Commuting Poll

[HejiraNYC]

I'm currently in the midst of considering a new job opportunity, which, on the face of it, seems like a very positive thing. It's at a company that seems to be at the precipice of big things and my ex-boss (who is there now) says nothing but good things about them. The position would be quite a step up the ladder and will likely entail a bit of travel to the UK and Japan . However, the big downside is that I'm in Manhattan and the job is 30 miles away in New Jersey!! I can train it (two connections). I can drive it. Each scenario has its pluses and minuses. But any way I dice it up, I'm looking at a minimum of an hour each way . Currently I have a wonderfully scenic commute consisting of taking one train and walking along the Hudson River- a total of 25 minutes each way.

So the question is would you (more than) double your commute time for a better job with a 20-25% increase in salary and an extra week of vacation? Also, assume that you are neither thrilled nor bored with your present job.

[markolas]

I voted no, but that's because it takes me an hour to get to and from work anyway.

That's a big raise, though. I'd definitely have to think about it. A train ride doesn't seem too bad, though. I just hate to drive, and I especially couldn't imagine doing so from NY to NJ. I was up there this past Xmas, and I have witnessed first hand how people in NJ drive.

[strandinthewind]

It will take me about 15 minutes to get to work as the train station is across the street from my new pad. Moreover, my employer pays for the Marta card. So, hell yes. I mean 15 minutes and I am a lawyer

[JazmenFlowers]

I voted no. it takes me 30 minutes to get downtown as it is...I don't think 20% is enough for me to drive an hour each way each day for work. I did that the whole time I was in high school and college and promised myself I'd never commute like that again.

[Beachwood Mac]

Before I escaped LA I had a 12 mile commute to work each way and in the evening those 12 miles took an hour... If I could take the train to work I would, regardless of an increase in salary. And I love to travel, so the chance to go to Japan and the UK for work would seal the deal for me. I vote Yes!

[gldstwmn]

I have the luxury of working from home. My office is in my house.
Anyway, I'm assuming the increase in pay is more than enough to offset the higher cost of transportation? Is it enough to offset the change in your quality of life? Here's a thought. If you get a chance, why don't you try the actual commute a few times and see how you feel about it? See if you could do it five days a week.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by JazmenFlowers

I voted no. it takes me 30 minutes to get downtown as it is...I don't think 20% is enough for me to drive an hour each way each day for work. I did that the whole time I was in high school and college and promised myself I'd never commute like that again.

I agree. I lived 35 miles away from work at one time and an hour commute was just too long for me. Sometimes it was 1 1/2 hours and in the snow forget it, could be 3 hours. So, unless you can work 7 hour days and do some work on the train, I would say no. Maybe you could negotiate something like that though!

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by JazmenFlowers

I voted no. it takes me 30 minutes to get downtown as it is...I don't think 20% is enough for me to drive an hour each way each day for work. I did that the whole time I was in high school and college and promised myself I'd never commute like that again.

This is OT but your sig pic rawks.

[ELIUD]

I already travel 40-45 minutes to and from work. So an hour commute for that much more money is something I would do. We have people here who commute an hour and an hour and a half to get here.

[HejiraNYC]

Thanks for the opinions so far... but here is an added wrinkle... what if it also entailed an extra week of vacation?

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

Thanks for the opinions so far... but here is an added wrinkle... what if it also entailed an extra week of vacation?

You are an idiot if you do not take it!!!!!!

[carrie721]

i was going to say go for it even before you added the vacation thing. but that seals it for me. i don't mind commuting as long as i get to listen to music while doing it.

also, i just found myself imitating your sig for about a minute and a half straight. glad no one saw that.

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

I have the luxury of working from home. My office is in my house.
Anyway, I'm assuming the increase in pay is more than enough to offset the higher cost of transportation? Is it enough to offset the change in your quality of life? Here's a thought. If you get a chance, why don't you try the actual commute a few times and see how you feel about it? See if you could do it five days a week.

I used to have even more horrendous commutes... I even used to work all the way out in Connecticut! My dilemma is that I am so spoiled by my current situation. And it isn't about commuting costs (which would be nominally higher, but no big deal). Rather, it's about losing 5 hours of my life every week. However, the upside to having a long-ish train commute is that it isn't always a total loss- you can read, do crossword puzzles, watch movies on the iPod, etc.- all things I would probably do normally anyway on my own time.

[HejiraNYC]

Originally Posted by carrie721

also, i just found myself imitating your sig for about a minute and a half straight. glad no one saw that.

You are talking to one of the premiere neck snappers. I went to all-black schools as a kid, so I know how to throw down!

[carrie721]

Originally Posted by HejiraNYC

You are talking to one of the premiere neck snappers. I went to all-black schools as a kid, so I know how to throw down!

next time i'm in nyc we're going to have to have a neck-snap showdown. better start practicing now!