WDYT of this as an interview answer?

EgoCommaAlter · February 2014

"While I love my boss, colleagues, company, and job responsibilities, I overestimated my ability to commute given my present circumstances. Almost a decade ago, I had a position that required a 50-mile commute in heavier traffic and thrived. Remembering that, and excited at the opportunity to work in X industry, I jumped at a job offer in that field. Unfortunately, one year in, I'm finding 3 hours a day in the car, plus the constraint of two toddlers, impedes my ability to be my best self all-around. While I've received progressively heavier responsibilities and strong performance reviews, I'm increasingly frustrated by what I perceive to be wasted time. My current company's culture isn't conducive to telecommuting; in fact I suspect it would damage my relationships with my colleagues if I tried. Should you offer me this position, leaving my current role will be bittersweet, but I want to see what I'm capable of when the time in the car can instead be allocated toward actual productive work."

I don't even have an interview or even a job in mind. But I guess, is this the right way to say "I'm considering leaving because the commute is about to push me over the edge"? It's not my only problem by any means, but an enormous stressor.

Samiantha101 · February 2014

Personally, I would shorten the answer up a bit, and I wouldn't talk about the toddlers.

jf198400 · February 2014

Absolutely do not mention anything about children. And don't make such a big deal about it, tons of people leave jobs bc of the commute. It's really no big deal.

EgoCommaAlter · February 2014

To clarify, my frustration *is* the commute - specifically because I think 3 hours in the car every day is a waste of time and talent. I love my current employer, just hate the drive.

BeachBum73 · February 2014

I would just say the commute was too much.

*sparky* · February 2014

BeachBum73 said:

I would just say the commute was too much.

Ditto. While your answer is well thought out, it is really TMI so I would just keep it short and sweet and drama-free. No one wants to spend 3 hours/day in the car if they have a choice.

VOR · February 2014

Yeah, I think you're overthinking it. Just say that the commute got to be too much. I think saying "I love my job and who I work with, but 3 hours in the car daily has gotten to be too much". Period.

You're far from the first person to feel this way!

vacsx2 · February 2014

Simply state the commute is too much. End of story.

VOR · February 2014

I'm going to add- it almost comes across as a little kiss-assey. I know you're trying to promote your skills, but there will be plenty of time to do that during the rest of the interview. It's an oddly long, "look at what a great worker I am" response to a simple question that really has a very simple answer.

ss265 · February 2014

I would also be wary about mentioning that you thrived with a long commute 10 years ago but are struggling with it now. If you don't mention the kids (and I don't think you should), it could make your employer wonder what has changed that will cause the commute to have more of an impact on you now and if anything else in your work performance has changed in the last 10 years.

Cooper81 · February 2014

Ditto others, just say the commute is the reason, leave all the personal stuff out of if. If asked you could say that while the job and company were a good fit, but the commute was affecting your quality of life.

Pips09 · February 2014

To echo what everyone else is saying, having a long commute is a totally valid and relatable reason for wanting to leave. I would just leave it at that, and definitely not mention anything about your kids.

aglenn · February 2014

Agree with everyone else, I would just say I wanted to find something closer to home. End of story.

shannm · February 2014

I didn't read the other replies but if I was hiring this person, I would think it was way too much. And there is no reason to bring up your kids.

tarynh75 · February 2014

Good lord... Shorten it to "I really enjoy my job, but my commute is too long".

VitaLuna · February 2014

Shorten it WAY down and leave your kids out if it. Your first sentence was plenty of explanation.

daisy662 · February 2014

tarynh75 said:

Good lord... Shorten it to "I really enjoy my job, but my commute is too long".

THIS I interview and hire a ton and if I was interviewing you and this is the answer you gave me I would likely go with another candidate. Just say the commute is to long. End of story.

snicksnack · February 2014

I had bad commutes for years but work for a great company. I answered the question by saying I am looking for a postion closer to home and X company interested me because of x, y and z. I always tried to turn it around as a postive about the company and not focus on the commute and more on why I wanted to work for the company.

Maybride2 · February 2014

No, I wouldn't hire you if you gave me this explanation to such a simple question. I'd think that if this is any indication to the kind of worker you are, you over think things and don't know how to be concise and efficient.

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WDYT of this as an interview answer?

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