Had to choose between a long commute and a tiny apartment

My job moved offices from the suburbs into the city center. I had to pick between keeping my big, cheap apartment with a 90-minute bus ride each way, or renting a 400-square-foot studio a 10-minute walk from work for double the rent. I went with the tiny place, thinking I'd hate the small space. After three months, I realized the extra 2.5 hours of free time every day let me actually cook dinner, read, and call my family. I never knew how much that travel was draining me. Has anyone else made a choice that seemed bad but gave you back your time?

4 comments

4 Comments

jason_lewis329d ago

Yeah, I took a pay cut for a job that was a 15 minute bike ride from home instead of an hour in the car. My friends thought I was nuts (the old job looked better on paper, you know?). But that hour and a half I got back every day let me start running again, and I just felt less angry all the time. The math on paper never adds up the extra time you get.

sandra_bennett5928d agoMost Upvoted

the math on paper never adds up the extra time" is where I disagree. For me, that commute time was my only quiet time to just think. I traded it for a small place and now I feel crowded and never get a minute alone.

spencer_owens5818d ago

Man, you're so right. That quiet time in the car is priceless. I'd go nuts without it.

joel_jones29d ago

Remember my buddy who sold his car to pay off debt? He was so mad about the bus until he realized he reads more books now. What trade-off actually worked out for you?