How long is your commute and what would you do with the time if you had it back?

LTC Gavin Heater — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:18:11 -0400

I have been commuting in and out of Boston, MA for the past 20 years. My commute lasts and average of 3 hours round trip, with the slightly faster morning offset by then painfully slow evening. Some days it drops to 2.5 hours round trip and some days it runs 4 hours. So...how long is your commute and what would you do if you had the time back? I know I would spend more time with my 8 year old son doing what he likes to do.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made May 4 at 2015 8:21 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:21:26 -0400

45 minutes each way, five days a week.

I would gladly take that time to read for growth or to exercise. I have stopped running nearly as much and would love that 90 minutes a day.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 8:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:21:13 -0400

My current job is 8 minutes from my house. But my old job was 90 minutes one way, 3 hours round trip, and I miss the drive everyday. It gave me time to think after a long day and to leave my work at work. But now I get to wake up later and get the kids ready for school and come home and spend more time with them. Which is more important overall

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 8:21 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:21:38 -0400

I'm fortunate these days, as my commute is a three minute walk, but I've had my share of 1+ hour commutes (each way). If I had the time back, I'd spend it with family, for sure.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 8:23 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:23:09 -0400

45 mins to 1 hour each day 5 times a week or 7 times a week if we have drill. Since i know that wont change unless i move i just suck it up. And if i had that time back i would work out and do cardio. But im make time for that.

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 4 at 2015 8:28 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:28:13 -0400

That really sucks. My traditional slot is at Hansom AFB. I have had to commute to Boston using the T for various classes at the Barnes BLDG...no thanks. There is a lot of job opportunities there and in DC but I won't take anything that requires more than 45 minutes each way, shorter is better. Right now I commute 20 minutes and that seems like a total waste. I guess I can't answer the other part of your question because I haven't lost time that I want back. Lexington is almost as expensive as places closer to the city...

Response by SSG Stan Morrison Jr made May 4 at 2015 8:28 PM

SSG Stan Morrison Jr — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:28:54 -0400

About 25 mins

Response by TSgt Christopher D. made May 4 at 2015 8:28 PM

TSgt Christopher D. — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:28:56 -0400

Sir, the "What I'd do if" part of your post (spending time with your boy) is the best possible investment of that time anyone could come up with. I hope you're able to find a way to mitigate that commute, and spend a little more time with your son.

I live 2.3 miles from where I work. It takes me about 10 minutes to walk out of my door to walk into the office. That isn't something I take for granted or overlook. Neither do my own children.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made May 4 at 2015 8:31 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:31:03 -0400

2 block walk!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 4 at 2015 8:30 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 04 May 2015 20:30:55 -0400

My last job was 1.5-2.5 hours each way. Stafford to just past Dulles Airport. Lots of podcasts and audiobooks and roadrage.

Current commute is 7.5 minutes. I sleep more. I cook for the family more. I just hang out with family more.

Little stresses that just compounded daily just went away... It's nice.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 9:37 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 21:37:51 -0400

Currently I commute 1 hr 5 mins one way with no traffic. My last unit I commuted 1 hr 15 mins each way. I would most definitely use that time to help out with my 6 kids and after school activities. I was spoiled when I lived on base, but we gave up that convenience for a great public school system.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 9:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 21:55:56 -0400

My daily commute is only about 30 minutes. My commute for drill is 2.5 hours one way. Both used to be longer, so I understand the struggle.

If I had that time back I would spend it exploring the new city and state that I live in. Or maybe even use that time to connect with the people around me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2015 10:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 May 2015 22:12:23 -0400

Wow, that is a lot of time!! My commute is 4 minutes tops!!

Response by CPT Bob Moore made May 4 at 2015 10:19 PM

CPT Bob Moore — Mon, 04 May 2015 22:19:44 -0400

I have about a 20 minute drive each way. For me, it is generally just enough time to get in the right mindset going into work. I look at my schedule before I start driving and try to go over what I need to do that day.

On the way home, I use the time to get out of the work mindset and into the home mindset. It isn't wasted time, for me.

