Commuting

RE: Commuting

Robyn — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 15:45:47 GMT

I'm lucky and live literally over the road from my current practice ;)

However, all through my training, I was doing super long commutes. The most normal/acceptable one was around an hour on two busses like yourself (though it did take me along Princes Street in Edinburgh during the Fringe, and we very nearly didn't all make it out alive on several occasions after a long day :P) and I didn't find it so bad. I think there will always be that little bit of regret that you don't live closer after a long day, but if the busses are reliably on time and you don't mind the travelling (I quite enjoy having two hours a day to just zone out with my headphones in tbh) then it's certainly doable, and I think it's very worth it for the right practice.

RE: Commuting

Kelly Eyre — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 08:53:21 GMT

I travel 40-50mins to work and I find it ok. I am lucky though as I have a fair bit of flexibility in my hours so I tend to get to work for 8:30 and leave at 4:30 which usually keeps it quiet.

I travel to Liverpool so go through a toll which is pricey, but there are other options with trains etc but I'm a bit of a public transport hater :-/

I find the journey relaxes me after work and gives me time to think before I get home. I also use it to phone my partner or my family so I actually spend more time communicating with them!

RE: Commuting

enigmaticat-uk — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 18:19:02 GMT

I was actually involved in an accident on the bridge a few years ago (not my fault, I may add) and had to stop & get out of my car - you wouldn't believe how much it actually moves when you are standing on it - it looks so solid. Definitely don't like driving over it when it's very windy - My tiny car tends to feel very light & vulnerable!

RE: Commuting

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 18:40:26 GMT

Wow... That's seriously nuts! I am not a lover of bridges over (big) water so u have my utmost respect for your derring do. #brave #iamascaredycat #reaadthesigns?IwouldWEARthem... Hahahahah

RE: Commuting

enigmaticat-uk — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 16:53:41 GMT

Haha -as long as you obey the signs it's fine - just a couple of lorries ignored them earlier this year & caused damage when they blew over & they had to close the bridge while they recovered them & repaired the bridge.

https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/pipe/news/scotland/forth-road-bridge-closed-after-lorry-blown-over-amid-high-winds/

RE: Commuting

Alison Clare Hickman — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 19:27:06 GMT

enigmaticat-uk

Blown over on the bridge?? Whaaaaat?! Where on earth is this?! #scary #myworstnightmare #youbravesoul #superRVN

RE: Commuting

enigmaticat-uk — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 18:03:14 GMT

I think it will very much depend on how reliable & frequent your buses are.

I drive & my journey is only 25miles but takes approx 1 hour each way but I have to allow at least 1.5 hours on the way in as delays are not uncommon. It's much less stressful on the days when my shift is outwith rush-hour as there's less idiots trying to cause accidents with their idiotic driving! (It has been known to take 3+ hours to get home if the weather is extremely bad or some muppet ignores the warning signs & gets blown over on the bridge). I have been doing this for 16 years now and it does get very wearing sometimes and I do toy with the idea of working closer to home but there simply isn't the 'right job' for me any closer.

Personally I wouldn't entertain the whole 2 bus journey thing as the public transport around me is pretty dire & too time-consuming to tie together, but if I lived somewhere with a very frequent & reliable service with good connections at all hours then it would appeal more.

RE: Commuting

Heather Bacon — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 18:37:02 GMT

How far is the distance to work? I live in London so probably about 1-1.5 hours seems like a usual commuting time on buses and tubes for most people I think. I wouldn't really want to travel any longer than that. If I lived outside of London then I probably wouldn't want any longer than a 30 minute drive to be honest.

My practice is 3 miles away, it takes 2 buses 1 hour to get there. I bought a bike and can cycle there in 15-20 minutes!

RE: Commuting

Sidonia — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 10:27:03 GMT

I used to do a hour commute each way (by 2 busses) to my current job when I first started (rural location, and I live in a city down the road).

When everything ran smoothly, it was fine. However, if one of my busses was late, or didn't show up at all, it turned into a nightmare!!

Also, my job includes night duties (staying on site). In the morning, when all I wanted to do was go home, I found I was stuck hanging around for the bus for a good 30 - to 40mins!

I stuck at it for a year and a half, before learning to drive. Now my commute usually takes 20mins, and I roll out of bed at the time I would have been catching the second bus

RE: Commuting

2005nurse — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 00:07:49 GMT

Hi,

As in an earlier reply- I can drive, so not quite the same.

From my experience, a long commute adds to your day and can take it's toll. The type of journey can affect this. I found a clear run that was further distance much easier than a shorter distance with spots of congestion.

At the moment I can walk or cycle to work as it's really close to my home- which I love, but I am looking to move on. I now face the dilemma of compromise, and I think I will really struggle with spending time on the roads.

Perhaps, if you are using public transport, there won't be that element of stress when there is traffic (other than the time delay). Another positive, if you were studying you could combine the journey with time to dedicate to that (if you don't get a sick feeling when reading on a moving vehicle like I do!).

Sometimes you need to try it for yourself, but I know that for me- I will only consider a long commute for a job that makes it worthwhile (financially and job satisfaction)....I may be searching for a while.

Hope you find what you are looking for

RE: Commuting

Nick Shackleton — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 23:12:02 GMT

I've spent the last seven and half years doing a 70 mile round trip. It has certainly taken its toll on me. I've just accepted a job 5 miles from home. Maybe commute to start with then consider moving closer If things work out well in the new job.

RE: Commuting

Selena Carnell — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 22:05:59 GMT

I travel 40 mins in the morning. And its never bothered me. i did it for 3 years and moved to a practice nearer to home 20 mins. but actually disliked the journey more than the longer one! I've now moved back to my old practice and the 40 mins drive. i can chill, listen to my music.

RE: Commuting

Alison Clare Hickman — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 21:59:19 GMT

i can say that I have travelled up to an hours drive each way for a great job but eventually the travelling did take a toll on me and I switched to a nearer practice. Clearly driving when tired was an issue re safety, so for you, on buses it is better. Nevertheless u will have delays and cancellations to factor in as well as the walk either end which, in the dark and/or wet/cold ain't nice☹. Plus, in the case of staying behind for an emergency, how late will ur buses run and will u be safe later at night?

Cost of fares?

i think travelling like this is only truly tolerable for a limited period of time. You soon get weary of it.

If feasible, move closer to the job or look closer to home. Or, plan for the future by learning to drive and setting your job horizons after that's been achieved?

What do other people think? Is the commuting commitment healthy for Anon?

Best regards

Ali h