When you’re evaluating a job offer, components such as salary, title, and benefits are likely the factors that stand out most, which can sometimes mean a piece of the puzzle ends up overlooked: the commute. Time, money, and personal margin are limited resources, so it’s crucial to figure out how a new commute could impact those assets. The next time a job offer comes on the table, consider these three things before you lock into a new daily routine on the road.
Your Commute Costs Real Dollars
30 minutes down the road and back every day may not seem like a huge deal at first, but over the course of the week, that’s 5 hours. Over the course of a year, that’s 260 hours spent traveling to and from work. When those hours are translated to money, that’s fuel, tolls, and vehicle maintenance stacking up. Unless you’re fully remote, the cost of transportation is inevitable, but it’s worth deliberating over if a higher salary is paired with a lengthy daily commute.
Time Can Affect Professional Performance
An exhausting commute in bumper to bumper traffic can wear you down over time. If you’re spending time stressed behind the wheel and tired from leaving the house early, that can lead to burnout. If a hybrid position is an option, you may find that reduced time in the car increases your ability to absorb responsibilities and find more joy in your job.
Lifestyle Alignment Matters
While considering the hours you’ll be spending in the car, it’s a good exercise to ponder what you may miss out on – workouts, family dinners, hangouts with friends – aspects of your life that should be prioritized over driving time if possible. Performing your own cost-benefit analysis can be key for knowing if it’s worth it to incorporate a longer commute into your life.
It may be tempting to brush off a new commute in the name of great pay and a flashy title, but it’s crucial to stay sober minded. The long term effects of a crummy commute can cost you money, time, and parts of your schedule. The right opportunity will provide not only your paycheck, but support your quality of life.
