How far is too far for a job?

[Cognizant]

OK, so the story behind this thread is there is this really popular summer hangout spot called the "Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk". Since it gets so much activity during the summer, I figured I would have an easier time getting in as a concession stand or ride operator, or perhaps after the summer crunch and many of the "Summer operators" leave for the year.

The issue that I have is that the Boardwalk is about 40 miles from my house - about 1 hour on a good traffic day. While the Boardwalk definitely would only be a backup if everywhere else I'm applying to denies my applications, do you think it's worth it? I'm honestly not sure

[JamesSuperBoy]

If it an option and back up then it would be worth it - until something else more convenient.

[Melodic]

If you have other options, I would consider them.

[BuryYourFlame]

It all depends on how much you would get paid. I've traveled about 2 hours for work and by the time my pay goes through, over a quarter of it is gone paying for the petrol that I used traveling there. If it pays well though then it's definitely worth it.

[dame]

Well I'd definitely consider it as an option. I recall you saying that you have a Nissan Leaf, so gas money is out of the equation, commuting can be quite annoying but if you need the money then there's not much of a choice. If you end up taking the job you could work there for sometime to gain experience & put that on your resume to have a better chance of getting a job that's closer to you.

[Cognizant]

Thank you all for your feedback!


Well I'd definitely consider it as an option. I recall you saying that you have a Nissan Leaf, so gas money is out of the equation, commuting can be quite annoying but if you need the money then there's not much of a choice. If you end up taking the job you could work there for sometime to gain experience & put that on your resume to have a better chance of getting a job that's closer to you.

Tbh I'd probably just make a deal with my mom to borrow her Camry whenever I have to work, and I'm too nice to not pay for gas I use especially since my mom has her own financial problems to deal with :P
But it is only minimum wage (which is $8.50 in Santa Cruz), so idk - the only benefits I see working there at this point is:
1) experience for my resume
2) the chance to work at a place I enjoy/hopefully get discounts for my friends to get tickets or something
3) maybe have enough money to afford a phone contract idk

[unknownuser]

I personally think that driving 40 min - 1 hour for a minimum wage job is kinda... eh... although it sounds like a super fun place to work, it would not be one of my first choices. I mean, you're taking up almost 2 hours of your day traveling, you're putting un-needed wear and mileage on the car, and you're kind of a new driver, right? - your parents wouldn't mind and they'd trust you to stay safe?

It would just make more sense to me to look around for a job closer to home, if you can find one... even if it's something not so thrilling and enjoyable, you gotta do what you gotta do.

[Menzis]

If you don't mind travelling and if the travel doesn't cost too much money and you really want the job, go for it. You can always quit if it really doesn't work out after all.

[Cognizant]

I personally think that driving 40 min - 1 hour for a minimum wage job is kinda... eh... although it sounds like a super fun place to work, it would not be one of my first choices. I mean, you're taking up almost 2 hours of your day traveling, you're putting un-needed wear and mileage on the car, and you're kind of a new driver, right? - your parents wouldn't mind and they'd trust you to stay safe?

It would just make more sense to me to look around for a job closer to home, if you can find one... even if it's something not so thrilling and enjoyable, you gotta do what you gotta do.

eh, they don't mind me going out at 2AM (which is like 101% illegal for me :P), I doubt my mom would mind trading cars on days I have to work.

but you're right. It's definitely not my highest option. If I'm offered a job that's closer to home, OR if at the Boardwalk they give me a position that I wouldn't really enjoy doing to begin with, then I'm definitely forgetting it.

[Camazotz]

Bleh, I commute 40-45 minutes each way (on a good day) to school. It's a huge drain.

If you're really excited about it and think you can do it, kudos to you and I hope you're able to get the job. I could never commute an hour each way, especially for a minimum wage job.

I don't know how much you've looked, but I'd suggest something a lot closer, like camp or something. I work at an after-care/day camp less than three minutes away from my house. I enjoy not losing a chunk of my day just getting to a job; if the pay were good, I might consider it, but if it's only minimum wage for such a long drive, I would definitely not even consider it an option.

I hope you find something that works for you, though. It certainly sounds fun.

[CharlieHorse]

If you have to ask the question, then you're probably traveling too far.