Hey Everyone,
I am 25M. I am in very stressful situation because I cannot make up my mind. I have accepted a job in a city in CA that I want to move to. The job is a high demanding, detailed oriented financial services operations job. I'll be heavily depended on and will have to be very sharp minded and focused. My gross salary is $75k
However, I currently live 55 miles away. Morning traffic the commute is 1 hour 30 min, with 10 toll road. Coming home is also traffic 1 hour 30 min. I do drive a Toyota in which I get 43 miles per gallon. But with gas prices being high and with driving 110 miles round trip, I expect to put gas in every 4 days roughly which is $55 per tank for me.
Plus $15-$20 toll everyday 5 times per week
As well as 3 hours driving M-F. And I do come on weekends sometimes
I could rent a room for 1200 and it will be month to month and be 15min away from work. I'm just worried about my finances
I have $35k credit card debt. That I'm trying to pass off as well. And I don't know if trust myself to not spend more money per month.
I only have $3k in savings so it makes me nervous. Yes I can save a little every month as the time goes on while paying down my balances but it will require discipline
But after doing the math I will be only saving $700 roughly by living at home and commuting 3 hours a day.
I will have to wake up 5am, leave by 5:30am, get to work by 7am, start at 7:30am. Get off at 5pm, wait until traffic dies and leave by 7:30 and get home by 8:45pm
I just don't know if I can maintain commuting, never anytime to myself, waking up extra early, sitting in traffic, all to save on my $700 extra
My mental health is very important to me especially in a new demanding role like this.
What do you think?
Move for mental sanity or commute to save a little extra?
byu/WazPura09 inpersonalfinance
Posted by WazPura09
6 Comments
I recommend moving. If you’re exhausted and not mentally sharp enough to perform your job and work long hours, you may be jeopardizing your job.
Jeopardizing your job likely isn’t worth saving $700.
I’ve done a similar commute. It wasn’t worth the exhaustion and stress I experienced.
You really think so? What makes me paranoid is that I only have $3,000 in savings. And I have $35k debt. So I worry what if something happens. But I can save some and pay down my balances as time goes on. I just don’t like that I dint have a bigger cushion right now.
But I also don’t know how and if I can handle a 3 hour commute daily and a demanding job
a 3 hour daily commute will make you lose your mind- just move
I also recommend moving as a long commune is stressful. Your job is the key to bills and paying off the debt, so I would prioritize your health and the job
I handled a 2 hour commute each way for quite a few years. It is mind numbing but possible. My key was leaving by 5. That got me to my destination at 6. I either went into work early or ate breakfast when I got there and then started work 6:45 or 7:00. Unfortunately, there is no good fix for the evening trip home. If you are young and single the rented room idea sounds attractive.
Honestly, there is a third option and that’s decline the job or rough it out until you find something better and keep looking.
It isn’t a bad situation, it’s actually pretty good for your age! But depending on the location and cost of living it might not be worth your time/energy.
Your goals should be increase income/earning ability and decrease debt.
If you optimize for those for two years maybe less you can be debt free and live wherever you want.
But it’s gonna take a period of sacrifice whether it’s driving to work or paying more in rent or staying up to find that next opportunity.
Your head is in a great place and I’m proud of you! Whatever you decide, remember it’s not forever and you will use this opportunity as a stepping stone to something greater.