Commuting between Chicago and Detroit each day: doable?

-I found a job in Chicago that is open and I was accepted, but the problem is I live in the metro Detroit area and I might have to commute. The job pays roughly 20% more than what I currently earn in eastern Michigan, so I figured that I will drive 4 hours each day (starts at 10 am, so I leave at 6 each morning and ends at 3 so I get home around 7).



Do you think this is doable for a few years and not counting weekends? (5 days/week)?Its doable but after a few days you wont ever want to do it again.



You would spend 8 hours a day in the car and be gone for 13 hours a day. That is time that you could use to sleep or spend with family and friends.



You will spend a fortune in gas, oil changes, tires, etc to keep your car running. Your 20% greater pay will be gone in no time. It might actually cost you more money to make that drive than the 20% pay raise meaning you actually end up with less money in your pocket.Google Maps says Detroit-Chicago is 280 miles -- 4 hours at 70 mph. Each way. Actual car costs in an economy car is about $0.50 a mile. Cut it in half and you are still looking at $140 a day. Not happening.



What *IS* do-able is getting a flop house in Chicago. Depart Detroit 5am Monday, work/sleep monday to friday in Chicago, arrive Detroit 11pm Friday -- you have your Family with the weekends. Costs: housing in Chicago $150 a week, an real $250 drive Detroit-Chicago-Detroit = $400 a week cost for that better job, $20,000 a year. $20K is your BREAK EVEN point. If you do not get more $20k annual you would be losing money. That is at $0.00 for not having the family on weekdays.



Must be a fabulous job, about $120K?
I would say it's possible, but not ideal. Keep in mind you will be adding significant expenses by commuting like extra gas, extra car maintenance, etc. It would probably be a better idea just to relocate. Also keep in mind that you will feel like you have less free time if you're used to an 8-5 type job. Getting home around 7 is quite late. I work until 6 many nights and it feels like there is no evening. Really, it's just a matter of what works for you. I wouldn't be able to do it, but you may. Just think about the logistics a bit to see if commuting is a better alternative to just moving there.
No, I don't think that is doable in reality. If the job is paying enough money, you may want to look into a private jet. But with a car, forget about it.
sounds like my daily commute to school...



do it....that way i have someone to relate to...
Why don't you fly? You might get a good deal as a daily traveler on the same two flights