I've always been under the impression that commute satisfaction is related to various levels of consistency. Constant speed, constant commute times.
I drive 3x as far at my new home to my job as I did at my previous home but since my workplace is on the edge of the city and I moved to a rural home I drive 90% of the way on highway. Set cruise, set podcast, arrive at work in 20 minutes (+/- 5 minutes). Old home? 15 minutes but through a dozen intersections and several road merges and lane changes.
Much happier now.
EDIT: I should say that my first career job was about 2km from my home. I could choose to drive and battle 10 intersections and then the hell that was parking, or I walked. It took 15 minutes longer but it was consistent and smooth any day of the week, regardless of construction. Highly satisfied.
I feel like this is part of the story behind Lyft and Uber. They traded inconsistent timing and consistent pricing for consistent timing and inconsistent pricing. Certain people seem to like the better (I do).
I can always get a Lyft in a minute or two in a major city. I might pay slightly more for that at certain times of the day.
I drive 3x as far at my new home to my job as I did at my previous home but since my workplace is on the edge of the city and I moved to a rural home I drive 90% of the way on highway. Set cruise, set podcast, arrive at work in 20 minutes (+/- 5 minutes). Old home? 15 minutes but through a dozen intersections and several road merges and lane changes.
Much happier now.
EDIT: I should say that my first career job was about 2km from my home. I could choose to drive and battle 10 intersections and then the hell that was parking, or I walked. It took 15 minutes longer but it was consistent and smooth any day of the week, regardless of construction. Highly satisfied.