being and satisfaction.

Frequently asked questions