Long commutes: how to stay sane?

m_asim

m_asim

Coitus Infinitum
So the new gig has me driving for way more than an hour each way and its driving me insane. How do you long commuters stay sane and not go crazy dealing with all sorts of idiots one sees on longer drives?
 
wazzuFreddo

wazzuFreddo

WuTang is 4 the children
On BART I used to read a Kindle. When I did it by car I listened to a lot of sports radio and XM. :dunno
 
Xenophonii

Xenophonii

RIP Bunny
I had a little stint where I was commuting to San Jose from Petaluma, I just got used to it... Unless traffic is moving at a good pace, I try to pick a lane that is moving along. I'd rather move at a consistent slow speed than get stuck in a lane where people constantly stopping and going, stopping and going (aka, the left lane).
 
Butch

Butch

poseur
Staff member
littlebeast said:
if you are interested in learning a new language, it’s a great way to pass the time.
Click to expand...

I tried that with a “Pimsler” program. The concentration required to translate and respond to questions was not compatible with paying attention to driving.

It was illuminating.
 
lam@barf

lam@barf

cage killer
For me the problem was never the commute. It was those pesky interruptions, having to stop riding for things like fill ups, meals, work or toilets. :teeth


EDIT: You're driving, not riding? There's your problem right there.
 
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msethhunter

msethhunter

Well-known member
Good tunes, played really loud, and settle in. I drive LA traffic to start my commute. It sucks ass. But if I have my music up loud, and sit back and get comfy, I just zone out and DGAF.
 
TheRobSJ

TheRobSJ

Großer Mechaniker
I’m in the car at least two hours a day. Maybe more if there’s a wreck or something. Here’s what makes me live with it:

Podcasts.
Satellite radio.
Nice car with lots of bells and whistles like ventilated seats.
Running Waze or some other navigation app that will reroute you and keep you moving if there’s an accident up ahead.
Even if there is no traffic, mix up the route from time to time.
Try to commute with the bike at least once a week.

Not my thing, but if you like books, Audible will be your friend.
 
D

davidji

bike curious
m_asim said:
So the new gig has me driving for way more than an hour each way and its driving me insane. How do you long commuters stay sane and not go crazy dealing with all sorts of idiots one sees on longer drives?
Click to expand...

Ride instead. If that's not an option I can't help. I would hate to drive my commute. The one time I have, I did it late to miss traffic.
 
S

Schnellbandit

I see 4 lights!
Figure about 200 days a year commuting. X 3 hours. 600 hours. That is about 75 work day equivalents for which you earn zero dollars. What job could you get that paid 75 days less money but was closer to home? Take those 75 work days and do something else with it. Add in the money you spend on the commute, the car use, maintenance, fuel etc and really think about it.

You are trading life time for money and wasting 75 days every year. Multiply it out just a few years.

Just a thought, instead of trying to figure out how to stay sane during that commute maybe figure out how you got roped into do that in the first place. Its not like there are no other options. You'll make as much or more money, be far happier (you started this thread right?) and so will your family if you have one. If you have kids you aren't just trading your time away, you are trading away their time too. Just food for thought.

You have about 3 hours a day to figure out an alternative right?
 
westie

westie

Its Dethklok!
I used to keep a doobie in the ash tray. Couple puffs, turn up the stereo and enjoy going 5mph.
 
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