Commuting sucks.

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

So - with the help of my husband and my boss, I was able to find an alternative route home and it took me less than an hour to drive (AND there was an accident blocking the middle lane of traffic!!).

It's not perfect, but it certainly makes my drive home slightly more tolerable! Huzzah!

 

[DaveStebbins]

There are folks that drive to work when it is under 4 miles?

I have to.

I rode my bike to work for nine-and-a-half years (well, I walked in the wintertimes). However, two years ago I was transferred into a department where I have to travel across town for meetings several days per week (and back to my office afterward). While I could ride my bike, I just don't have the time, and I don't take it easy, so being all sweaty until I get back and can hit the showers just isn't very professional.

I compromise by throwing the bike/bikerack on the car on sunny days and heading to the peninsula after work, where there is a 13+ mile bike path, and I can cool down after by walking on the beach (6+ miles of beautiful beaches - the best kept secret on the Great Lakes). I did that today, in fact.

-Dave

 

[Arnwyn]

However, two years ago I was transferred into a department where I have to travel across town for meetings several days per week (and back to my office afterward). While I could ride my bike, I just don't have the time, and I don't take it easy, so being all sweaty until I get back and can hit the showers just isn't very professional.

You don't get to take a taxi for that (on the company's dime)?

 

[JamesDJarvis]

Barefoot and in ten feet of snow.

hills? feet? I had to do it walking on my hands over a barbed wire bridge...

 

[WizarDru]

hills? feet? I had to do it walking on my hands over a barbed wire bridge...

[Monty Python]Yoooouuuu Luuucky BASTARD! What we wouldn't have given to 'ave Limbs!!! Oh, it's all right for you, I suppose, dancing around with your fine manipulators an' all! Look at me, I've got bodily extensions! Woo-hoo![/Monty Python]

 

[DaveStebbins]

You don't get to take a taxi for that (on the company's dime)?

Heh, this is not a true metropolitan area. I guess I could put in for milage reimbursement. What is the standard, about 38 cents per mile these days? Instead I just drive my little plastic economy car and fill the tank up every couple of weeks or so.

 

[kenobi65]

I guess I could put in for milage reimbursement. What is the standard, about 38 cents per mile these days?

I believe it's up to 41 or 42 cents these days.

 

[Heretic Apostate]

35 cents for my company, but we're a non-profit.

 

[Old One]

Maximum allowable by IRS rule is $0.405 for tax year 2005...

Dave, your company should be offering you mileage reimbursement for trips you take from the office to a business meeting and back (commuting isn't covered by most organizations). Ask your boss/HR folks about it. It doesn't sound like a lot...but if you drive 100 miles per month on company business...that's $40.50 in your pocket (+ tolls/parking) if they will reimburse you...enough for a new game book !

If they won't reimburse you, then you can claim the IRS mileage cost on Form 2106, "Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses". This is a misc. itemized deduction, subject to the 2% AGI floor, but it might help.

~ OO

 

[DaveStebbins]

Maximum allowable by IRS rule is $0.405 for tax year 2005...

Gods, I think the last time I actually put in for reimbursement, it was something like $0.3175 per mile...

Dave, your company should be offering you mileage reimbursement for trips you take from the office to a business meeting and back (commuting isn't covered by most organizations).

Oh they do offer milage, I just haven't paid attention to it in years. In fact, I don't think anyone in my department bothers. I put in for it as part of any business trips I go on, but never bother for stuff in town (or to either of the manufacturing plants within 50 miles). I guess I'm just following the example everyone else in my department sets (including my boss and her boss). Peer pressure lives!

For that matter, I would be entitled to all sorts of comp time if I wanted to be uptight about it. Eh, they pay me very well for what I do and, given that next year doesn't look as great as the last couple (I deal with sales and capacity forecasts, so I know), I'd rather not draw attention to myself as a source of additional expense right now. I'll just look at it as being a nice guy and earning lots of good Karma.

Thanks for the concern, though.
-Dave