Converting to the commuter life

There are countless tales of train delays, price hikes and wasted hours travelling. When you aren't a commuter, you decide it would never be worth it (unless you are earning eye-watering amounts of money as an investment banker). I was the same. At the time, I was driving for around 40 minutes to get into work; I found my previous commute frustrating as it was repetitive and (ironically) long. It was one of the reasons that prompted me to start looking for alternative employment (there were other reasons too but my drive in was a factor). So what was the solution to my 80 minutes per day commuting to work? Simple, change jobs and double my commute. Not what you would traditionally call a logically move, but that was exactly what I did (I hear you and agree, that doesn't sound like much of a solution!). The truth was, I was offered a great role and title I thought I deserved, the package offered was enticing and it meant I got to work for a company where the people-focused culture matched my own ethos. After working out the financial costs of taking the train to work, as well as the time implications on my work-life balance, I jumped in head first and entered the mystical world of the commuter life.

Let me be clear from the outset - commuters are not like ordinary humans! Before I become one for too long and change beyond recognition, I will share with you what I observe, the highs and lows of train travel in the UK, and what being a commuter can teach you about human behaviour.

A few teasers of what is to come:

• There are unwritten rules of being a commuter that you learn fast. Rule one: even if you could avoid death by saying hello to another commuter, don't even think about it. As a solo traveller, speaking is not allowed under any circumstances (even if you know the person)
• There are two types of people. Those that help mums with their buggies or people with suitcases, and those that blur out any shred of evidence that other life-forms are using the trains
• The moment you step onto the train on your first commute, your brain convinces you that some kind of drinking ninja, allowing you to drink as much as you want after work and get home no problem - after all, you aren't driving. Sorry to say friends, trust me when I say that is not true!
• Non-commuters believe you have made a huge mistake - they don't ask how the commute is going, they tell you how bad it must be. For anyone willing to listen, I don't mind it. My opinion may change in six months but don't assume there are no positives. For one, you wouldn't be able to enjoy this blog