Incite/Insight Spring-Summer 2019 Incite_Insight—Spring_Summer 2019 Final | Page 16

ahead. Sometimes, I put in my bluetooth headset and catch up on phone calls. Other times, I put on my very lengthy
favorites playlist and listen to music for three hours.
DD: First, focused work time on the train—I get a lot of office work done! Second, living the “single life” here—I’m not
responsible for anyone other than myself so can work long hours if need be. I don’t have to worry about carpools, meal
planning, or cleaning up after anyone. Third, professionally, I’m still able to have regular, in-person connections with
friends in the industry and be able to see shows in both New York City and Boston.
Where do you stay when you’re in your work location?
SG: I have a great house share in the Boston neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. I’m very lucky because I found a place
that I can rent during the academic year only. And during the summer months, they allow me to store my stuff in the
basement and then move back in September. It’s a great house and the best part is that it’s the last house on a dead
end street. I love quiet!
DD: In a fab sublet!
How do you keep your routine sustainable?
SG: What makes it work for me is that I’ve made sure each home has all the supplies I need, including clothing and
personal items. When I travel back and forth, there is literally nothing to pack. So there’s no pressure to remember
anything. Also, if I travel after rush hour, the driving time is barely over three hours. I find that commute very easy. It’s
working out even better than I had imagined!
DD: I try to exercise when I can—long hours sitting on the train aren’t really healthy. When I’m home in New Jersey, I try
to focus on that particular routine and get my family set up for success during the week there as much as possible.
When I’m in Boston, I focus on work, students, and my colleagues here. On the train, I try to get as much work done as
possible so I can have quality time with family and friends in New Jersey. I make food at home to take on the train so I
feel like I have a taste of home when I travel. During the summer and holidays, I am home in New Jersey for four to five
months. So it’s almost an even split!
Alex Ates is a member of AATE’s Board of Directors and is managing editor of this publication.
Top 10 Questions to Ask When Considering a Radical Commute:
1. Which mode of transportation would be the most time and cost efficient?
2. Do you have time budgeted in for delays? What is your communication strategy if you hit delays?
3. How can you use your travel time productively?
4. Do your colleagues know about your radical traveling? How can they support you?
5. How about your students? If students know, what are the pros and cons?
6. How do you plan to stay in touch with your family while you’re away?
7. Do you have plans in case the battery on your phone dies? Who is an emergency contact and do you know their
phone number by heart?
8. Do you need to budget extra time during production or exam weeks?
9. How will you make sure you’re always eating healthily?
10. Where do you want to register to vote—in your home state or your temporary state?
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