Would you drive 45 minutes a day for the job you want?

82 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 8,2025 at 11:32PM UTC

   A lot depends on you. 45 minutes, especially if it's total commute, isn't all that much. If it's 45 minutes each way, it is taking nearly two hours out of every day on the road, but many people drive much further than that each day. Do you have a vehicle that is in good shape and relatively low mileage? Do you enjoy driving or at least find it "OK," or does driving really stress you out? Do you have young children and this will cause problems with child care? If you end up loving the job but not the commute, would moving closer to work be an option?

   All of those things are factors to consider, but especially with today's job market, unless you have LOTS of money saved up or you have multiple job offers, you would probably be wise to accept the position.

2. AnonymousNovember 9,2025 at 1:11PM UTC

   I did for almost 5 years. Choose to mainly because the job market was slim pickings at the time. It takes a big chunck of the day, it was difficult to leave before most were awake at home ( started at 7, so left at 6) and then arriving home and having to make dinner and attend to family needs. I also live where winters can be rough which increased commute time, and stress.

3. AnonymousNovember 9,2025 at 1:30PM UTC

   Yes. My current commute is 1 hour going and coming.

4. na1102November 9,2025 at 1:38PM UTC

   Yes I would.

5. Alexis GladstoneNovember 9,2025 at 1:41PM UTC

   Yes. I have and I would do it again. It's not always easy but if the job is good and you enjoy the work and company, in my opinion, it's worth it.

6. AnonymousNovember 9,2025 at 1:45PM UTC

   Yeah and I have. To be honest It was a great way to decompress.

7. JD MorrowNovember 9,2025 at 2:03PM UTC

   My longest commute was 1.5 hour one way and 2 hours back (thanks to rush hour). The only part that bothered me about it was that it was pretty unsafe thanks to the frustration and impatience of other drivers. The time itself was great, I hyped myself up on the way in and decompressed on the way back. Forced daily me-time.

   Please note - just because it was great for me, doesn't mean it will be great for you. I've never had much of a social life and I have a stay-at-home partner, so my chores/errands were light and I didn't have to fit time for going out. Make sure you figure out where you're taking that time from and what your schedule will look like.

8. Jessica FerlandNovember 9,2025 at 2:06PM UTC

   45 minutes or 45 miles? What kind of commute are you used to? Do you need to be very close by for other reasons like family care?

   If you live in a rural area, this is the minimum amount of commute time I would expect.

9. Dr. Patty GrossNovember 9,2025 at 2:11PM UTC

   For some cities and some rural communities, 45 minutes is standard. Are there any jobs closer that you would be willing to do, even though they aren't a perfect fit? How bad do you need the job, and how long can you wait until another job comes along? One of the things you have to consider is your transportation. Is it reliable, and is the job offer enough for gas and wear and tear if you are using your own car? Is public transportation a possibility? I lived in a big city where the drive was 45-90 minutes, depending on traffic and weather, and in another big city where it was 5-10 minutes by subway. This is totally up to you and what you are willing to deal with.

10. AyianNovember 9,2025 at 2:11PM UTC

    If it's a dream job, absolutely! If not, absolutely not.

    I live in DFW and 45 minutes to work is considered average here. In Chicago, where the traffic is dense, 8 miles takes 30 minutes. Even so, that's 90+ minutes out of every day I'm not being paid for, I'm upright, I'm stressing with traffic, and I'm having to calculate before I leave so that I arrive on time on a reliable basis. A lot of traffic shenanigans can happen in a 45 minute drive.

11. SamNovember 9,2025 at 2:12PM UTC

    I live outside of a major city, and it's about 1/2 hour just to get TO the city. Another 15 to 30 minutes to get to the office, once I'm in the city.

12. AnonymousNovember 9,2025 at 2:25PM UTC

    I drive more than an hour, but only twice a week. I might have been be less flexible if I didn’t like the job as much.

    However, I live in an area in the suburbs of a northeastern city where long commutes are not unusual. I drive to this job but I for years had a commute by train that was almost as long.

13. AnonymousNovember 9,2025 at 3:26PM UTC

    Yes I just recently took a job that is 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic each way. Which is normal for the area I live in. I made sure that I asked for enough compensation to make up for that time on the road. Personally I enjoy my time alone in a vehicle where I can listen to a podcast or sing really loud to my favorite tunes. I also know all the side roads for when the traffic on the freeway gets stacked. Good luck!

