Workers switch jobs every 3.9 years, according to one source, so the odds are your current job won’t be your last one.
Sometimes a new job might mean moving. Not everyone wants to spend hours commuting to and from their place of employment. Depending on the distance and the time spent every day on roadways and highways, your work-life balance might be impacted for better or worse.
But how far is too far? While the answer to that question depends on you, here are five signs you should consider moving closer to work.
1. Long and Stressful Commutes Are Affecting Your Well-Being
One telltale sign it’s time to move is if you’re stressed out about a long commute. Being stuck in traffic for hours every day or taking the bus can be hard on your body and psyche. According to one source, spending long periods of time sitting can harm your heart and overall well-being.
If commuting to the office every day is sucking the life out of you before the day has even begun or disrupting family life, it’s time to think about moving closer to work. Shortening your commute won’t just save time. It’ll reduce stress levels.
2. Average Lateness or Dependability Problems
Another sign that distance is an issue is if you’re constantly late to work due to commute-related reasons. Construction that contributes to traffic jams, rush hour traffic, bus or train breakdowns, or poor weather can complicate commutes.
Consistently getting to work late can get you in hot water with your boss and cause conflicts with colleagues who are forced to pick up the slack until you arrive. If this scenario hits too close to home for you, moving might be the answer.
3. Work-Life Balance Is Compromised
Spending too much time commuting means there’ll be less time for other important things like spending time with family and friends, exercising, etc.
If you’re having to sacrifice personal time simply to get to and from work, that’s a pretty good sign that relocating is the way to go.
4. Commuting Costs Are Hurting Your Budget
Commuting expenses can add up quickly. Gas, parking, vehicle upkeep, and even tolls can eat away at your take-home pay. If commuting costs are consuming a big portion of your budget, relocating closer to your job may bring both instant and long-term savings.
5. Your Career Choices Are Fewer
If you’re between jobs or want to pursue a new career path, that might justify moving. Opportunities sometimes rear their pretty heads far from where you call home.
Many people, for instance, are recognizing the benefits of getting into the trades. Considering the possibility of taking online certifications — such as for forklift operator positions — you can appreciate why the trades are booming.
Telecommuting options may be limited, and living too far from your office may prevent you from participating in key meetings, networking sessions, or career development opportunities. For these reasons, a new job may require a fresh start home-wise.
Getting nearer to your office is an intimidating choice, but the majority of the indicators are that it can actually be the right one. If your long office commute has created stress, lowered punctuality levels, encroached on work-life balance, led to economic losses, or hampered career growth, getting closer to your office might pay rich dividends.
Before deciding whether to move closer to where you work, carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages. For many career-minded professionals, the advantage of shorter commutes and less stress make relocation a good strategic decision.
At the end of the day, it’s about doing what’s right for you. Commuting near your office isn’t merely a question of convenience—it’s about finding a greater, more balanced, and better lifestyle that’ll help you thrive rather than merely survive.