One of the major reasons for my recent move to a new place is for its utter proximity to work. Instead of a 45-minute multi bus ride or a 20-minute car ride (relying on others to ferry me), I can now walk to work. And I’ve timed it, too: about three songs’ worth, going at a leisurely pace. Living this close to work truly has no downsides: walking is tremendous for your health, and the time that would otherwise be squandered towards a long commute, you get that back to use productively (or not) within the day.
Being able to walk to work takes stress off me that I didn’t even know existed. Not having to do the whole song and dance of getting ready and watching the clock just so I wouldn’t miss the bus and be late is such a luxury, one that is worth the extra money I am spending on housing costs. At the end of the work day, I am not dreading a slogging commute home or fighting with the crowds on a bus. I can now take my time and stroll back home slowly, taking in the glowing sky of the setting sun, and smelling the freshness of the air. In 10 minutes, I would arrive at home, calm and unbothered.
This have obviously spoiled me for life: I am going to try my damnedest to not have a long commute ever again. To waste up to two hours of my day stuck in traffic or on public transport just feels wrong, no matter how many insightful podcast episodes I consume along the way. It is indeed a privilege that I am able to move home like this and be this close to work; the circumstance of others aren’t so convenient. If I had to buy a house right now, there is no way I’d be able to afford a one anywhere near my current place of employment.
Every single workday, I’d be stuck in a car for hours like so many out there, resigned to the malaise of San Francisco Bay Area traffic. A day in the future might come where I may indeed have to do that, but as I’ve said, I’m going to try really hard to avoid such a situation. In the meantime, I’m going to really enjoy living so close to work.
Shortcut.