The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss - Latest Comments in How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Jeremiah — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:03:19 -0000

Tim,

I have a question for you. I am new at a large internet company. I have been here for 2 months, and I informed the managers who hired me that after I get experience here I anticipate working remotely a few days per week.

When should I ask them formally about working remotely?

Secondly, I work on projects all day, and when i get way ahead on my list of projects (1-2 weeks) what should I do with my spare time here at my office?

I am not allowed to just leave when I get done with my projects, instead they try to move things around so I get more projects. I am currently attempting to learn as much technical stuff as I can in my industry to become more valuable, but when should I pull the trigger and attempt to work remotely a few days per week?

Thank you!

Jeremiah

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Jeremiah Smith — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:34:06 -0000

Tim,

I saw your video on Elance, bought your book, and now I consider it one of the biggest life changing events of my life. I did all the work sheets in your book, and worked everything out, but I have a problem. I got a job with a great SEO firm in Atlanta, one of the best. I am a project basedworker and have VPN access to my computer at work. I am fully capable of working from home except for one thing: I have only been here 2 months and am very nervous about approaching management regarding telecommuting. Should I continue to wait another few months or a year before asking for telecommuting? I usually complete a week of projects in two days and know I could get it down to one day if given the opportunity. Should I just suck it up and allow them to invest more into me and make myself more valuable before I approach management regarding this? Thank you for all of your wonderful help, and I'd love to hang out with you some time!

Take it easy,

Jeremiah

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Erik — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 11:00:45 -0000

Before my divorce I spent about 4.5 hours each day commuting. I accepted this because 3.5 hours of that commute was sitting on a comfortable AmTrak train at a café car table doing freelancing work.

That said, I still ended up divorced, and it's absolutely because of the ridiculous, unbalanced, wage-slave lifestyle I was leading (there are ABSOLUTELY NO serious jobs for me in the Mid-Hudson Valley where I lived).

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Nate — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:59:50 -0000

I've moved since I first read this article. My commute went from 45-60 minutes (longer if I take the bus), to 15 minutes now. There is a big difference in the way I feel, and I'm saving somewhere between 5 to 10 hours a week. However, I really miss my old apartment; it was a lot more comfortable than my new place.

I had doubts about the security of my job, but I was so stressed and tired from the commute I decided to bite the bullet and move. I have decided I will never again move for a job. Find a place you love to live and create the job you need (telecommuting, or create your own) to live there instead. Or, as others have suggested, find ways to use the time spent commuting (take public transit, listen to audio books, etc.).

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Jennifer Grammer — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:42:33 -0000

Great article. I used to tire of the traffic so I would take the city bus which was only an extra 10 minutes. The way the driver led-footed it though, we had everyone in the floor before arrival...so walking became an option which took more time. I think if you can multi-task in the process of commuting or simply live your dream profession it helps. On relationships, try utilising the online chat feature, cell phone, or cyber date on off days.LOL Communication is key..

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

JamesL — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:16:12 -0000

Man! I am so spoiled! 5 minutes to work! If I would get off my lazy a**, I could ride a bike to work in about 15 or 20. Pretty cold for that here, though. I used to have a longer commute and found the stress was just not worth it. To me, it's not insane to find a place to live closer to your job, if feasible (considering costs, crime, etc).
Plus, when I watch the home shows on HGTV and see what folks in Cali spend on a tiny home (500k ), I can't believe it! They could literally have a mansion here in the midwest (metro area of 500k to 1 million folks) for that. Or sell their home and pay cash for a home here and pocket the rest. (Yes, I am a part-time realtor - full time IT). I know it would be a huge culture shock, though. And as I said, it's cold here now (28 degrees). Nevertheless, a long commute here is 30 minutes! Anyway, I sympathize with you all and applaud the creative ideas you've come up with to reduce the problems.

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Chris Wakeford — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 06:29:42 -0000

Im inspired by you buddy
Since reading the book last year I have
cut my work time by 70% and booked 6 trips so far for 2008
I also am re designing what I do to teach others HOW TO bust loose from the nonesense game.
Its like saying how can I do a 10 hour work out in 2-3 hours each day..... and then do it in less than 2.