14. AnonymousNovember 9,2025 at 4:20PM UTC

    I travel 2 hours each way for work because I needed to work after being made redundant. Depends on what you’re willing to do tbh & how much you need/want the job. I don’t have the same quality of life now in terms on work/life balance, social life and activities, but I needed to work!

15. AnonymousNovember 9,2025 at 5:03PM UTC

    I've traveled as much as 90 minutes-120 minutes both ways for my freelance writing projects. That said, I negotiated to work remotely and come in twice or three times a month. If you keep detailed records, you can write off the mileage as a freelancer.

16. AnonymousNovember 9,2025 at 5:10PM UTC

    I was a road warrior for 5 years and it was beneficial. Kept me working and opened doors for future roles.

17. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 12:13AM UTC

    My husband's commute is 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and road construction. He's used to it and it's a trade off we're willing to make to live where we do. He also goes in early enough in the morning to avoid the worst of the traffic.

18. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 6:18AM UTC

    I prefer 30 min or less commute, but if it was against traffic and the job & compensation were aligned, I would consider it.

19. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 10:48AM UTC

    Depends on what's all being offered.

20. LisaNovember 10,2025 at 1:17PM UTC

    No, but I would consider moving closer.

21. billie catanzariteNovember 10,2025 at 1:26PM UTC

    My husband drives and hour and twenty minutes - if it is only available there - may be worth it. Who knows what the future brings (a move closer/opportunity to grow)?

22. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 1:29PM UTC

    Yes I am doing for some sessional work that if it builds into more work at the site will enable me to leave a job that is just down the road but making me unhappy

23. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 1:35PM UTC

    I drive an hour and a half one way and have for years. I just listen to audio books to occupy my time. Not crazy about it but it is what it is.

24. Milissa JacobsNovember 10,2025 at 1:36PM UTC

    Can you move closer? When you factor in your commute time it’s like working another day every week.

25. Michelle HoffmanNovember 10,2025 at 1:38PM UTC

    I drove 45 minutes for about 25 miles for a couple of different jobs. It is all about perspective. People say they love living in a big city, but you can drive 45 minutes for about 20 miles or you can live further out and drive 45 minutes for 40 miles. I took my drive time as decompression time. I use that tie for self learning audio sessions. I also make out grocery/to do lists using my Alexa app.

    Only you can really answer this question as to driving. A few considerations you need to think about do you have to deal with snow, etc that will turn that 45 minutes into a longer commute. . Country areas require caution for deer especially in the dark. Farm equipment during planting season for spring and fall.

26. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 1:39PM UTC

    It depends on traffic. I live in Alexandria, VA and I had to drive to DC and it would take 90 minutes each way because traffic was terrible. If it’s a 45 minute drive with light traffic then it isn’t so bad, but test it out before you accept the offer because it becomes untenable if you’re getting home after 7 pm. It leaves very little time to unwind, your rushing through dinner, getting kids ready for the next etc. I only had to pick up my dog from day care, but I had to make sure I got there before 7 pm and then it took me another 30 minutes to get home.

27. Dianne McGuireNovember 10,2025 at 1:46PM UTC

    I commuted five days a week about 40 minutes each way. It wore me down with a teenager at home too. Good point also made that you are adding more work time to your weekly schedule.

28. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 1:54PM UTC

    Depends on where you are in your personal life. If it's just you, I'd say wholeheartedly, go for it. If others are involved, say, spouse and or children, then you may want to think it over. It could mean adjusting and juggling schedules that are competing. Just a thought.

29. CJB62November 10,2025 at 2:11PM UTC

    I drive 40-50 minutes each way to and from work. I live in a large metropolitan area so it isn’t an abnormal commute. However, I can’t take public transit to get there, have to drive in heavy freeway traffic. I listen to the radio but it seems like wasted time each day.

    in terms of the opportunity- is there a possibility of working remote work?

    Are you renting where there is a possibility you could move closer?

    can you take the bus or train where at least you can relax on the commute?

30. Kelly HeierNovember 10,2025 at 2:50PM UTC

    I used to drive that for 15 years and actually enjoyed my drive time. It was my "down" time. I would also listen to audio books. LOVED it!

31. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 3:26PM UTC

    Same here! I don't love the drive in the winter months, but I have the flexibility to WFH when the weather is bad. :) I also enjoy listening to audio books during my drive and it is nice at times to have the downtime after a stressful day at the office. If the benefits outweigh the time and car maintenance, etc, I would say go for it! Good luck.

32. Nancy GreenNovember 10,2025 at 3:09PM UTC

    Yes! I was laid off in April and can't find anything, so I would definitely drive.

33. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 3:31PM UTC

    Yes, but if it wasn't hybrid I would see if I could arrange the hours to avoid traffic. I once worked 6 to 2:30 to avoid traffic and then I listened to audio books and podcasts. I came to enjoy the commute.

34. Melissa NobileNovember 10,2025 at 3:47PM UTC

    45minutes is a short commute around here. Audio books and podcasts are the saving grace for commuters. You can get quite an education with the Great Courses!

35. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 4:18PM UTC

    Yes. I would. Listen to audio books.

36. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 5:13PM UTC

    I spent 10 years driving almost an hour each way. Sometimes for the job you get, relocating isn't an option. I have a kid in school so staying in the same school district is important to me. I also have a mortgage, a community I love, and a group of local friends. What I don't have is a lot of employment opportunity in my rural area. I now drive 37 minutes each way and it was a huge improvement for me when I made that switch....but I do miss being able to finish a full one hour podcast episode in a single drive!

37. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 5:21PM UTC

    I think it depends on multiple considerations: family obligations; how many times/week you would be making the commute; whether you feel that the people you would be reporting to/working with would make it worthwhile in addition to the job itself; the benefits of the job.

38. Wendy GrubelNovember 10,2025 at 6:18PM UTC

    Although my commute now is only about 35 minutes, 45 mins, even an hour wouldn't phase me if it's a job I want. I think you have to weigh the pros and cons. Does the pay cover additional costs like gas or public transportation? Is it 45 minutes on a good day or a typical day? Do you have the opportunity to work from home if the weather is an issue?

39. Cheyenne KlineNovember 10,2025 at 8:18PM UTC

    I used to have to living in a small town. I was a CNA and other than my local hospital the closest place was 35 miles away. I drove that stretch every night for two years

40. AnonymousNovember 10,2025 at 9:12PM UTC

    Yes, I would drive 45 minutes; however, if it's 45 minutes to a city company, no. That would mean that I would have to deal with traffic. Most likely, the commute then turns to 1 hr. and 15 min.

41. LaDonna CollinsNovember 11,2025 at 1:30PM UTC

    I do not enjoy driving but was offered a great position 50 minutes away. I’ve been doing it 2.5 years, and it’s great! The drive gives me time to pray, think and reflect on the day.

42. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 1:37PM UTC

    I used to drive through 1.5hrs of traffic there and 1.5hrs back for a job I hated. You do what you gotta do

43. Kris LoweNovember 11,2025 at 1:37PM UTC

    I have worked for a company for 31 years in various roles. I started off working at a location 25 minutes from my home, then 40, then 45, then 90. The thing is I love the job and it is something different everyday. I have worked in different positions and I live to serve our coworkers and be a resources for them. It is very personally rewarding work more so than monetarily and so fulfilling. That is what drives me. Find what your passion is. It won't matter where it is. You will make it work.

44. Amy LaverdiereNovember 11,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

    I’ve had times in my life where I drove as much as 90min away. I knew these opportunities were stepping stones to growing my career. How long is too long depends on your life, family, needs. But sometimes you need to sacrifice windshield time to get what you want out of life.

45. Angela R EdwardsNovember 11,2025 at 1:45PM UTC

    in the DC area, it can take over an hour to commute 12 miles. I use the time to listen to music or my favorite podcast or catch up with friends.

46. Sharon LevineNovember 11,2025 at 2:01PM UTC

    I did for 10 years. Luckily, I was able to offset my hours and work 10 am to 6:30. Doing this allowed me to shave off at least 10 - 15 minutes each way and eliminate the aggravation of a rush hour commute. The bonus for my company was that someone was available "after hours" if something came up. It was win- win

47. Ellen Weaver PaquetteNovember 11,2025 at 2:01PM UTC

    Did 59 minutes one way for 40 years

48. Lynn KleinNovember 11,2025 at 2:09PM UTC

    I., along with thousands of others, do commutes of 90+ minutes by train or car.

    Many have commutes longer than mine.

    I don’t think 45 is too much for a good job

49. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 2:23PM UTC

    45 minutes one way seems pretty much the average commute where I live, without traffic. Add on traffic and tack on another 45.

50. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 2:55PM UTC

    Before my husband went out on medical leave from his job, he had aa commute to work of almost 1 1/2 hours from where we live.

    However, all I have to do is walk less than 10 feet from my bed to my desk when I'm ready to go to work for the day, as I work as a bookkeeper for myself in my own bookkeeping firm where I'm the sole employee. With all of my husband's current medical appointments and my own serious medical conditions there is no way I'd be able to currently work a traditional job right now, so I'm beyond thankful to be able to have a job where I can set my own schedule and work 100% from home as it works well for me and my current situation.

51. Linda SchiessNovember 11,2025 at 2:58PM UTC

    I learned a long time ago that any commute longer than 30 Minutes, would wear me out and make me a cranky driver.

52. Erica NicholasNovember 11,2025 at 3:01PM UTC

    Yes. That's fairly common in my area. I drove 40 minutes both ways for 20 years and know at least one coworker that drove 90 minutes each way. It is up to you how much you love the job.

53. Vonnie BriddellNovember 11,2025 at 3:05PM UTC

    Most definitely. I have driven over an hour twice in my career for jobs I felt were worth it.

54. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 4:33PM UTC

    Most definitely. 45 minutes is nothing in today's world. Also, consider where you are located. In the Northeast Metro areas, the average commute time is 1+ hours.

55. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 6:26PM UTC

    Didn't drive but have had commutes that long. My issues is usually about multiple forms of transportation (if I have to do more than one form of transportation like bus and then train, etc.) I just can't. (I find it stressful, it's too long, etc.)

    Lots of people have these commutes, though. It's not unusual.

56. Jenn ManyfieldNovember 11,2025 at 6:37PM UTC

    nope, ONLY if the pay is life changing then I would move closer. That drive will take a toll on you and you may start to hate your position.

57. Jennifer A.November 11,2025 at 6:58PM UTC

    Yes, the job market is bad.

58. Cassandra SchmigotzkiNovember 11,2025 at 7:18PM UTC

    Yes, 1h is my max.

59. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanNovember 11,2025 at 7:20PM UTC

    I live in Los Angeles. It's not ususual. As someone who is a renter, in the past I have been known to move so that I am closer. Not always possible.

60. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 7:36PM UTC

    Will the job be worth the time and expenses? Can you find a similar job closer?

61. SHARI BECKERNovember 11,2025 at 7:53PM UTC

    I commute 1.5 to 2 hours each way in horrible traffic twice a week. It’s a good job, they treat me well, so I suffer thru.

62. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 12:34AM UTC

    My previous job I drove 45 minutes each way, which is average for the Philly metro area. It wasn't a big deal for me, but I can see how it would be for people who aren't used to it. The commute for my current job is 90 minutes each way, but since 60 minutes of it is on a train, I use that time to catch up on audiobooks or podcasts. Also helps that I only have to commute 2 days a week. It really comes down to what your comfort level is.

63. Cousin RonnieNovember 12,2025 at 1:23PM UTC

    I would if it is one I really like and this time includes traffic. If traffic would add another 30 minutes and there is no public transportation, then no i would not

64. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 1:31PM UTC

    Maybe. Do you have to be on site everyday? Do they give you flexibility and the schedule so you can maybe come early to beat the traffic if there's traffic? Are they paying you substantially more? Lots of factors go into this answer. If you have spotify, you can always listen to free audiobooks and podcasts during the commute.

65. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

    I do everyday. You do get used to it. and if the job is a good fit, it can be worth it.

66. Amanda GillNovember 12,2025 at 1:52PM UTC

    Yes. I took a new better job with a slightly longer commute than my previous and the tradeoff is fully worth it.

67. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 3:51PM UTC

    I go 22 miles one way - can take anywhere from 25 minutes to 60 on average. I like my job and deal with it. When I was younger I drove much longer as the roads were not as crazy. While I am getting tired of the commute, I have a few more years before retirement and will drive it for a few more years

68. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 5:04PM UTC

    I would for a location that's further out .. but not as much inclined when the commute time is due to city traffic!!

69. Jamie HooperNovember 12,2025 at 5:18PM UTC

    Yes, my current commute is about 35 minutes.

70. Eloisa JacintoNovember 13,2025 at 11:49AM UTC

    Yes, I can tolerate at most an hour commute for as long as I love the job and it serves my long-term goals.

71. AnonymousNovember 13,2025 at 1:42PM UTC

    My commute is 2.5 hours each way. I live in the suburbs and work is always a commute to get the role and pay I desire.

72. AnonymousNovember 13,2025 at 3:19PM UTC

    I removed myself from an interview process earlier this year (at the final stage, and it would have been a $25k increase minimum) because it would have been on site 5 days a week and about a 45 minute commute. I got used to the hybrid life I've been living and couldn't see doing that daily. I do at times kick myself for doing so, but in the end I knew it wouldn't work for me. That said, I do still kick myself on occasion for passing on that opportunity but as we approach winter I'm not too hard on myself for it. In my young, single days, I had a 70 mile round trip daily commute and was fine with it. I am currently onsite 2-3 days a week at one of two locations - either 60 miles away or 90. And even though it's not 5 days a week, that gets old. Real quick.

73. Felicia SampsonNovember 14,2025 at 2:32AM UTC

    When I lived in Tahoe, I drove a minimum of 90 minutes each way. Add in road construction, road closures due to avalanches/fallen trees, or snow-related issues and I've driven up to three hours one way. I currently have a five minute one way commute

    ...walking! I don't regret the miles I put in, but I doubt I'd do it again.

74. The Moonlit QuillNovember 14,2025 at 1:29PM UTC

    Think about it practically; you're adding nearly 2-hours to your work day, everyday, all week long. You're not getting paid for those nearly 2-hours of travel time, and depending on what you drive your paycheck may be half eaten by your gas tank.

    If it's that important to you, I would consider moving closer to said job or ride sharing/carpooling with co-workers who live near you.

    Failing that, sit down and make a list of pros and cons. Whichever outweighs the other is the practical choice, just make sure you're being honest about both.

75. Karen Lawrence SmithNovember 14,2025 at 1:33PM UTC

    I drive that to my job twice a week (hybrid schedule) but don't think I would do it if they made us return full time. Traffic is horrible, accidents every day. It's just not worth it. Wear and tear on your car, gas $$...unless it's a high paying job and the extra 1.5 hours is worth it to you, I would say no. But you have to look at all factors FOR YOU!

76. Dawn KingNovember 14,2025 at 1:50PM UTC

    No way

77. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachNovember 14,2025 at 2:43PM UTC

    Depends on the job and your personal needs. If it’s demanding and you have to pick up kids by a specific time, maybe not.

    If it will help your career to grow and your schedule can bear the commute time, then yes.

    In some metro areas this actually fairly normal and almost unavoidable due to costs of living near urban centers.

78. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachNovember 14,2025 at 2:46PM UTC

    If you do it, get audiobooks. Makes all the difference. Hoopla and Libby are library apps you can use for free.

    podcasts too.

79. Rebecca SuvalNovember 14,2025 at 3:31PM UTC

    Oh gosh my commute door to door is over an hour! I’d love a 45min commute - however, I am able to take public transportation (after driving to it) for context I do not think I could handle a 45min commute driving in traffic or any commute where I have to spend a lot of time in traffic. I’d rather be on public trans. You have to find what works for you. I’m in the Bay Area where long commutes are the norm.

80. AnonymousNovember 14,2025 at 5:29PM UTC

    OF COURSE! I've done it for every job I've ever had. And for job you WANT? Do it. Don't even hesitate!

    There are great talk radio stations, and infinite podcasts and audiobooks. Think of your commute as "your time"...

    Good luck and don't pass up a job you want!

81. Angela MasonNovember 15,2025 at 6:04PM UTC

    Are you kidding?

    Only 45 minutes?

    I drove 90 miles one-way, leaving my house at 4:50 am, and getting to work by 7:30 am.

    If you like your job, the sacrifice is worth it.

82. Susan Grant-SuttieNovember 19,2025 at 2:18PM UTC

    For 17 years I drove in good weather 45 minutes there then the same back. 1 1/2 hours one way in bad winter weather. The pay was incomparable but my home was a one in a lifetime opportunity to purchase regardless of the distance. It was a sacrifice.