Work-Life

Monthly Message from the Work-Life Director

August Greetings from the Director

photo of director Rising Fuel Costs Necessitate New Ways of Commuting to Work

One of the reasons I did not move back home to the San Francisco Bay Area after completion of graduate school was a fear of the long daily commutes that were a norm. Growing up in the Bay Area, I witnessed many people commuting to work 1-2 hours a day. Their driving stressed them out and lessened the time they spent with their families, friends and neighbors. Yet, many did not see any alternative because of the economic circumstances of where the jobs and desirable, affordable housing were located – miles apart!  

Americans have structured their lives all over the country around this model, and now our lives are being strained by higher fuel prices and a rethinking of where we should live and work. Approximately 78% of UK employees live in Fayette County, but 6% commute from Nicholasville; 3% from Georgetown; 3% from Versailles; 3% from Paris; 1% from Frankfort, with others commuting from a variety of places from Somerset to Sadieville.

One strategy to address the economic strain facing our employees is AlterNetRides, a carpooling software sponsored by Parking and Transportation, that connects people who want to share the drive to work. In addition to saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint, sharing rides can reduce your stress and provide opportunities for friendships. Carpooling does, however, increase your need to communicate with your car pooling partners, which can take some time to get used to. Nevertheless, the extra time spent on communication can be worth it: when your designated departure time is near, you must leave the office as promised, adding time to your personal life.

Robynn Pease, Director UK Work-Life Office

For more information about AlterNetRides, go to http://www.uky.edu/Parking/transportation-ridematch.html. The Work Life Office provides assistance to individuals who do not have computer access. Call 257-8763 for help.

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