With a Pay Increase but a 1.5-Hour Commute, She Seeks Advice on Work-Life Balance
A Singaporean professional recently turned to an online forum for advice after securing a higher-paying job but facing a lengthy daily commute.
She shared that her new role offers $3,500 per month, with a raise to $3,800 after three months—an increase from her previous salary of $3,000. However, the downside is a 1.5 to 1.75-hour commute each way. On the bright side, she highlighted the company’s strong benefits, including a minimum of two months’ variable bonus and an annual wage supplement (AWS).
Seeking insights, she asked: “For those who’ve experienced long commutes, is it worth it in the long run?”
Responses were divided. Some encouraged her to stick with the job, noting that a $800 raise—plus CPF contributions—would benefit her future salary prospects. “Stay for at least a year,” one advised, adding that it would make future job moves more advantageous.
Others, however, warned that the extended commute could affect her quality of life. One user cited a UK study indicating that an extra 20 minutes of commute time can reduce job satisfaction as much as a 19% pay cut. Another suggested calculating the hourly rate after factoring in travel time, saying: “If the extra hours on the road aren’t worth the salary bump, then you have your answer.”
The discussion highlights a common work-life dilemma—when does a pay increase justify a longer commute? Ultimately, personal priorities and lifestyle preferences may hold the key to the right decision.
