“ I’ve been commuting from Canton to the city for about five years now. It’s become a routine but it certainly has its ups and downs. The main challenges are definitely the time and traffic. Since Canton is a small rural town, the roads are quite different like highways versus narrow and windy roads. Both of these add to the commute time, also dealing with city traffic after a peaceful drive from Canton can be quite stressful.
“I usually drive my car. Public transportation options are not really used around here in Canton , so driving is the most convenient option for me to get to the city. Plus, it gives me some flexibility with my schedule.
“A typical day starts early in the morning. I leave around 6 Am to avoid the heavy traffic. The drive through all the bits and pieces of the small towns is quite scenic. Once I hit the outskirts of the city it’s a completely different feeling. I usually reach the office by 8 am. The evening commute is usually more hectic, with rush hour traffic making the drive back longer. The office usually supplies us with coffee so that is what keeps me going.
“The long commute definitely eats into my personal time. I have to leave home early and return late, which means less time with my family and for personal activities. It can be exhausting, but I try to make the most of my weekends and any free time I get.
“One of the biggest benefits of commuting is the peaceful environment of Canton. After a crazy work day in the city, coming back to the calmness of a small rural town is refreshing. It helps me relax and unwind. Also, living in Canton is way more affordable than the city, which is a great advantage.
“I make sure to have a good breakfast and pack some snacks for the road. I also keep my car well- maintained to avoid any breakdowns. I had to also Invest in a car with a large gas mileage range so I would not have to pump more than once a day. In my car I listen to podcasts or audiobooks during the drive helps pass the time and keeps me entertained.
“One piece of advice I would give someone in a similar situation is to plan your route and schedule carefully. Try to avoid the worst of traffic by leaving early. Make sure your car can handle it and try to make the commute enjoyable and not a hassle. Also, be prepared for the impact on your personal time and find ways to balance.”
