4 Questions to Evaluate the Commute of Your Next Job

When it comes to accepting a new job, it’s important to be absolutely sure it’s the right opportunity for you. Your potential commute is one important factor that should not be overlooked. Below are 4 questions you should ask yourself in order to evaluate the commute of your next potential job.

How will you get there?

It’s important to plan carefully and explore all of your options to find the best way to reach your new job in order to be sure it’s realistic. You may be able to drive, but if your job is in the city or another populous area, public transportation options could be more efficient. Be sure to take into account the amount of time traffic will add on to your daily commute. If you need to take public transportation, will you need to take a connection? All of these are factors to evaluate before you accept a job that might be too difficult for you to get to.

How much will it cost?

A long commute can be extremely expensive. If you plan to drive, be sure to calculate the cost of the gasoline you will need to use on a regular basis. Also take into consideration the miles and general wear and tear on your vehicle. A common formula for gas and wear and tear is 50 cents per mile. Parking should also be factored into the cost. Parking fees in the city can be very expensive and sometimes spots are difficult to find. If you plan to use public transportation, make sure you carefully calculate the cost of your fares. These expenses can add up and carve a significant dent in your take home pay. You could end up being better off at a lower salary closer to home.

How flexible are your working hours?

If your commute is far away or you’re relying on public transportation, delays are inevitable. You shouldn’t accept a job that has rigid hours and lateness policies if your commute involves unpredictable traffic or delays. This would be setting yourself up for failure. Your end time is also important when it comes to figuring out which train or bus you can catch. Some employers can be more flexible with working hours when it comes to a complicated commute, but it’s important to find out before you accept the job.

Are there opportunities closer to home?

In the end it’s always better to work closer to home. A long commute can wear down on you and affect your morale at work. A shorter commute saves a lot of your time day to day and also makes it easier for you to focus on your job without dreading the ride home. According to our local candidate survey, most are commuting less than 30 minutes to their current job. Usually searching for jobs within 20-25 miles of your home will show you opportunities with a reasonable commute.

Your commute is an important aspect of your day to day life that should not be overlooked when making the decision to change jobs. The time and the cost associated with your commute contributes to your job satisfaction down the road.

Bradley Staffing Group is a full-service staffing firm based in Wayne, PA. We are committed to matching A-level talent with best-in-class businesses. Our knowledgeable and well-trained staff brings a combined 70+ years of staffing experience to our clients and candidates alike. http://bradleystaffinggroup.com/bradley/contact-us/