Its Not been easy as I find it hard to break my old habits of I should be working hard...however Im getting there tim.

Love to hook up with you some place and please come and say hello to syndey soon.

Thanks mate

Chris Wakeford (CW)

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Ian — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:58:22 -0000

I wouldn't want to work anywhere I couldn't get to by bike. Cycle in and not only is your journey time more consistent, but you're saving the money on petrol and the gym fees you'd be paying if you wanted to keep fit.

Public transport isn't as reliable, but it still gives you time to read or write whilst someone else does the hard work of getting you there.

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

auctionwally — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:14:30 -0000

Hey Tim,
Great post and as usual I've found that after trying some of these, the ones that are right for me, really do work well, so thanks for that.
Just one quick ad is that, for the remainder of commute time that can't be eliminated can be maximized in value by listening to educational and enlightening podcasts.
I have one such podcast called The Auctionwally Show, that teaches folks how to identify values and worth of Antiques, collectible etc.
I can't believe the great niche content the is in the Podcasting arena, such as the one I found you on which is the Internetbusinessmastery.com with Jay & Sterling, I had to thank them for that.
Take care
Auctionwally

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

TJ — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:32:16 -0000

I just finished moving and have been loving my new commute to work. I went from a 6 mile drive to a 3 mile drive but reduced the time from 45 minutes to 10 minutes from door to door. I feel like I now have part of my life back again...

If you're asking yourself where in the world does it take 45 minutes to go 6 miles, move to LA and drive from Burbank to West Hollywood. If you're daring, do it when the Hollywood Bowl is in season.

Cheers.

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Steven Willard — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:55:37 -0000

Tim,

Just wanted to say that I feel I have read/listened to a few business books. By far your book is the best book and the only book or article for that matter that I feel is exactly how I want to live my life and how I want to get there thank you so munch for writing it and also having a great companion web site for ongoing updates and extra resources. I am looking hard for a muse I think I can use but soon I will fire my boss and eliminate the commute and do what I want. In the next 12 months I want to purchase a case of your books to give to friends/family so everyone can better there lives and do what they were intended to do. I can't wait to have some time to track you dowm and shake your hand and thank you personally.

Thank you again,

Steven Willard

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Simon Scaduto — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 21:20:49 -0000

"People often fail to include the amount of time, wear and tear on the car, and loss of sanity into the allure of a high paying job, and how that high paying job once calculated hourly might not be better off than a fast-food worker."

I have never read a more true quote...mostly because i am living it. At only 22 yrs old im working a rather corporate job pulling 75k, yet i feel myself sucked completely dry, working odd, irregular hours, frequent meetings, living in my car most of the day, chained to my blackberry, basically a corporate puppet - while i try convincing non-union construction workers that the corporate monster that is dragging me down is the right choice for them to make....depressing!!!!

my passion is bodybuilding, nutrition, and healthy living, i must tap into my creativity and break out of this! So glad to have read your book and im studying your blog!!!

Take care!

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

James @ BicycleDesign — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:44:37 -0000

My commute is usually the best part of my day because I do it on a bike. OK, I had to throw that out, but I do see the point. I could be spending a lot more time riding without an office that I have to be in.

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Melody Allen — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:00:26 -0000

Dear Timothy,
Thank you for this book. I have read it from cover to cover. I even did the challenge you gave to group of students to find 3 celebrities in 72hours. My challenge was to find some pertinnent information that I have been searching for in 72 hours. I did it.
I look to your book for inspiration as I am a Pilates teaacher desparately trying to bring into another career- life coaching. Sometimes I get frustrated, confused and discouraged. Your book inspired me to think more creatively.
Thank You.

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Lillian — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:35:09 -0000

Pura vida - they do live it in C.R., don't they?

Commute for me is approx 1.5 hours one way(!)in NYC transit hell, thinking all the while "there must be a better way..."

Interesting prize: There are art schools that do a few week-at-a-time courses: sculpture in Greece, painting in Italy...that would be my choice.

Cheers,
Lillian

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Magnetizing Diva — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:55:54 -0000

Hi Tim H.,
My husband and I and our 6 year old daughter live in Oakland. We are devouring the 4HWW book and have turned several like-minded friends on to it too. We could set up something on Meetup...you in?

