I just got a call about a potential job. It's with a company that's typically headquartered in Baltimore, so when I applied for this particular job, I didn't realize it was actually in Rockville.
I live in Crofton, so that would mean an hour commute battling beltway traffic. However, the salary (if they follow the range posted on the website) would be at minimum a $16,000 increase, with potential to be more like a $25,000 increase per year.
I currently work in Annapolis (25-minute commute) and have a lot of ties to Annapolis (I volunteer at the Children's Theatre, which is in Cape St. Claire, and am there probably at least one night a week, but am also taking on a larger role there beginning in January and will be there more often.)
Would you:
A) Go into the interview gung-ho because the salary increase would be awesome?
Go to the interview (I would have to take a half-day at work) with caution?
C) Cancel the interview because commuting an hour each way really diminishes quality of life (My husband works in Annapolis from 8-4:30, so it would be less time with him in the evening).
D) Other. Please specify.
Re: WWYD? Job-related.
Do what Gracie said. I would at least go to the interview to see what your options are so you aren't potentially kicking yourself later for turning down an awesome opportunity.
Having said that, I couldn't handle that commute 5 days a week. My commute is 25-35 minutes in so-so traffic and that is my absolute threshold. I see people who have an hour commute each way (like my DH) and it really sucks the life out of them.
You could not pay me enough to commute on 495 again. I commuted for 3 yrs from AA County to Bethesda. Awful traffic. Luckily my job was flexible and let me work from home a lot. I can't imagine going further up 495 and onto 270.
If you could possibly take the ICC that might help shave off some time, but it's pricey for the tolls.
Personally I would cancel the interview (based on my own experience commuting).
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I'd go and keep an open-mind as well. That being said, I have a 72 mile round trip commute and it can be brutal. It takes about 40 minutes in the a.m (if I leave by 6:50am) and about an hour at night. Fridays in the summer and holiday weekends, it can take me 2 hours. (It took me two hours one night last year to go from Upper Marlboro to DD's daycare in Columbia). I've gotten used to it and I wfh 1 day per week, which has made it better.
That much of a pay jump might make it worth my while.
I would go to the interview because you never know what options might be available: working from home, other locations, etc.
That being said, Chae used to work in Rockville. He commuted from Gambrills for a few years and he swears he would never do it again. Between the gas, wear and tear on the car, and hours of his life wasted, he isn't sure there is enough money for him to ever do it again. I know I couldn't do it!
Good luck with whatever you decide!