So I recently started a job working in Sydney’s CBD. Yep, the big smoke! The only catch is, I live in Wollongong, 90 minutes away. Whilst I really can’t complain as I’m only commuting 3 days a week, and yes I’ve only been doing it for a month, consider these my top 10 tips for your commute from a novice commuter.
1- Noise-cancelling headphones are a must
I recently invested in some Bose noise-cancelling headphones and this could possibly be the best investment of 2019! I can put these baby’s on and disappear into my own world. They are perfect for losing track of time listening to a new podcast, banging along to a new album or even the occasional snooze.
2- I will never be able to wear heels to work
How the hell do women wear heels to work? I see some wear sandals and change into heels on the train but then I see women get on the train with heels on! OMG how?! And not just heels, stilettos! Kudos to you business women. Kudos to you.
3- Get yourself a routine
My mornings look a little like this, I put on a podcast, I write in my journal and I have a little nap. On the way home I read my book until I get too tired and then play Suduko. I know, wild routine hey! But I find that it’s so easy to stare out the window, listen to albums you’ve listened to 50 times before, and waste this precious time. Your time is precious so it’s important that you make the most of it. Plus I get to tick off some self-care, me items for the day. It feels pretty damn good.
4- Run baby run
How do people go for lunchtime runs around the Opera House and go back to work an hour later cool calm and collected? Do these people have genetically modified genes? If that was me I would be red, hot, sweaty and unable to show my face in a professional setting again! I’m quite happy sipping my iced long blacks in the sunshine and watching these people run on by.
5- Coffee, coffee, coffee
There are so many incredible coffee shops right at your doorstep, don’t settle for just one! One of my favourite ways to make the commute fun is to plan where I’ll stop by for a coffee on the way to work. I’ve come across a few great gems and I’m excited to find more! It almost makes the overpriced coffee and sub-par service bearable.
6- On that note, why don’t more people use keep cups?
Perhaps living in environmentally friendly Wollongong has created a bit of a bubble with what I assume is normal, everyday practice. I am seriously shocked at how many people don’t use keep cups! I walk past hundreds of people on their way to and from work with coffee in their hand. These people, I’m assuming have worked in the CBD for some time now, and they go to their regular places and get their regular coffees, but don’t bring their own cup? Seriously it is the easiest thing in the world and the planet will thank you for it. Just when you think we’re getting somewhere, you realise that the challenge ahead is far greater than we anticipated.
7- Which book will I read next?
Probably my favourite thing about commuting is the dedicated reading time I give myself. In all seriousness, when did you last give yourself time to sit and read for a solid 90 minutes? I barely got to read for 30 minutes before bed and now I am flying through books. I’m currently reading Eggshell Skull, and not only is the book incredible but all of this thinking and completely losing myself in books makes the trip fly! It leaves me asking what’s next on the reading list?!
8- Lunch views never looked so good
Ok so I may have gone a little overboard with the Insta stories and my ‘lunch views’ tag. But seriously, when the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are literally on your front door, you can’t just turn your head and have lunch in your office! One thing I’ve committed to taking seriously is giving myself a break whilst at work. Last year I often found myself in the disgusting habit of eating my lunch at my desk. There is seriously nothing like taking a 30-45 minute lunch break, getting some fresh air, going for a stroll, reading a book or just watching people pass you by. It will honestly leave you feeling like a new person when you waltz on back into your office ready to get you through to 5pm.
9- Sydney is so multicultural and I love it
I love people watching. It’s a great way to pass the time and I love conjuring up back stories for all of the faces passing me by. And something I love about working in the city is the diversity present in all of the people that pass me by. It’s so exciting and it’s a reminder of how cool diversity is. And I mean this in a genuine way. It’s awesome to live in a global city, to be influenced by other cultures, to learn about new ways of life and share insights into your way of life. It’s inspiring to know that so many people like to call Sydney, or Australia, home. I love feeling like I am a total stranger, yet completely at home in a city, where you can be the best or weirdest version of yourself and people accept you. It’s fucking awesome.
10- Sydney is a bloody beautiful place.
Wow. We are so lucky to live so close and work in the heart of Sydney. Sydney really is gorgeous. There’s not many cities in the world that have so much natural beauty surrounding the hustle and bustle of the CBD. I know I may still be looking at this all with starry eyes, but I can’t shake it. It’s pretty incredible to look out our office windows and see the Harbour Bridge. It’s amazing to be able to have my lunch break overlooking the Opera House. And I feel pretty damn lucky to have the experience of working in the CBD. Commute and all.
A Worldly Addiction 