When we first accepted job transfers to Denver, my DH and I were both working downtown in the same building. Having come from one of the worst areas for traffic in the country, a "must have" for our home was a short commute. So, despite our realtor pushing us toward homes in the "suburban" planned-unit-subdivision area of town, we decided we didn't want the long commute and "cookie-cutter house, soccer mom" lifestyle and moved west of town.
The west has small-to-modest sized, older homes on larger lots sprinkled among "gentleman's farms" and green space. In some cases, like our home, families "scraped" and rebuilt on the lot. So, although we are 10 minutes from the city and have all the amenities found in a newer home, when I look out my kitchen window I see horses. I can also buy fresh eggs from another neighbor and walk three blocks to a beautiful park with a lake and nature preserve. Can you tell I love living here?
Two years ago, my division of the company split and my office moved closer to the "subdivision" side of town. My commute went from 20 minutes to 50-90 minutes (or even more some days, depending on traffic). Because my DH is still working downtown, we managed it. He can get home in time to relieve our nanny or run home if there is an emergency.
Over time, my DH's company has pulled out of Denver and we've known for a few years that they planned release their current office space and retain a "satellite" office. Since my DH works for another office, we were also told that he would have a permanent desk at the satellite office. The other day, they announced a move date in July. Guess where? A few blocks from my office.
On the plus side, we can commute together again. However, the challenges brought about by this news have me concerned.
- My nanny works long hours already (7 am - 5:30 pm) and extending her hours (even with more pay) may not be feasible. If we move closer to our offices, we may lose her altogether since her commute will be longer.
- If there is an emergency, it takes longer for one of us to rush home.
- If we were to move to that side of town, we couldn't afford a house as spacious or modern as the one we are living in now.
- We have NO family in town.
5 comments:
Uggg...I have absolutely no advice for you Flygirl. I live in a small city where everything is 15 mins away at the most. I don't envy the commutes that can come with living in a bigger city. That's quite the dilemma....your current house and community sound beautiful and serene - would hate to give that up but a 50-90 minute commute sounds awful to me....I don't know what I would do??
I also live in a small town too. I would think you would need some more back up baby sitters to relieve the nanny in case of an emergency. Maybe have someone to tag team your nanny if you're working late. I hate commuting, so if you think your jobs are going to be in other part of town for a long time, maybe consider moving. I actually don't mind a commute without traffic, but Denver traffic is hell.
I'm so sorry I can't be of any help here, but that is a huuuge bummer. I hope you can figure out a solution to this soon. Perhaps if you and/or your husband can swing a day each working from home it might help? Whatever it is, I hope you figure it out soon...
Thanks for your comments. I feel a little better today. I know it will work out...it always does. Some how, some way.
Tough one. More time at home and the convenience of rushing home if need be vs a beautiful place for your kids to grow up and a nanny you and they are used to. Hmmm time will tell with this one. Your gut and heart will tell you.
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