The Library: A Solution to the Long Commute
A few days ago I posted an article about how Time is Money in respect to commute time . Since then (a whopping six days ago), I have had to consider a possibly LONGER commute to work. I know, I know, 40 minute drive there and at least an hour drive home is already pretty long, but it’s about to get worse. In the upcoming months I may have to begin driving an hour to work and close to two hours home every day. WOW that’s pretty ridiculous, so much so, that I am seriously thinking about moving closer to work, even if it costs me a bit more CASH, I’ll be saving so much more FREE TIME. Why am I bringing this up? Because if I decide not to relocate, I have an excellent idea that I think just might make the longer commute not so long after all: My local public library. I love the library as it is; It’s big, quiet, everybody is always talking quietly, and the librarians always seem to have a voice that puts you to sleep…weird… But anyway, I have always had really good experiences with the library, and I think that if my commute becomes longer, the library may be my safe haven until rush hour dies down. Here is the lowdown:
- Primary Objectives: Save Gas, Save Time, and Accomplish Tasks.
- Plan of action:
- Locate the nearest library to my new work location.
- After work, commute not to home, but to the nearest library
- Begin working on school work/reading/website building at library. Something I would normally do at home
- Leave library and head for home around 7:30-8:00PM, AFTER rush hour
- Approximate amount of time saved due to NOT having to sit in traffic: 30 minutes to one hour
- Rush hour frustration averted. Gas usage minimized. Tasks completed. Mission: Accomplished.
This idea reminds me of a post I put up a few weeks ago about how planning ahead can save you money, and in this case time as well. The amount of money I will save in gas alone should add up almost immediately, considering the amount of time I hope to save. Let’s say on average, I will save up to 45 minutes of driving a day when I decide to stay at the library. This is huge,considering the price of gas is starting to go up and will continue to do so over the summer. In addition, we all know that Time is Money, and an extra 45 minutes a day in average savings translates into 3.75 hours a week, 15 hours a month, or 7.5 days a year! In addition, the amount of distractions at the library are far fewer than at home. You don’t have your pets, TV, video games, and other random distractions to take you away from your work. All in all, going to the library after work instead of right home promises to be an excellent use of time, a great way to spare myself the frustration of rush hour, and a very wise money saving tactic (gas).
Do you ever make use of the library? If so what kind of activities do you accomplish there? Are you more or less productive at the library? What is your favorite thing about the library?
April 1, 2010
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myfinancialobjective · 
9 Comments
Tags: library, Money, Objectives, planning ahead, Time · Posted in: Uncategorized
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9 Responses
Do we believe this on April 1? Its actually similar to what I did in the past with a long commute. I used to get up at 3a.m. to go to the office before rush hour and then I would leave on the leading edge of rush hour. By doing so it gave me an extra 60-80 minutes each day.
A long time ago I wrote a post on cost shifting, this might be what we want to call time shifting!
LeanLifeCoach´s last blog ..What Sacrifices Are You Willing To Make?
Way to think outside the box! Sounds like you were ending up in the middle of all the other rats on the way to and from work. Making this small adjustment sounds like it will improve your quality of life in a huge way. Let us all know how it works out over time.
BibleDebt´s last blog ..Lower Your Bills: Free Wireless Phone Service
@LeanLifeCoach, haha good point, I actually thought about doing something for April fools but already had this done and planned so I thought I’d put it up:) But believe me, my boss got us GOOD today! Haha I can’t wait till I’m more of a “boss”, I’m gonna mess with my employees so much hehehe:)
@BibleDebt, Thanks! Yeah unfortunately I am one of those “rats”… I’m going to look into some pod casts, cause talk radio is depressing :/… Hopefully this will be a really great change! I’ll keep you guys updated!
myfinancialobjectives´s last blog ..The Library: A Solution to the Long Commute
This is a pretty viable solution. Not sure I could do it myself though. While I love going to the library, I’m usually pretty in-and-out. Get what I want, and go. I’m the kind of person that needs to be in my own comfortable setting to get things done.
How’s this worked out so far?
I’m usually the same way too Patriot. However, in a situation such as this I can definitely see myself staying a bit longer to avoid traffic. I’m getting pretty darn sick of rush hour! I have not tried it yet, though it is certainly on the table!
MyFinancialObjectives´s last blog ..Progress Report #2
Yakezie Challenge Carnival #7 | Money Reasons - April 11, 2010
[...] Financial Objectives:  The Library: A Solution to the Long Commute - Great idea, especially if the library is close and you can’t alter your work [...]
I dig the library a lot! In my opinion, one of the best things in life are free books. Basically, you can learn whatever you want for free.
I get ideas for blog posts there, and with internet access, I also work on the blog there too.
And if you ever need to sit in the long commute, there’s always books on CD to entertain and educate you too.
Darren´s last blog ..Use Math To Alleviate Fear Of Stock Market Volatility
Darren, that’s EXACTLY why I was thinking about the library, so many positives around it. Books on CD are a great idea as welL!
MyFinancialObjectives´s last blog ..Time Management
Many libraries are hit by budget crunches today. Many still have the free WiFi so that is cool.
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