How far out of town should I drive for a job, vs. not taking one?

[ironpony]

I may be offered a job in a place out of town, but it takes about 40 minutes to get there so far, but that is when I went to the interview in the afteroon.  They want me to work 8-4:30 but that is during rushhour to there and back, and feel that would take quite a bit longer to get there back and forth for the day.  I am wondering if I should not take the job as a result, especially if it's a longer highway drive on icy roads in the wintertime.  What do you think?

[basil67]

I’d trade my car which could handle the icy winter roads.  Or get studded tyres.  

[d0nnivain]

I think 1 hour each way in traffic is reasonable but it will take a lot out of you.  They say the most successful people live no more then 20 minutes from where they work.  

[Envy123]

The exception is if you're commuting to a high cost of living city and there are good train links. In that case, successful people pick towns with a station that goes direct to their work/employment hub.

But if you have to drive, be aware that traffic can increase the journey time by a lot and not to mention possibilities of road closures. On paper, my mother's driving commute was on paper 1hr30mins but in reality, it was 2hr20mins each way due to traffic. She very quickly burned out and quit in favour of a job closer to her.

[Foxhall]

Sounds ok to me, you have a good evening in it.

[ironpony]

Yeah I'm just not sure I should take it or not. I mean why do so many jobs, have to only have shifts at rush hour too...  But I'll keep thinking.  I am just wondering if I am a poor sport for turningit down, in heavy ice traffic, when it is aways out of town.

There is always the notion quit it till you find something better than try that, but does it look bad to keep going from job to job over the years though, trying new ones all the time?

Edited January 6, 2020 by ironpony

[Blind-Sided]

Honestly, this question is too vague, and it seems like you have already made up your mind.

1) Are you passing up a $500K yr job because you don't want to drive?

2) Is there something other that just driving that you don't like about it?

3) Is the company not stable?

4) Do you have other offers at other companies?

OK, it sounds like you are young, and just out of school... so here's the deal... the vast majority of people work a "9 to 5" kind of job, and that's why rush hour happens.   Also, it is typical to be expected to drive upwards of an hour to have a business/office kind of job.  Along with that... if you have chosen to live in a "Snow State"... then you will have to deal with ice and snow, and you can't use that for an excuse.  PERIOD !!

So, what can be done....

1) Move into the city, and deal with the high costs involved with that.

2) Move to a warmer state.

 

I know that sounds harsh... but the reality is, when looking for the job, sure you weigh the pro's and con's.  But, unless it's truly a tangible issue (like you will spend more in fuel, and car upkeep than they are offering to pay, or the company may be closing soon) then take the job.  At that point, you can continue to look for something closer to you, or you can consider moving closer to the jobs.

I don't like being "Down Town", so I live in the suburbs. The taxes are cheaper, and you have more room to move around. But, in my younger life... yes, I had to deal with traffic, and driving.

More info could help here... but I do wish you luck in your search.

Edited January 6, 2020 by Blind-Sided

[elaine567]

4 minutes ago, Blind-Sided said:

OK, it sounds like you are young, and just out of school... so here's the deal...

Ironpony is 35-36.

[ironpony]

Oh well instead of moving to a different city, I thought maybe just waiting for a closer job may be a better option.  The boss who interviewed me even brought up the driving issue.  I didn't mention it.  He said most employees quit in within a few months because of it, so if it's an issue I understand, he said.

[d0nnivain]

Don't move for a warehouse job.  If you have hard limits on how far you are willing to travel only apply to positions within that perimeter.  

[ironpony]

Oh okay, well I hope I am not being picky but it seems that a job that could take an hour during rush hour times on the ice, seems like a bit much.

There is also a closer job not during rush hour, but its only 18 hours a week though, and wonder if is it worth taking a part time job for a while, compared to looking for a full time one?

Of course there are other jobs I could work with it as long as the hours don't conflict.

Edited January 7, 2020 by ironpony