Would living far away from a job (1 hour commute or greater) affect your career growth/earnings negatively? (employee, average)

[the_grimace]

I am curious. If you lived further away from a job, lets say had an hour commute or longer each way. Does that affect your ability to receive promotions, to receive better pay, or to be an effective employee? Would you be passed up for senior or management level positions due to the distance, even if you made it to work everyday on time?

I do know some people do commute an hour or more each way for their work, and I have just started doing this as well, and I thought it would be helpful to hear if your distance from work had any unforeseen negative impacts on your career and earnings. Thanks for any input!

edit: I just spoke with a friend who said she knew an employee who commuted an hour and a half each way to work at one of her old companies and the bosses loved him because they saw his willingness to commute that distance as being loyal, responsible, dedicated, and serious about the job. I guess it maybe could be seen positively by some employers.

edit 2: I guess one could view it negatively as it would make you more prone to issues getting to and from work. More chance of bad weather, accidents, road work, etc - all slowing down your commute so much it might take you 2-3 hours to get to work instead of 1.

[OutdoorsyGal]

In our area, this is the average commute
I guess it depends upon your job description and how much they like you

[tangelag]

Not corporate, but I commute one hour and fifteen minutes to work each day and two colleagues (the job is at a school) commented favorably (and sincerely, IMHO), one saying that she was thankful that I did so on behalf of students and another saying that that was quite a commute and that I was quite dedicated to my work with the students.

I have since begun to carpool with other colleagues for three days so it is less of a stress on me (or my car).

Negative impacts on my career- no. My situation is different, I am retired and took this position on as an independent contractor. Earnings? All good, which makes the commute not so daunting.

[Forest_Hills_Daddy]

1 hour is average in many areas

[pvande55]

If you're a police officer or fire fighter it sure could. For most jobs, no. I read an article about how a city 200 km away from a major capital is drawing new residents who work there because a rail line improvement will bring it only about an hour ride away. (Bath and London, in case you're curious).

[GraceKrispy]

I believe it would only affect you negatively if being part of the community was important to the job (e.g., a public servant who might be looked down upon for not residing in the area) or if the distance caused you to not do your job appropriately (e.g., late, can't show up to meetings). Otherwise, as others have said, an hour commute really isn't outlandish and shouldn't have a negative impact on your job status. Some may be impressed by your dedication, others will just feel it's your duty.

[RunD1987]

Work 40 miles from home. Only thing I could see is picking up extra shifts. It's easier for someone living 10 minutes away can you come in we need you compared to someone living 40 away. Especially during storm's I don't drive in unless I have to.

Feel that has a negative impact on my career.