My Financial Broker is a credit broker and not a lender. Warning: Late repayments can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/
Around 25% of British people travel more than 30 minutes to work, this is a long time and not always enjoyable. Perhaps you are getting fed up of the way you get to work and want a change, or your car broke down and now you are forced to think of some alternatives. Whether you are looking for a new way to commute to decrease your carbon footprint or save money, this blog post will give you plenty of options to choose from.
If you live close to your work place then this is probably the best option. However, it’s not just reserved for those who can get to their destination in 10 min. There are so many advantages to getting some fresh air before a long days work, that you might reconsider walking even if it takes you 30 min. Below we listed some of the advantages and disadvantages of walking to work.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Exercise | The weather might ruin your outfit |
| You breathe some fresh air | You might get tired before you get to work |
| An opportunity to start your morning on a mindful note | Might take a long time |
| It is relaxing | You might not feel like walking early in the morning |
| It gives you an opportunity to lis-ten to music or an audiobook and get energised before work | Your attire might not be appropriate for walking or perhaps you have a lot of things you need to take with you |
If you want to get yourself properly awake and energized before work this short type of exercise is the perfect method of getting there. It is also a great way to relax and set your intentions for the day. There are however some disadvantages. If you want to look smart and your best at work a 30 min walk before hand might make that much harder especially if the weather isn’t helping.
If you live a bit further but you still want to get some exercise in before work, this is the option for you.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| It’s therapeutic | Can be too strenuous |
| It’s a great form of exercise | You need a place to store your bike |
| Saves money | You might have to change your clothes before you start work |
| It’s great for the environment | Might be inadvisable depending on the weather |
| Can get you to work quicker when there’s traffic | You might not enjoy it much if you have to go uphill a lot |
There are so many health and environmental benefits of cycling. It’s also great fun, feeling the wind in your hair as you cruise down the streets of your city. The best part, no traffic jam will slow you down! You may encounter some problems with regards to this means of transport if the weather is bad and you get all wet to or from work. Furthermore, if the ride is long chances are you’ll get sweaty and then feel uncomfortable for the remainder of your day.
Public transport is a great option for those living far from their workplace, do not own a car or prefer a more eco-friendly manner of getting to work. It can range from very cheap forms of transport like a bus to more expensive, if you have to take the train. It also gives you an opportunity to do something productive during the journey as you are a passenger.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Economic benefits to the commu-nity | Can be expensive |
| Reduces road congestion | Can take a long time |
| You don’t have to worry about parking | Often late or unreliable |
| One of the safest modes of transp-ort | Might not be very comfortable if over packed |
| The weather won’t affect you as much | It’s easier to catch a cold |
This is the perfect way of commuting if you want to read a book or check your emails on the way to work. It doesn’t have to be expensive even if you have to take the train if you get a railcard, buy a seasonal pass or use a fare finder. Nevertheless travelling on a late and packed bus or train where it’s difficult to get a seat could be a downside.
If you want to choose exactly what time you want to leave and have maximum comfort and control over your journey driving to work will suit you the most.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| You can choose when you leave | Parking spaces may be a problem |
| You can keep your stuff in your car | Fuel is expensive |
| Could be relaxing if you like driving | Not eco friendly |
| You are protected from bad weather | You have to focus on driving |
| You can take more things with you and leave them in your car | You might be affected by traffic jams and road rage |
If it’s possible, split the responsibilities of driving to and from work with a colleague. In some workplaces, schemes are set up to encourage this. If you need to find parking every day, instead of using the multi-storey car parks you could also look at car parking sites such as Just Park, which allows you to park in private residential parking spots at a much cheaper rate.
If you are looking for a more exciting way to get to work and maybe learn a new skill try: roller skating, skateboarding or riding a scooter. You can even get an electric version if you want to speed things up. Remember to practice a bit before hand so you don’t fall and hurt yourself on the way to work.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| You get to do a fun act-ivity before work | Could be dangerous |
| You can try somethin-g new and develop yo-ur skills | Depending on your skills this might take a long time |
| An entertaining form of exercise | Require investment in equipment which could be expensive if you want to get for example an electric scooter |
| You can be a part of a community | Not all attire is suitable so you would have to change |
| It’s eco-friendly | You will need a place to store your gear |
This could be an exciting way to start and end your working day. With the fresh air and an activity to wake you up you’d probably arrive lively and excited to work. However, it does carry some disadvantages. Be careful not to try something for the first time when you are rushing to work, not only are you risking being late but more importantly hurting yourself.
There are many ways to commute to work and you don’t have to stick to one. In the summer perhaps walking or rollerblading would be your favourite, this doesn’t mean it will be your best option for winter. Change it up to prevent boredom and don’t be afraid to try new things.