Job moving twice as far away . . .

[bookbard]

I had a job pre-covid which was about 45m from where I lived. There's a possibility it may start up again when covid settles down, either in six or twelve months time. However, I've just been told the location has moved so I'd have to drive 1.5 hrs each way. It's only one day a week but the idea of driving that far has really put me off. I did say to them (when we knew the location would have to move) that I'd be happy to drive an hour, but no further. They haven't been able to tell me which day of the week, either. 

I currently work 4.5 days short days a week in job which is kind of like admin. This other job uses my specialist skills and so is better intellectually and resume-wise. 

Obviously, I don't need to decide asap, as it won't be happening for a few months. But what do you think - suck it up or give it up?

[katilac]

If I were trying to build my resume, I'd suck it up for a while. 

[fraidycat]

Do you still need the job to build your resume, or is the experience you've already gained enough?  Maybe if you start putting out your resume for jobs closer to home, or work from home (if that's possible in your field) between now and when this particular job re-opens, you'll have a better idea if it's better to keep it or let it go.

[Melissa Louise]

Can you catch the train and use the commute for work/rest/leisure?

 

[bookbard]

There's no public transport - it would have to be a 1.5hr drive.

To be honest, I don't know what I'll be doing workwise in the future, but in the near future I wouldn't be looking for any further work. The current job is the family business, so I'll be doing that until we sell it in a few years. 

I might try the drive one day and see what it's like, as I don't know the area well. If it's tricky with highways or scary roads or something that could be a big issue - I don't like driving that much!

[Carol in Cal.]

I’d try to negotiate for a clumped schedule, I think.  Like, two days in a row (involves an overnight stay in a motel though) and then off for two weeks.  

I think you’re wise to keep them as an employer.  It’s hard to rely on a family business referral to be taken seriously, whether it’s for another job or even to rent a home or office.

[Melissa Louise]

1 hour ago, bookbard said:

There's no public transport - it would have to be a 1.5hr drive.

In that case, for a day a week in a good-for-prospects job, I'd suck it up. 

With the proviso that traffic going or returning doesn't regularly make the trip longer than 90 min. 

 

[Ausmumof3]

I would start looking for anything that would replace it and fill the same spot in the resume but otherwise might do it for the one day a week.  But  that would also depend how much else I had going on in the rest of life to manage because 3 hours driving if you’re overtired is not very safe.  

[Sherry in OH]

Unless I truly loved the job and saw a future for myself in that company, I would start looking for something else.   If nothing came up, I would try the drive for a while, but would need to take an honest look at costs versus benefits.   Factoring in additional time and all transportation costs does the job pay enough to cover expenses plus a bit more or would you essentially be working for free?   Could a volunteer position closer to home fill your needs for intellectual stimulation and resume-building? 

 

[City Mouse]

Have you thought about asking if they will pay mileage or pay for your travel time? 
Pre-Covid I was working a contract job that required 4hr commute (2hrs each way) 2 days per week, and I was paid for travel time. 
My DD works for a small convenience store chain. When they ask her to work at a different location than her home store she is paid mileage from her store to the other stores.

[Katy]

I’d give it up unless you love it. 

[elegantlion]

If it were me, I'd give it up. I'm possibly looking at a one hour one day a week commute next fall for school and am not thrilled about it. 

I'd factor in weather and time of day. I have challenges driving at night and won't drive in perilous conditions. 

I'd consider what are your limits as far as what conditions you won't drive in/on, extra wear and tear on the car, how much it will disrupt home life - as in would you need child care, and how supportive your family is about the whole thing. 

[bookbard]

Thanks everyone. Yeah, my husband isn't happy about it, and it would make things tricky re the kids. Also yes, I'm already exhausted. The idea of adding another full day to my load is not a happy one. But as I say, it sounds like it won't be any time soon, so I will think about it further. 

[katilac]

14 hours ago, Carol in Cal. said:

It’s hard to rely on a family business referral to be taken seriously, whether it’s for another job or even to rent a home or office.

So if you're thinking about opening a family business, give it a different name! Or, if you're marrying into a family business, don't change your name. 

If I were currently working for a family-named business, I'd set up (or have them set up) a dba so I could list that instead.