Monday, September 23, 2019

Many big corporations are joining the movement to relocate out of the city and into the ‘burbs. With more affordable rents allowing for bigger space, locations that are more accessible for many employees, and technology replacing in-person client meetings with virtual ones, it only makes sense for companies to hop on the suburban bandwagon.

But what if you’re a city dweller now confronted with commuting out of town for your job? An increasingly common scenario for those who prefer to live in an urban environment, even if their employer does not, here are few reverse commuting hacks to make an easier go of it:

Weigh the costs. Look into the costs of commuter trains and buses versus the parking costs of keeping a car in the city. If you live in a neighborhood where street parking is accessible and you don’t have to rely on a pricey garage, then that might be the route for you. Or if you’re in the market for an apartment or condo, find one that has monthly parking on the premises.

Car pool. If you choose to drive, find a car pool, either within your company or with others working in the same suburban city. Companies that relocate to a suburban location are usually not alone, so there’s a good chance you’ll find others to commute with.

Get productive. If you do choose to use public transportation, the good news is, you’ll be dealing with much smaller crowds, which will likely mean a guaranteed spot and room to work. Use your commute time to get busy work done, such as responding to emails or working on a presentation. You’ll already be ahead for the day once you get to the office.

Take care of phone calls. While you wouldn’t want to handle a stressful client call or presentation while commuting, it could be the ideal time for a quick meet-up with your staff or boss. Or, perhaps it’s just an excellent time to catch up with a friend or your mom. Less crowded public transportation and roadways will allow you to freely converse.

Binge watch or read. When you’re commuting, you don’t have to wait for the couch to start unwinding. If you’re on the train or bus, pop in your headphones and catch up on your favorite series. If you’re in the car, listen to an audiobook or podcast. 

These ideas will take some of the stress out of your reverse commute and may even add a little pleasure and purpose to those moments of your day!

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