As Taylor Swift would say, "Welcome to New York, it's been waiting for you." Like many recent college graduates, I was eager to find a job in my field to start right after graduation. After countless amounts of interviews, I landed a full-time Marketing position in the heart of Midtown Manhattan on 5th Avenue. I know what you're thinking, that's the "dream job." That's what I thought too until I realized that I would have to join the hundreds of New Jersians that make the hour long commute into the Big Apple every day. Little did I know that NJ Transit would become my best frienemy.
Yes, commuting gives me the opportunity to read books, listen to music or just relax and wait for the long hours that lie ahead. However, no one tells you about the constant delays, crowded platforms and the morning rush. I quickly got on the daily "struggle bus" and caught on.
Watch out when the tracks are assigned
Tracks at Penn Station are assigned about 10 minutes before the train is ready to leave the station. Hundreds of people try and fit into one small door, just to get the best seat. Despite the fact that you still have plenty of time to get on the train, you will most likely get trampled in the stampede, especially being 5 feet tall.
A "quiet car" really means a "quiet train"
Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., the first and last cars are designated quiet cars. However, if you even try to talk on a cell phone, you'll receive a lovely death stare from the person sitting next to you trying to relax.
Delays on delays on delays
Ah, delays. The one word that makes everyone cringe when they hear it. There is a large board in Penn Station that shows you all the trains coming in and out, and their track numbers. People stare at that board like it's going to give them the answers to life. Tip: if you have an early meeting, always take the train right before your normal one.
The yellow ones don't stop
Buddy the Elf was right, "The yellow ones don't stop." Even if the sign shows that pedestrians can walk, taxis will still try and drive through when no one is walking. Beware of cars while walking to work.
It's exhausting
Between an hour commute there and back and a 9 hour work day with 1 hour for lunch, days are over 12 hours long. At some point, you'll find yourself going to sleep around 10 p.m. and not being able to stay up late on weekends. Welcome to the adult world.
No matter how much you complain about your commute, at the end of the day, you secretly love it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride to "adulting."
