So after one too many breakdowns/sputters/general terribleness, my girlfriend and I got rid of her car. I've been trying for about a year to convince her, and finally she agreed! She relies on public transportation now to get back and forth to work, seeing that I haven't finished her commuter bike just yet. Another step closer to my goal of being car free!

Yet another step--I have two job interviews next week for positions within my town, total of a 4 mile commute round trip. For those who don't know, I currently have a 100 mile commute round trip, and it's killing me. I have had hard luck finding a job up in the Pioneer Valley now that we've moved, so I've had to trek down to CT everyday. I'm hoping that I'll score one of those two positions, and then I'll be retiring the trusty Honda Element for good.

This weekend we're making a trailer purchase to start hauling groceries instead of driving there...I'm really excited all these changes are happening. For someone studying environmental science and sustainable development, my current commute/lifestyle has been soul-crushing.

Let me know what you guys think, I love reading this forum for all the inspiration!

Good luck on your job hunt!

How does you gf react to taking transit? Quite often, bike commuters like to take a day off and enjoy a bus/train ride in.

She actually likes it a lot because it gives her a chance to read/surf internet/relax before her workday. Personally, I am not a fan of the PVTA bus system, but if she likes it, I'm game!

Good luck with the job interviews! Do you go to school as well as work?

Thanks! Yeah, I work full time currently and am entering my last semester before I graduate with my Associate's. Then it's off to the big city for grad school for my girlfriend and undergrad for me. I've been trying to get a job that is closer than the 50 miles each way I drive, but it's hard to find a full time job (or two compatible part time jobs) for someone with no degree. I'm hoping one of these two will pan out. I study environmental science and sustainable development, so this commute isn't exactly compatible with the rest of my life.

Good luck with your plans. It might be easier to find a suitable job in a bigger city.

+1 to this.

Even if you do find a job, the more limited job market in smaller towns could easily mean having to put up with working conditions that are less than ideal (nasty boss, harassment, etc...) Such a situation can easily overcome the other benefits that small towns offer.

Yeah, its definitely not the plan to stay here long. Just want to practice a bit of car-free living before making the full commitment in a unfamiliar place.

Had my first job interview (of three this week). Turns out it was for a performance cycling apparel company based locally! The interview went really well, I should be hearing back by tomorrow. I'm trying to stay realistic about it, don't want to get my hopes up too high but man would it be perfect!

I GOT THE JOB! Excuse the all caps, I'm super excited right now!

CONGRATULATIONS! (Some occasions call for a little shouting.)

Thanks, Ekdog! Looks Like I will be starting July 25!

Congratulations! Did you ride your bike to the interview, considering that it's a company in the bike industry?

I did not, seeing that I was coming directly from CT. I'll be riding every day to work, though!

Good for you. I'm sure it will be a positive experience for you.

Congratulations!

Yes... belated congratulations, PJCB. Looks like things are working out for you.