Is it normal that i prefer to commute 6 hours a day to finding another job?

47% Normal
4 Comments

The company I work for recently relocated out of state, a three hour drive from where it was. Many of my coworkers chose to relocate with the company, rather than face unemployment.

However, my daughter is in her senior year of high-school, and my partner has a decent local job, so I refused to relocate- it's not right for me to uproot their lives for my convienence. Instead, I negotiated a company car and travel expenses, and am now driving SIX HOURS each day just to earn a living to support my family.

The physical and emotional toll this commute is taking on me is considerable. I've looked for other jobs in my area which would allow me to support my family, but with the economy in shambles there aren't any available except VERY low paying entry level service jobs.

Is it normal that I prefer to suffer through this impossibly long commute each day to the uncertainty and financial hardship that taking a local job would entail?

Voting Results
47% Normal
Based on 66 votes (31 yes)
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Comments ( 4 )
  • iamwhoisayiam
    12 years ago

    Your situation is abnormal but understandable. Me personally....i'd keep it up till she graduates. Something eventually is going to give. She is your kid however he is your mate and equal. You're taking the impact mostly. They are too but its so they can stay and have life as they know it so they sacrifice time with you. If my income is greater than my husbands, guaranteed consistancy and job security, id ask him to move. We both need to sacrifice. If no new job maybe move in the middle after kiddos off to college. Id ask him to begin searching now so he can find a comfortable job. Then move. Like you said its taking a considerable toll so inevitably somethings gotta give. It can't be you in a nervous burnt out mess.

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  • penpal21
    12 years ago

    What do you do? Any chance they let you telecommute? Or alternate telecommuting days/weeks with onsite? Maybe also work a compressed work week? I'd explore options like these.

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  • Anonymous Post Author
    12 years ago

    Can't telecommute, I work middle management with 28 direct reports- a big part of my job is being there, on site, to work one on one with employees, vendors, and business associates... I did initially think about working a compressed work-week (living near work three over-nights per week) but would miss my family too much.

    The "plan right now is to continue commuting until our daughter goes off to college and then relocate, but I know my partner isn't very happy with that arrangement- she say's it's "fine", but she seems reluctant.

    I would hate for us to give up our life here only for her to harbor resentment about it.

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    • Ellenna
      9 years ago

      Re your choice not to work a compressed work week and live near work 3 days a week, surely your family can't be seeing much of you now if you're spending so much time commuting? At least when you were with them you wouldn't be so exhausted and your work performance would surely be better without all that commmuting.

      Working 3 longer days a week would give you more than half the week with your family

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