How Important is the Distance Between Work and Home Nowadays?

How Important is the Distance Between Work and Home Nowadays?

The distance between our workplace and home significantly influences both our performance and how we spend our free time. How important is it for our workplace to be close to our home? At what distance should we consider choosing other options? In this article, we explore exactly that!

What are the benefits of choosing a nearby workplace?

You get there quickly
If you only need to travel a few kilometers, you can comfortably get to work in 10-20 minutes. If you don't enjoy long commutes or it's crucial to get home as soon as possible after your shift, it's worth selecting from the closest job opportunities.

6 out of 10 workers work in the same city as their residence
In Hungary, employees tend to prefer workplaces closer to their homes. This is no surprise, as public transportation or even cycling makes it easier to get to work, without having to commute for 30-40 minutes or change transport multiple times every day.

Lower travel costs
Whether traveling by car, bus, or tram, we can save a lot on commuting costs if we work in or near our town. Of course, it's still worth considering whether the career development opportunities justify choosing a farther workplace, as the temporary higher expenses may eventually pay off.

More time to rest
You don’t have to wake up too early in the mornings, and in the afternoon, you'll have more free time if the round trip takes no more than an hour. This is especially important if you like to go to the gym in the afternoon or spend more time with family and friends.

More rest leads to more productive workdays, allowing you to climb the career ladder faster compared to dealing with constant fatigue.

TIP: Whether you're looking for student work or full-time employment, consider whether you can maintain the commute in the long term. While the motivation might carry you through the first few weeks, longer commutes may become a significant challenge after a few months.

When is it worth choosing a more distant workplace?

If the salary justifies the longer commute
If a higher salary allows you to tolerate a 1-2 hour daily commute, it’s worth grabbing the opportunity. This “something for something” approach can put you in a better financial situation, though you’ll sacrifice some of your free time and have to incorporate early morning wake-ups into your routine. For temporary student jobs, taking on the longer commute can be especially worthwhile.

TIP: Listen to music while traveling, or if you're using public transport, take the opportunity to read. You can even consume professional content to foster daily personal growth.

If there’s no similar job nearby
It may happen that a particular job is only available in a neighboring county or even farther. In this case, it might be wise to make the sacrifice of a longer commute if you're eager to work in that position. Later, you may find a similar job closer to home, and in the meantime, you’ll gain valuable professional experience.

The distance between work and home remains an important factor today. Even if commuting by car takes 1-2 hours a day, it can be mentally and financially exhausting in the long run. If possible, choose a job where the commute is no more than 25-30 minutes. Of course, salary is also an important factor. If you can earn significantly more in a farther location, it might be worth the extra distance. Consider how much the proximity of the workplace matters to you and decide based on your personal needs!