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> 3. Move closer to work – a short commute is worth more than a big house I disagree with this one. It's possible to live too close to work. If the commute is
by graue 13y ago
> 3. Move closer to work – a short commute is worth more than a big house
I disagree with this one. It's possible to live too close to work. If the commute is less than 15 minutes or so, or perhaps more to the point, if it isn't far enough to feel like a separate place, I'm less happy. I need the separation.
I've experienced this both in college — I was happier when I moved across the river from most of my classes and classmates — and recently at a job, where it was about a 7 minute bike ride to work. You'd think that's ideal, but I felt trapped, like my home was nothing but an extension of the office.
One of my happiest times, in fact, was when I had an 11 mile bike commute (or an hour and 15 minutes on two trains). It wasn't very practical, and was logistically difficult (and I was often late), but I felt amazing.
I've never owned a car, though, so maybe the guideline about shorter commutes is correct if you drive. I've always either walked, biked (exercise) or taken the train (opportunity to read, meditate, relax).
- Steve44 13y ago>> I disagree with this one. It's possible to live too close to work. If the commute is less than 15 minutes or so, or perhaps more to the point, if it isn't far enough to feel like a separate place, I'm less happy. I need the separation. I totally agree with this. I once lived a 20 minute walk from work and that was great. When I moved closer and as a 2-3 minute walk I really didn't like it. I'm not too sure why, possibly it didn't give my brain time to adjust to the two modes. The brain 'down time' is quite enjoyable and very important to forming thoughts and plans I think.
- finnw 13y agoEven if there is a route that takes 2-3 minutes to walk, what is to stop you deliberately taking a longer route?
- GFischer 13y agoI live 8 minutes from my work, and I'm really happy about that, I hated my long commute. It is 3 km away though :) , I do drive , and I'm in a job that I hate and which doesn't require me to take my work home (I'm leaving it but I'm stuck for a few months more). If it's a short walk away then yes, it might sound more intrusive.