Commuting by car is an American pastime which I would love to give up. But I've hardly ever worked in an industry that had a lot of players so I've had to go where the work is. I think my shortest commute has been about 5 miles one way, the longest daily commute was 55 miles one way (did that one for almost 7 years).

Right now my office is 35 miles one way and the trip can take from 50 to 90 minutes. Why you ask? Part of it is the 28 traffic signals between here and there. The other part is a highway that goes from 3 lanes to two for no good reason.

I also make weekly trips from PA to Northern Va. That trip is 135 miles. The first 100 miles takes about 2 hours, the last 35 takes an hour (and sometimes 2). Folks who live in and near DC are nodding sagely and sadly.

My wife, 3 miles a day, total.

I'm spending more time working from home, saves gas and keeps the road rage manageable.

One does have to balance the quantity and quality of time one spends in the car vs. the time at home. I like where I live, my wife's family is close and if you're smart the time in the car can be used wisely (listening to Public Radio, the BBC, books on CD, etc.)

But have after 30+ years of spending, on average, 2 hours a day in my car, I'm about ready to call it quits...