The document discusses the costs of extreme commuting, defined as commutes over 90 minutes each way. It describes the author's experience commuting from NYC to Stamford, CT, which took a toll on their time, money, and quality of life due to traffic and weather delays. After getting a new job closer to home, the author realized how much healthier, cheaper, and less stressful shorter commutes can be. The document provides options for reducing extreme commutes without changing jobs, such as changing travel modes, working from home some days, adjusting hours, or living near the office. It encourages readers to evaluate if their long commutes negatively impact their work and personal life.

1. The Cost of Extreme Commuting
Extreme commuting is typically defined as work trips taking 90 minutes or more each
way; and it’s said that one in eight workers in Manhattan is an "extreme commuter." How
much time do you spend commuting? What are the costs in time, money and quality of
life?
In a previous career I commuted from NYC to Stamford, CT. Initially, my commute was
spent on a Metro-North train and a shuttle to the office. When the company eliminated
the shuttle, I started driving. At the time it made sense as taking a public bus from the
Stamford train station to the office added another 45-60 minutes to each trip. Bad
weather and traffic increased the time I spent commuting, rising commuting costs
(including staying in hotels when it wasn’t possible to make it home) hit my wallet and
my quality of life suffered.
Fast-forward to a new job closer to home and my world changed. Walking to work
(except during exceptionally bad weather) made me healthier, virtually eliminated my
commuting costs, and gave me more time at the office and for my personal life. I had
never before realized the toll extreme commuting took on my life.
Is extreme commuting affecting you? If so, there are solutions that don’t require leaving
your job (unless you want to). Here are a few options:
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Would changing your mode of travel (from car to train, for example) be better for
you?
Is it possible to work from home one or two days a week?
Would a change in work hours to avoid traffic help?
Is having pied-a-terre near your office an option?
Take a few minutes to ask yourself if your commute affects your business and, more
importantly, your personal life. If so, make a change. Both you and your business will
benefit from a more productive, healthier, happier “you”.