How to Money · Friday, October 2, 2026
A new report from Monster indicates that nearly half of job seekers have declined offers due to the increased costs and time associated with commuting. Joel emphasizes that beyond fuel and car depreciation, the value of lost time is a critical factor, advocating for consideration of total compensation and work-life balance.
“A new report from Monster finds that 49% of folks have declined a job because it's too far away and it would increase commuting costs.”
“And I think that is a reasonable decision to make. And it is important not just to think about the costs of filling your car and the depreciation and the miles you're putting on that car, but it is also important to think about how much your time is worth and how much, if you got to drive an hour round trip for your eight hour workday, well, it's not just eight hours that you're sacrificing. You're sacrificing nine and you're getting ready and you're maybe having to update your clothes in order to take that job.”
“So I think there are all these things that it's worth, just like you have to think about the total compensation package. and not just the headline rate of pay you're going to receive. You have to think about the total expenses, right, that you have to put forth to have this job.”