I was commuting 2 and half hours a day and took an near £5k wage drop this year to work 5 mins from my house. I dont have the disposable income I had but I am much happier not having to spend 10-15 hours of my week just getting to work let alone being there. I am also happy to do over time now as an hour here an there paid is fine.
When I was a manager I always like to think I was flexible, little things like allowing staff to leave early or authorising holiday at late notice can make a big difference to a staff member rather than sticking to the rules for the sake of it. Have to be careful with the boundaries but employers who take a lot and give little back find themselves with work forces who dont last very long.
Never in my life would I do a long commute again. I'm 12 minutes drive from my current job and I work Flexi time, previously I worked an hour away and had to work 8.30 to 17.00 and sit in traffic all the way home. I earn less, slightly, but never been happier in a job. People need to realise how much difference it makes, your whole life is so much better for it. I was spending approx 40 hours a month travelling, now it's about 10 hours, that over a day month extra I get back in spare time. If someone offered you a job closer to home with 12 extra days holiday a year would you take it? Course you would