The cost of commuting
As I mentioned in the last post, I have a third interview Wednesday with a company downtown, WA, which contacted me through my school’s e-recruiting site. Though this is the third interview, I have not had the courage to bring up specific salary expectations, and I’m largely only going to this (I hope) last meeting to find out what they offer.
The office is located in Chicago, south of the Loop. I’d have to take a train from the ‘burbs, then take a bus or walk the additional mile to the company. The position’s 40-hour work week then stretches into an easy 60 hours away from home, not counting what-I’m-sure-is-required overtime.
Today I did a rough breakdown of costs, assuming a $40,000/year salary. (I have no idea if it will be more or less.)
Commuting costs:
Monthly Metra pass: $116.10
+ Daily bus fares for an average 22 days/month: $88.00
= Total monthly cost: $204.10
Total yearly cost: $2449.20
Time costs:
Work hours: 40/week (+5 for lunches)
+ Commuting: 15/week
+ Overtime: variable
= Total monthly cost: average: 60 hours
Total yearly hours: more than 3,180/year
If I divide the yearly hours into the yearly salary (less commuting costs), I arrive at my average hourly rate, assuming no extensive overtime: $11.80. Less than I’ve made for temp-ing, and less than I’d make proofreading from my house.
Maybe this would be worth it if the job were something I’d dreamed of having. But it isn’t. It’s an industry I’m not interested in. It’s a company that likes required social activities—Christmas formal, family picnic (all of which I’d be planning). And mostly, it only sometimes involves writing; largely, it’s a HR-marketing-personal assistant role. If it were closer, if it didn’t require so much time… maybe. But as it is? I’m pretty sure it’s not worth it.
I’m still going to the interview Wednesday, just because I’d always wonder. I’m not especially optimistic.
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9 Responses to “The cost of commuting”
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Well, since you think you are the only one being interviewed, and they seem very interested in you, you might be in a poisition to negotiate a higher salary, or that they would pay for the train/bus, etc.
However, that still would not be worth it if you would not enjoy the job.
You’ll learn something from every interview and follow up interview you take. I’m glad you’re going to go and see! You just never know!
Thanks, guys.
LN: Exactly. My big question is still whether I would like the job!
Kim: You are right, I know. I needed that pep talk, though. Thanks!
I agree with kim about learning something from every interview. Also, receiving a job offer (even if you turn it down) is a big ego booster. This self-esteem boost will shine in other areas of your life as well.
I work in Chicago’s South Loop too. Our offices are probably going to be close by each other. Anyway, I take the Metra from Ogilvy so it adds an easy 10 minute walk compared if I just got off at Union Station. We recently bought a condo in Downers Grove which is close to the Belmont Metra, and I get off at Union Station so the hike to work is only about 10 mins long or a little longer. At Ogilvy, it takes me 20-25 minutes to walk!!!
And the only time I take the CTA bus is during winter (i get the link up sticker to save$) or if it’s raining like really bad. Like freezing, yucky weather. Otherwise I just though it out, all in the name of saving $1.75 in fares.
BTW in case you didn’t know already, it’s $1.75 to hop on the CTA with the CHicago pass card. If you pay cash, it’s $2.00!
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