I saw a piece on Tes recently that outlined the importance of considering the length of a commute when looking for a new job.

This got me reflecting on my own commute, which has seen me drive an hour up, and an hour down, the M5 every day for the past three and a half years.

And you know what? I’ve loved it.

So, I thought it might be good to outline the benefits I’ve experienced in the hope it might be helpful for anyone considering changing jobs and to show why a long drive each day doesn’t have to be negative.

Commuting: why it matters when changing jobs

Tips: applying for your dream teaching job 

Jobs: what to consider when moving

1. Time to think

I have some of my best ideas in the car. Ideas for engaging key stage 3 lessons, anecdotes I recall to liven up GCSE classes, books I remember to recommend to A-level pupils.

And listening to the Today programme on Radio 4 every morning gives me the best ideas for assemblies or tutor time and keeps me up to date with current news, which was especially vital when I taught politics and economics. 

I also arrive at school awake and alert, ready to start the day.

2.Time to learn

Another benefit of my commute is that it gives me time to listen to audiobooks and podcasts that help me build and maintain subject knowledge. For example, I listened to Why Don’t Students Like School? via audiobook and some key ideas really stayed with me.

For a shorter and lighter listen, podcasts such as We Are History and Greg Jenner’s You’re Dead to Me are funny, fact filled and highly entertaining for a history geek like myself. 

And, on the occasions when my car needed fixing and I got the train instead, I sat marking or reading in the station waiting room and on the train, and treated myself to a fancy coffee and croissant for the journey. It felt positively decadent!

3. Mental health space

The space to reflect is invaluable for me. It has given me time to be grateful and to decompress from the stresses of the day. Given that I am in a pastoral role, I find this time to myself so important.

Sometimes on a Friday, the opportunity to switch off and listen to Kings of Leon loudly for an hour is just what I need, and something I wouldn’t find the time to do at home. 

Teacher Tapp found that teachers with long commutes also work longer hours and that is probably true for me, but it also means that I take less work home and keep my weekends pretty free - the work-life balance I have established suits me.

4. Physical space

Speaking of work-life balance - I love the fact that I have never seen a pupil outside of school.

I’m happy walking around my local town sweaty after a yoga class or buying a few bottles of wine for a boozy bank holiday barbecue without fear of an awkward meeting with a pupil or parent. 

This physical space also contributes to my mental wellbeing and allows me to keep home and work very separate.

5. Appreciation of real-world issues

Dealing with motorway traffic, car issues and occasional train delays has made me more sympathetic to pupils, parents and staff who experience similar.

It’s also easy for me to run errands on my way home as I pass supermarkets, post offices and banks on the way to and from the motorway.

While I do regret my carbon footprint and wish I could do more to help the environment and combat climate change, I try to make my driving worthwhile and limit my car journeys at weekends.

And, yes, some days I am tired. And cold, dark winter nights can feel oppressive and draining but overall, for me, the positives outweigh the negatives and I look forward to doing the drive again in a few weeks.

Gemma Hargraves is a history teacher and head of lower school at an independent girls’ school in the Midlands. She is currently on maternity leave