The High Cost of Ambition: A Gen X Dad's 10-Hour Weekly Commute to Success
Meet Jae Kim, a real estate broker who trades 10 hours of weekly commute time for business opportunities across three states.
CommutingReal EstateHybrid WorkWork Life BalanceGen X DadsReal Estate NewsJul 21, 2024
Kim's brokerage firm is based in South Carolina, but he also practices real estate in Alabama and Georgia. The commute has opened up opportunities for him to expand his business across these states, meeting with clients and earning more income. However, it's not without its costs – gas is his biggest expense, with hundreds of miles putting a significant dent in his wallet.
Despite the challenges, Kim finds that the nature of his job allows him to stay overnight at some of the properties he's working on, saving him from additional housing costs. He also cherishes the five-hour drive, using the time to clear his mind and reflect on his priorities.
Kim is among a growing number of Americans who have taken on supercommutes, or commutes to work that take 90 minutes or longer. The pandemic has enabled more people to take on longer commutes, thanks to the flexibility of hybrid work, allowing them to boost their earnings at a job farther from home.
However, being away from family is a challenge, and Kim emphasizes the importance of open communication and prioritizing family time. He recalls a conversation with his youngest son, who expressed his desire to see him more often. This conversation was a wake-up call for Kim, who shifted his priorities to ensure he was putting his family first.
Kim tries to drive home every weekend to be with his family and makes stops along the way at the properties he owns. He recommends that anyone considering a long commute should go into it 'with eyes wide open' because it's not for every family situation. Having a supportive team at work makes it easier, but it's most important for the family to be on board.
While the commute can take a toll on his marriage, Kim believes that trust and over-communication are essential to making it work. He advises others in similar situations to prioritize their family time and communicate openly with their loved ones.
Jae Kim is a real estate broker with a brokerage firm in South Carolina. He practices real estate in Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Jae Kim's weekly commute?
Jae Kim's weekly commute is approximately 10 hours, with a 5-hour drive each way from Alabama to South Carolina.
What is the biggest expense for Jae Kim's commute?
Gas is Jae Kim's biggest expense, with hundreds of miles putting a significant dent in his wallet.
How does Jae Kim make time for his family despite his long commute?
Jae Kim tries to drive home every weekend to be with his family and makes stops along the way at the properties he owns. He also prioritizes his family time and communicates openly with his loved ones.
What advice does Jae Kim offer to others considering a long commute?
Jae Kim recommends that anyone considering a long commute should go into it 'with eyes wide open' because it's not for every family situation. He advises having a supportive team at work and prioritizing family time.
How does the commute affect Jae Kim's marriage?
The commute can take a toll on Jae Kim's marriage, but he believes that trust and over-communication are essential to making it work.
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