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Tim H. — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:02:42 -0000

Hello all,

I'm reaching out to all in the virtual community,those who used to work in traditional formats or who are in the proces of designing there life, who may want to meet and network with likeminds. I know Meetup.com is a good place to do this but I'm posting here for others who have read Tim's book and subscribe to that philospy of life. I live in the San Francisco California Bay Area in the EastBay region,but am very close to both San Fran and Silicon Valley.

Cheers,

Tim H.

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Rebecca — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 13:45:50 -0000

If the job doesn't kill you the commute will. I drive 2 hours a day 5 days a week. In 4 weeks of work I will spend 40 hours driving. Expensive to say the least. Thanks for the article.

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Ryan Kilpatrick — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:59:02 -0000

Freedom

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Matthew Cornell — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:49:36 -0000

Lots of time management authors suggest using commuting (by that they usually mean driving) to learn via books on tape - something I've never gotten into, mainly because 1) I don't commute, and 2) I think reading is much faster - can't easily skim a CD!

They also suggest thinking and planning while driving, but how do you do that without taking notes? I'm a writer, and note-taking is crucial to me. I don't know...

Best yet, set up your life so that you don't commute. I have friends who commute 1 hour each way every work day. Ugh! You might find this article helpful:

Workers' Average Commute Round-Trip Is 46 Minutes in a Typical Day
http://theproductivitypro.t...

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Sgt. Ray — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 20:47:43 -0000

As for a prize, how about a personal consultation with regard to developing a muse or muses?

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Amanda — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:14:15 -0000

Prizes?! Prizes that compliment 4 hour wks, outsourcing, and NR. Thinks you speak on, as a push/incentive for your readers to actually get started with their new lives.
Definitely a roundtrip set of tickets to somewhere you've mentioned going to like, Vietnam, Argentina, Sanfrancisco, Hawaii. Free membership for 6 months to a year to one of the outsource websites you've mentioned or used. Free consultation for first 30 days from you, oh and free copies of your book of course!

peace luv blessings
Amanda
(I also like the castle idea, how bout an island. lol)

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Jonathan Franzone — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 12:37:53 -0000

I've recently had to take a full-time job which includes an hour and a half commute. Ouch! Before that I was working out of my house and I can definitely see and feel the difference it has made in my life. I'm practically gone from my house between 12 - 14 hours a day (Mon - Fri). I'm currently working on some financial goals that will allow me to kick the job habit and be more independent. Your articles here are a sure encouragement for those of us who want to break free from the status quo of work.

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Carl Zetterlund — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:52:40 -0000

I totally agree. I just simply quit my job. Nothing better than working from home.

Seriously, the new way of thinking about your time is really important. Until people value the time when they are out of work, nothing much will happen.

I know you are doing a great deal to help out and hopefully give people a new of thinking. Unfortunately, I think most people will buy your book and not read it.

I think there is a statistic that only 10% of people read the books they buy. I guess the other 90% support the people who do find value in the books. Kind of a waste of paper. Oh well.

Re: How Much Does Your Commute Really Cost You? Calculate It… Then Kill It?

Christi — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 09:45:48 -0000

For Maika and Tim:

Hello Maika: I am a fellow tango dancer myself. IN fact, I am training to become a competitor. I wish you well in all of your pursuits. I believe that dreams can happen, but one has to be willing to take the risk. I am working on few projects that will generate the income so that I may concentrate primarily on becoming a strong competitor in ballroom dance.

Tim:

Your book is a huge eye opener. I always had a very strong passion for pursuing my dreams and a strong creative nature. I am one of those people who can not function correctly if I did not pursue my dreams. But, I always say that if a blind man can climb a mountain (that has been done), then people who are blessed with all of their bodily functions should be able to achieve their dreams and use their God-given passions and talents to live a fulfilled and joyous life. Work, to me, isn't something to hate, but it is something for us to enjoy and give back to our communities/world. If we are not at our best and happy in working, then we aren't really doing ourselves and the communities that we serve any good. Everyone owe themselves and others to use their passion and talent to obtain the appropriate line of work and enjoy it. To me there is nothing like seeing a person enjoy their "job" and spread that joy to the customers that they serve.

Tim: