A bit of description of your route profile.
~3.5mi. MUP, ~2.5mi. arterial, ~7mi rural highway; 4 appreciable hills each way. I typically gear between 60" and 45" for these, longest one is maybe 1/2 mile on the steep part.
What kind of bike you ride. (photos would be cool) My vintage bikes, see sig; main workhorse is my Versailles.

How you carry your gear and what or how much (volume) stuff you bring on the ride.various combinations of panniers & handlebar bag. Latest setup on the Versailles (pic out of date) is 1 rear pannier for laptop + accessories, small trunk bag for cycling accessories (spare tubes, pump, lock, lights, map, tire repair kit, small tools, & raincovers for panniers etc.), handlebar bag for work trousers, warm or cool gloves, pocket items such as eyeglasses, keys, cellphone, security badge etc., & two front panniers for lunchbox & work shoes.
Distance & time (average speed if you care to share) 13 mi. 1 way; time in the saddle <= 45min
How long you've been doing this and any thoughts you have toward the future of your commuting. ~ 1 year, frequency depending on weather; less in the cold, inclement months. Geographical move in the offing, so future is uncertain. Will try to situate the new home relative to the new workplace to facilitate commuting as a secondary consideration; looks like new distance will be around 20 mi, with the majority on a trail, thank goodness.