Should I take a new job that has a long commute or stay at current job that's close to home?

Question

So, I've been at my current job for a number of years. While I never had a super long commute, I bought a home less then 10 minutes away some years ago just be close, to avoid traffic. Things were going ok but I've been really unhappy at work the last couple years.   The company I work for merged with another, things have gone downhill and the culture has really gotten poised, from the new higher ups running the place now.

I had to take a 4 week stress leave recently. I recently found a job listing on Indeed.com and it sounds like what I want. In terms of work hours and its similar to what I have now.  However, it's a 40 minute drive one way(so 80 min both).  I'm torn on what to do.

I really don't want a commute, if I would take it then eventually I'd likely have to move house. I really like where I live so that would be hard.

It would be a bit of a pay cut too, but maybe it would be less stress and BS. I really don't see things improving at my place of work now but a part of me feels like taking on a long drive everyday would be a big mistake.

Anyone else in this situation?

linkus86 · Accepted Answer

If you mean the situation that we can't predict the future, we are all in this situation.  The reality is that you don't know if you would be happier at the other job regardless of the commute.  What you do know is that you would have 5 hours a week less free time and spend more on gas and maintenance as a result of a longer commute.  Plus your options are likely not limited to those two choices either.  I suggest you continue to look for more options and who knows, maybe you can find a much better opportunity that wouldn't require you to sacrifice anything.  Good Luck.

LindseyS499 usetobe LINDSEYS · Answer

If you do get the job you can consider moving closer to it. Since you're taking a pay cut, and if you don't move closer, you're putting a lot of wear and tear on your car if you drive. That means having to repair your car more often as things break down. 
If you take public transit, it's not that bad at least you have some time to unwind on your commute. Also you don't know if it would be less stress. You don't know what the management is like yet (unless you met them), until you start the job and get to know what you're going to be doing on a regular basis. Some times you have to take on more then what the job description says you have to do. If you can try to negotiate for higher pay if you get a job offer, if you can't move closer to the job.
It's up to you. Personally I would stay put, less travelling means less risk of possibly contracting covid.

COCO PUFF · Answer

If the job is starting to affect your health then I would leave if I were you.

New management can really make or break a company.

I haven't been in this position before but I know that a toxic work environment isn't good for our health (mental health).

How long would the commute be for the other job?

Also, you can report the management to the better business bureau or talk to an attorney or do something to keep management in check.

Edit:  I didn't see the 40 minutes

That's not long. What about taking public transportation?

I use to live in Rancho Cucamonga and worked at the San Bernadino courthouse. I would commute by the bus.

I live in la now. We have a train system which cuts down on travel time.

Anonymous · Answer

Tell your present employer you are looking at other "options that are open for you" They should understand that to mean you got another job lined up. They may improve the work situation where you are now at because they value as an employee, or they won't. You take that gamble//as they are gambling you "just said that to get a rise out of them".

You get used to 40 minutes very fast.(but never mention that to your present employer.) Some people like to drive.

You get used to 40 minutes very fast.(but never mention that to your present employer.)  Some people like to drive.

Should I take a new job that has a long commute or stay at current job that's close to home?

4 Answers