The super-commuters of the world are on a mission to redefine work. They’re not necessarily running from something - most are looking for something better. And they’re finding it in places where others fear to tread. Theirs is a story that could soon change the way we all think about the way we work.
It’s time to meet the super-commuters.
1. What are super-commuters?
What is a super-commuter? A super-commuter is somebody who regularly travels more than 90 minutes to get to work (and sometimes up to 4 hours!).
Of course, they don’t do it every single day - usually, a super-commuter will work 2 or 3 days in the office, staying locally in hotels overnight.
They are a new breed of workers who are willing to sacrifice time and comfort for the chance to live in a less crowded, less expensive city. And they’re not just doing it for themselves – they’re doing it for the good of the planet.
Super-commuters are traditionally highly skilled workers who can work from home part or all of the week. However, with more and more people working either a hybrid or full ‘work from home’ lifestyle, there is more and more opportunity to become a super-commuter.
The benefits of super-commuting:
Here are seven benefits of being a super commuter.
1. Avoid the stresses of living in a crowded city
Living in a super-commuter city is a new way to avoid the stresses of living in a crowded city. By living in a less populated area, super commuters are able to reduce their stress levels and improve their quality of life.
2. Save money on housing and other costs
By super-commuting, you can save money on both your housing and transportation costs. Housing costs: Super commuters are often able to live in less expensive areas than those who work in the city. This is because they are willing to commute for longer periods of time. Transportation costs: Super commuters also save money on transportation costs. By living further away from the city, they are able to take advantage of cheaper transportation options, such as driving or taking a train or a bus.
3. Have a better work/life balance
Super commuting can help you achieve a better work/life balance. By working from home part or all of the week, you can have more flexibility and control over your time. This can lead to a less stressful lifestyle and more time for your personal life.
4. Get away from the grind of the 9-to-5
Super-commuting can help you escape the monotony of the 9-5 workweek. by working from home part or all of the week, you can escape the stress of a daily commute.
5. Have more time to pursue your hobbies and interests
Super commuters often have more time to pursue their hobbies and interests, leading to a more enjoyable lifestyle and more time to pursue those things that make you smile.
6. Spend more time with family and friends
Super-commuting also helps you have more time with family and friends. Super commuters can have more flexibility and control over their time meaning more time for family and friends.
7. Improve your mental and physical health
Super commuting has also been shown to improve your mental and physical health. Studies have shown that those who super commute have lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. They also have better sleep habits and are more physically active.
What are the disadvantages of super-commuting?
Super commuting is not without its drawbacks. Here are four potential disadvantages of super commuting.
1. Longer commute times
The most obvious drawback of super commuting is the increased commute time. For example, if you live in New York City and super commute to Los Angeles, you will likely have a five-hour or longer commute each way. This can be very tiring and may actually lead to higher levels of stress.
2. Isolation from co-workers
Another potential disadvantage of super commuting is isolation from co-workers. When you super commute, you will likely have less contact with your co-workers. This can lead to feelings of isolation and may make it more difficult to form strong working relationships.
3. Difficulty “unwinding” after work
Super commuters may also have difficulty “unwinding” after work. Because you are not physically in the office, it can be difficult to separate your work life from your personal life. This can lead to higher levels of stress and may make it more difficult to relax after work.
4. Increased dependency on technology
Finally, super commuting can also lead to an increased dependency on technology. When you super commute, you will likely need to rely on technology, such as email, video conferencing, and online chat, to stay in touch with your co-workers. This can lead to feelings of isolation and may make it more difficult to form strong working relationships.
How do you become a super-commuter?
So, how do you become a super-commuter? It’s actually not as difficult as you might think.
- If you are considering moving away from where you work, think carefully about where you want to live. Do you want to be in a big city or a smaller town? Do you want to live in the country or the suburbs? Once you’ve decided on your location, do some research to find out how far it is from your place of work, and what methods (car/train/plane) will get you there.
- If you can, try to test it out first - at least for part of the week. This will help you decide if the longer commute times outweigh the advantages. You could try renting an AirBnB for a few weeks as an inexpensive way to ‘try before you buy’.
- Consider investing in a comfortable car, or researching flights (or trains) that are not going to be busy. The last thing you want is to be crammed into a carriage for 6 hours a week!
- Make sure to plan ahead so that you can make the most of your time. This means packing your lunch and snacks, and having everything you need for work with you.
Resources & Links
If you’re considering becoming a super-commuter, there are plenty of resources to help you get started.
- Check out this article from The BBC
- The Australian Lifehacker site has some great articles
- This video from CNBC discusses the benefits of super-commuting .
- This article from Bloomberg provides some helpful advice
- Finally, this website has tons of resources and information on super-commuting