Posted by Kate Potters, COO at Glenmont Group
Super Commuting or long-distance commuting typically involves Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
I was listening to the radio as I was driving the 1.2 miles home from work the other day and heard a story about the so-called “Super Commuters”. This is a growing trend, born out of necessity or desire to commute via plane to a job in another state.
Most of these professionals leave early Monday morning and come home either Thursday or Friday. Some are lucky enough to have a home office and fly back and forth bimonthly. Motivations vary, for many of them, they mention their desire to not uproot their families, for others cost of living is a big factor. Although the housing market is improving homeowners are still upside down on their houses and can’t afford to take a six figure loss. Can you blame them? A financial services executive who was forced into it when his company went bankrupt commented, “Super commuting has some advantages–forces you to maximize your time, especially with your family. And, frankly, it can allow you to devote more time to work without having to worry about family obligations.”
The articles I read referred to a study by New York University for WNYC. In this article you will find an fun graphic showing all the routes of people commuting to New York. I know a number of people who commute and leave the NY area to work in Boston, Florida and Atlanta. I also know someone who commutes from Minnesota to Texas and another who is traveling from Ohio to Boston.
Companies are more flexible especially if they feel that they’ve found the perfect person for the job. Even with 8% unemployment, it’s difficult to find talented people within certain knowledge and expertise. What’s your story? Are you a Super Commuter and why are you doing it?
Here is another article for your reading pleasure.
