When is The Commute No Longer Worth It - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / When is The Commute No Longer Worth It - Introvert Whisperer When is The Commute No Longer Worth It? For most of us, work is a necessity, not a choice. And sometimes finding work means journeying outside the boundaries of our hometowns or cities. The average American commutes about 30 minutes each way to work everyday. And in certain high cost cities, this commute is often much longer for low-wage workers. So, when it comes to commutes, how can you determine the point of diminishing returns? Here are some things to consider when evaluating your commute.   Expense Sure, you have to go to work to make money. But how much of your income is spent on your daily commute? If the cost of your daily commute consumes too much of your take-home pay, it might be time to look for a job closer to home. When considering expense, take into account the wear-and-tear on your vehicle as additional meal costs associated with long hours away from home. Poor Health Is your health suffering from extended periods spent in cars, trains, or busses? Are you struggling to maintain a healthy weight and healthy habits because of the strain of your commute? This might be a sign that your commute is no longer worth it. This is especially true if your commute cuts into your sleep time. The detriments of sleep deprivation are health and productivity are well-known. If your daily commute forces you doesn’t give you enough time to exercise regularly and forces you to frequently eat unhealthy fast food, it might be time for a change. Time If your daily commute cuts significantly into the time you should be spending on maintaining a healthy home life, you might want to reconsider. A long commute can prevent you from attending your kids’ games and recitals, spending quality time with your spouse, or getting the education you need to advance in your career. Career Advancement The truth is, sometimes our dream jobs present less-than-ideal situations, and we roll with it hoping to reap long-term benefits. If this is your situation, then your commute may be worth it. However, if   your position offers no real opportunity for upward movement or career advancement, you might want to reconsider. You should evaluate the merits of your job and the opportunities it provides you. If you can’t see yourself progressing in a meaningful way over the next few years, it may be time to find a new position. Especially, if you can find a closely-related position closer to home. Author Bio: Jordan Perez is a human resource expert at ResumePundits.com with over 10 years experience helping HR managers and employees create better work relations. She’s also an avid freelance writer who has been published in online magazines and corporate websites. When she’s not engaged in HR developments, she loves hitting the road to see new places and spending time with her two daughters. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer