Would you leave a job you love (w/significant commute) for the unknown job w no commute?

[Anonymous]

I currently commute 2 hours a day (minimum, never know about traffic, and it's a driving commute) to a job I love. A similar position has opened up literally around the corner from my house. I could walk there in minutes. I'm old enough to know what a gift it is to truly enjoy your job, and in my case that has a lot to do with management, so switching could really change things. OTOH, two hours in the car everyday is expensive in terms of time and real dollars. It would make a big difference in the life of my four year old for me to get home at 5 everyday, instead of 6 or 6:30. Have no offer on the table, so this could be premature, but I'm interested in your thoughts. I've actually never had a job I wouldn't jump at the chance to leave, so this is new for me.TIA.

[Anonymous]

If you aren't going to move, and you can't telecommute, I would switch if it were me. That is 10 hours a week, or 520 hours a year, that you would save. But, I tend to make a lot of decisions to minimize commute that others don't.

[Anonymous]

I understand the job you love aspect. But also agree that that is a LOT of time. Personally I have 2 kids - almost 4 and 1.5 - and I can really see a difference in our days between the ones where I'm home earlier. If you would be absolutely miserable at the new job, then maybe not worth it. But to save 10 hours a week I would be VERY tempted.

[Anonymous]

I'd rather have a job I liked ok with a short commute than a job I loved with a long one. Two hours a day is a lot of time wasted.

[Anonymous]

I did this. The new job sucked. I am now back at the old one - they hired me back!

I would suggest trying to negotiate with the job you love first for some telecommuting options.

[Anonymous]

I would ask Boss At Job I Love if it would be possible to change my hours so I could leave earlier and do extra work through telecommuting so I could still be at Job I Love but also still home at 5 instead of 6 or 6:30. Yes, the expense commuting to Job I Love would still be there, but the effect on family would be lessened.

If you have a good relationship with Boss At Job You Love and you explained the predicament, you might be able to carve out something quite nice for yourself and your family. Of course it would not be a walk around the corner to your job, but a flex schedule with some telecommuting might mean you work from home a day a week and also get home at 5 each day.

[Anonymous]

Yes, first ask job 1 about telecommute options. But if not, I would change. When little one gets in school, the activities and homework alone is going to increase. Getting in after 6 and dinner.... You don't want to be helping with homework then. When we are all home at 5 ...wow, what a huge difference for our family life.

Also, think about 5 min around the corner. That means you can go in to have lunch some days with child or take your lunch break and read the class a book, attend a class party etc. You might not want to do these things but all things to consider in balancing work & family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I currently commute 2 hours a day (minimum, never know about traffic, and it's a driving commute) to a job I love. A similar position has opened up literally around the corner from my house. I could walk there in minutes. I'm old enough to know what a gift it is to truly enjoy your job, and in my case that has a lot to do with management, so switching could really change things. OTOH, two hours in the car everyday is expensive in terms of time and real dollars. It would make a big difference in the life of my four year old for me to get home at 5 everyday, instead of 6 or 6:30. Have no offer on the table, so this could be premature, but I'm interested in your thoughts. I've actually never had a job I wouldn't jump at the chance to leave, so this is new for me.TIA.

NP in same predicament. Would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I would do it in a heartbeat, and I love my job. On days I telework instead of commute is have more hours for sleep, exercise, the dog -- so not only do I have more time with my kid, I am more relaxed and pleasant during that time.

[Anonymous]

Definitely apply for the job--the only way to know if it would be better is to interview. See what your learn, maybe you can negotiate with your current employer, maybe you'll get this job. Who knows? But give it a shot!

[Anonymous]

I did this (though I wouldn't say I left a job I loved - I left a job I liked fine). However, I could never have imagined the improvement to my quality of life that would come with such a reduction to commute. My entire life is much, much better as a result. Go for it!

[Anonymous]

I did this. I traded an hour for a 5 minute commute. I really regret it. New agency is terrible.

[Anonymous]

I would do it in a heartbeat. Two hours more with my kids every day would be huge.