If I had a longer commute, I could see it as wasted time. I would definitely want to spend any time saved on my commute with family or friends.

Response by SSG Kenneth Lanning made May 4 at 2015 10:21 PM

SSG Kenneth Lanning — Mon, 04 May 2015 22:21:39 -0400

2 hours, on foot, uphill both ways, in the snow, while it's 95 degrees out...

Then I wake up and do my 5 minute drive to work trying not to hit pedestrians that forgot their reflective belts hehehe...

Response by SSgt Michael Orcutt made May 4 at 2015 10:30 PM

SSgt Michael Orcutt — Mon, 04 May 2015 22:30:58 -0400

I'm about two hours round trip, but I only have to go in two days a week since I am able to work from home the other two days (I work 4 10's). It's worth it to be closer to family and much cheaper housing than living in the Denver Metro Area.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 2:07 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 02:07:59 -0400

I live about 20 mins from the base! So 40 mins round trip can't really complain about that.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 5 at 2015 5:53 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Tue, 05 May 2015 05:53:58 -0400

When I was active I had a 70 mile commute one way! I lived in PA and worked at Lakehurst NJ. I would definitely regain some sleep and spend time with the family.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 9:37 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 09:37:11 -0400

We made a significant sacrifice in living space to be close to work when we moved to DC about a month ago. Coming from the Tacoma area of Washington State, we could easily afford a 3000 sq foot home that we had built. Here in DC, to be close to work, we moved into a 1700 sq foot home that is about 25 minutes from work. It's about a thousand more per month as well. We could have found a large home that was an hour commute, but didn't want to sacrifice family time for the comfort. We're getting used to it and frankly it's a first world problem for sure. I'm blessed that I can make that kind of decision.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 9:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 09:53:30 -0400

My commute is not long, maybe 30 minutes. I would give that time up becuase it lets me defuse before i get home and leave work outside my house when i walk in.

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made May 5 at 2015 10:14 AM

SGT Craig Northacker — Tue, 05 May 2015 10:14:24 -0400

I used to commute into Manhattan - subject to the vagaries of the LIRR and MTA and their multitude of excuses. When they worked nothing beats using the trains - you can sleep, catch up on work, read, or be mindless. I got tired of the time commuting and opened my own office and business about 15 minutes from my house.
Now I run Vets-Help. I have three basic commutes - my apartment to my office in Mooresville, NC, is about 5 minutes-but my roundtrip to our new track and reintegration center at Rockingham Speedway is over 4 hours. I live and work out of my house in NY when I am there, but my commute from NC to NY runs between 9.5 and 10.5 hours each way. Shorter weekends I fly, but that is still about 5.5 hours or so each way.
I added up all the time I spent commuting, especially while running my own businesses, and consistently found I was giving up way too much non-productive time commuting, so finding a close business nexus to my home is essential for me. Our new projects require me to travel quite a bit around the country, but that's another story.

Response by SSG Daniel Deiler made May 5 at 2015 10:31 AM

SSG Daniel Deiler — Tue, 05 May 2015 10:31:13 -0400

I'm curious as to why someone would take a job that requires such a long commute? Is the salary/pay worth all that wasted time listening to the radio and getting frustrated at incompetent drivers? Clearly it's a personal choice but I would rather work at McDonald's for minimum wage than spend that much time in a vehicle.

Response by 1SG Robert B. made May 5 at 2015 11:08 AM

1SG Robert B. — Tue, 05 May 2015 11:08:00 -0400

I commute about an hour each way, depending on traffic. I use the time to listen to podcasts or books on tape.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made May 5 at 2015 12:03 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Tue, 05 May 2015 12:03:59 -0400

At Fort Campbell it was 30 minutes each way without traffic and issues, Fort Hood was the same way, yet on-post and not down I-24. It is a lot of time, my current trip to work is about 3 minutes, much more enjoyable and easy to see the family and check in. Driving to and from work is a serious issue for those of us in the armed forces, it can create stress or relieve it I think.

