Ways of Getting to Work
As you start looking for a new job or before your first day at a new job, you'll need to ensure you have a way to get there every day. Here is some useful information about transportation to and from work.
From Here to There
It's best to start simple. Listed below are some ways you can get from home to work, along with some pros and cons for each.
Driving
Driving gives you the best balance of speed and freedom to go wherever you want. You don't have to worry about weather unless it's severe. A downside of driving is that buying gas is expensive. This depends on gas prices and your car's efficiency. You may also have to deal with traffic—no one likes getting caught in a traffic jam on the way to work. Plan accordingly.
Walking
If your job isn't too far from where you live, walking might be better than driving! You won't have to deal with gas, traffic, or any other car issues. Second, there are health benefits to walking every day. However, because it takes longer than driving, there's a fine line where walking distance becomes impractical. You may have to change your morning routine to make it to work on time. It is also important to think about the weather. You probably will not want to walk in any type of bad weather, like rain, snow, sleet, or ice.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Almost every city has a taxi service that will take you anywhere you need to go. Taxis are priced based on a combination of distance driven and time. Rates tend to vary based on which city you're in.
Services like Uber and Lyft have had a huge impact on transportation this decade. Ride-sharing services are cheaper than taxis and don't have the same restrictions on locations. It might be a great option if taxis are too expensive or if you live outside of the city.
Biking
If you're considering walking but would like a little more speed, biking may be the way to go. Like walking, you don't need gas and you can ignore traffic most of the time. The downsides are that it is still not as fast as car travel and you must consider the weather.
Bus
Taking the bus is another popular way of commuting. You can save money on gas and don't have to drive yourself. It also gives you a bit of time to yourself in the mornings. For example, you could use this time to read a book, listen to a podcast, or simply relax.
If you live in a city, it's likely that you can find a route that will take you to your job. One con is that bus travel is only useful if you live in or very close to a city. City buses usually don't travel to suburban or rural towns.
City Rail Systems
These go by many names – the metro, the subway, the underground – but they're all close to the same thing. Though metros are usually only found in bigger cities, they're highly useful. If you live in a city that has one, using it to get to work may be a good idea.
You'll get the most out of a metro system if your city is densely populated. This means that there will be more stations, and more likely there will be one near your home and place of work. Taking the metro can be very fast and convenient. Like riding the bus, you are along for the ride and don't have to worry about driving. One con is that not all metros run 24/7. If you work a late-night job, this could end up being problematic. If your city is less densely populated and has fewer stations, it may not be convenient. Most metros are run by third parties, not the city. This means you could run into delays beyond your control. Depending on where you live, metros can get pricey.
Driver's Licenses
Regardless of which method you use, it is a good idea to have your driver's license. As a driver, this is required. You can also use your license as your main identification method. To get a license, you'll need to have several pieces of information. This includes documents such as:
- Social Security card
- Government ID card
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- School transcripts
For more information on driver's licenses, check out CyberDriveIllinois.
Saving Money
Going to and from work every day can get expensive over time. Thankfully, there are some ways you can cut down on the cost. Here are some examples:
- Move closer to your job. This can save you money and relieve the stress a long commute may give you.
- If a few of your coworkers live near each other, try carpooling. Splitting up the cost of gas saves money and is eco-friendly as you are taking cars off the road.
- If mass transit (bus, metro, etc.) is an option for you, consider taking it. In some cities, this may be cheaper than buying gas.
- If you can afford a more fuel-efficient car, it will save you money in the long run.
- If your job allows it, working from home can help with commuting costs. You save gas and money every day you don't leave your house.
- Get in the habit of airing your tires up every month. This can help your car's gas mileage.
Backup Plan
No matter what method you take to get to work, you should try to have a backup plan in case something happens. If you drive, you could get a flat tire, get in an accident, or a road closure may disrupt your estimated time of arrival. If you ride your bike, you could also have a flat tire or another issue. The bus or mass transit might close due to weather or construction and you don't want to walk to work in severe weather.
If you have a cell phone, you should always keep it on you. Try to get into the habit of charging it fully before you leave the house. Also, you should include a few emergency contacts in your phone to call quickly.
Getting to work can be tricky, but don't be afraid to try different methods to find the one that is right for you. Don't be afraid to try different methods to get to work as it can be tricky finding the way most convenient for you.
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