Currently driving 28-32 miles, ~45 to ~55 minutes (one way) 5X week, ~70% to 80% highways for the last 9 years. Due to advantageous local traffic patterns, I take a different route going to work than going home. At first, the travel times were averaging 30 to 35 minutes each way, alas however things change and added in the interim years have been two new schools and school zones, multiple shopping centers, ten (or more) traffic lights, and the residential growth in south Florida has been outrageous.

Stopped taking the direct 28 mile route about four years ago and found longer route to be faster. However I still can't get around the remaining 20 traffic lights and one new school zone. Ugggh. Spend the travel time mostly listening to motivational / educational CD's, or simply in silence listening to my own thoughts w/o interruption for a change.

Home location probably will not change until retirement to take advantage of increased real estate values and the commute does allow me time to mentally "wind up" and "wind down" each day. Work location likewise, hmmm...I really enjoy my job (actually look forward to going to work and returning to the home each day). At the moment, I anticipate retiring from this employer when the time comes.

Am prepared with BOB (kept in vehicle) for ~3 to 4 days (however I doubt, and sincerely hope that I never need to go there). When the superbowl was in south Florida the last two times, travel times were in the range of 2+ hours due to heavy localized event traffic. There have been the intermittent 1-2 hour delays due to accidents on limited access highways, these were handled with aplomb due to preparedness mindset, onboard books, food and water. It felt so good to be sitting there relaxing while others around were at a loss as to what to do besides work on their next coronary.

To some, my commute may seem a lot, however after working out of a service truck (eight years for my old boss and then fifteen years with my own company) where I would literally leave at "o dark thirty" and many times not come back until 10 PM, I'm now averaging about 45-55 hours office work time per week (becomes more like 90+ when the hurricanes visit) and I really feel like I'm playing hooky.

The past history of 40k to 60k miles a year average driving a service truck five and six days per week, plus doing the construction trade related service work was rough. Wouldn't give up the experience of having done it, but certainly would not want to have to repeat it either.

Regards,
Comanche7