In one assignment I a 15 mile drive to work that had ZERO lights, only three right turn stop signs. It was great, green fields and cows all the way there.

Unfortunately it seems folks are trying to recapture time with friends and family with electronic devices and therefor placing themselves at risk for something very bad, possibly an accident.

I like the shorter drives and just glad I don't work at the 5 x 5 just outside of Arlington and Alexandria!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 4:26 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 16:26:03 -0400

Mine is only 20-25 minutes. It is my decompressing time to either focus on work in the morning or releasing the stresses of work to focus on the family. I did however have a 1 hour commute one way living in California, and listening to books, talk radio kept me inform. A few trips of course singing at the top of my lungs due to no one else in the car.
If I could get that time back to answer the other part, definitely more time with the family. Never can get enough of a good thing.

Response by MSgt David Heil made May 5 at 2015 5:44 PM

MSgt David Heil — Tue, 05 May 2015 17:44:41 -0400

I work in downtown DC and live about 26 miles outside of town. I leave for work at about 0530 so I can be on the front side of the traffic pattern. The morning commute is right at an hour. Since I don't have much control on the afternoon commute it is usually between 1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours each day. I decided a couple of years ago to become a ham radio operator and I used the time in the afternoon commute to listen to study CD's for all three classes of licenses. At least it was productive. I listen to news radio and books on CD in the afternoons. In the mornings, I just listen to the morning news. What would I do without all of this time lost commuting? I would sleep a little longer in the morning and spend more time with my wonderful wife in the afternoons. Retirement is approaching and I will NOT miss the commute!

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made May 5 at 2015 7:51 PM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Tue, 05 May 2015 19:51:05 -0400

I am lucky. I work/volunteer 10 minutes away exactly. My 3yo still hates it though. Little ones are so heartwarming!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 8:07 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 20:07:25 -0400

In the DMV area, you are not going anywhere fast. I live 8 miles away from work. So one would expect that I should be getting to work in 15 mins tops. Wrong, 40 mins in the morning. Now that VDOT initiated express lanes my commute is not only short but expensive. I have to pay around $5 going to work and $ 6 coming from work with an ez pass. So we don't get a break here. On Friday afternoons, the commute home would run 1.5 hours to go 8 miles.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 8:18 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 20:18:57 -0400

30 mins each way, probably getting projects done at home. But I like my commute time to be honest. Time I call my folks or brother to talk. Or listen to my music and catch up on local news.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made May 5 at 2015 11:21 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 05 May 2015 23:21:05 -0400

30-45 minutes one way depending on WX and automotive jackassery on I-25. Sucked it up for the good school district. If I had it back, I would rotate the morning end between certain long distance PT events, putting kids on the school bus, a monthly mentor breakfast with my peeps, or using it as a prep time for work before everyone else gets there.

The afternoon "extra time" would be burned by the usual duty day spill over from 10% soldiers, crisis dejour, the ocean of evals, and the 350-1 tax.

Response by LT Garth Young (Ret) made May 6 at 2015 8:27 AM

LT Garth Young (Ret) — Wed, 06 May 2015 08:27:19 -0400

Hour & 45 mins round trip. If it was less, I'd spend more time with my Grandson.

Response by SSG Andrew Buckman made May 7 at 2015 1:42 PM

SSG Andrew Buckman — Thu, 07 May 2015 13:42:42 -0400

50 minutes to work at Fort Leavenworth, 50 minutes home to Kansas City. I would spend the time on a run or in the gym for sure.

Response by AN Yedda Lutz made May 7 at 2015 3:31 PM

AN Yedda Lutz — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:31:04 -0400

Thankfully, I work from home, so I don't have a commute. That commute sounds horrible. I would make some changes and move closer to work if at all possible. Time with my family is very important. Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do.

Response by SGT John Rauch made May 7 at 2015 3:44 PM

SGT John Rauch — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:44:00 -0400

2 hours round trip every day for me. my wife and I just bought a house and land. I would spend time on the property or fixing up my barn...aka my man cave.