There was a big article in my local newspaper about a month or so ago about commute times and its effect on people's lives in our area. I must say, I'm pretty fortunate compared to a lot of folks, who commute up to 2 hours each way (including expensive ferry rides for some!) My commute averages between 30-45 minutes each way. (On a really bad day, it might take an hour to get home.)
So let's say the average is 80 minutes a day, that's 400 minutes a week, times 50 weeks = 20,000 min./year, div. by 60 is 333 hours, is about 13.8 days - let's just say I spend 2 weeks a year commuting! Wow, that really does add up.
I don't mind the commute too much on good days, but I'd say I get a 30-35 minute trip home once a week; most days it's more like 40-45 or more. That cuts into my after-work activity time for sure. Often, I decide to skip out on an early-evening class or meeting I might like to attend because the time would be too "scrunched". Of course, I've developed the habit of leaving early in the morning to make time for traffic. Normally, the morning commute isn't quite so bad, but you never know, and my boss *does* notice if I come in even a minute late! So I'd rather just get here early; that gives me time to get settled, anyway.
I often think it would be nice if I could take the bus or train - not only saving on emissions and gas but giving myself time to read or listen to music. However, there are no bus/train stops close enough to my work. Although bus schedules can be time-consuming too. I had a temp job in Seattle, about 45 mins. - an hour away, for which I took the bus but that took an extra 15 mins. or so, so it was a chunk out of my day. By the time I got home, there wasn't much time left to do anything, although at least I did get some reading done on the bus!
I have to admit that if I decided to change jobs, one of the main reasons would be to find something closer to home. I've been a bit spoiled, having spent most of my "career" life working in my home town, with a 15-20-min. commute each way, tops, and easy bus access if I didn't want to drive or the car broke down!
