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Here’s How Much Time Americans Have Saved By Not Commuting Over the Last Year (by City)

Eric Brantner

Let’s start by making the understatement of the century — the last year has been hard.

COVID-19 has turned the entire world upside down, and so many of us have lost family members and friends to this terrible disease. It’s also forced us to change so many of our daily habits and live our lives in a completely different manner.

But for all of the negatives, there have been some positive things to come of this pandemic. One of which is way more people have been working from home for the past year, avoiding the exhausting, stressful, time-consuming, and toxic-for-the-environment commutes that tens of millions of Americans have suffered through day in and day out for years. The future of remote work has greatly improved over the last year.

As freelancers, we already know how great it is to work from home, but now, millions of Americans have gotten a taste of the good life too — and they don’t want to go back. Telecommuting will likely continue long after the pandemic, and for good reason.

Numerous studies have found that commuting is one of the biggest sources of stress for adults, and with the average commute getting longer each year, it’s easy to see why workers want to stay remote. Time spent behind the wheel stuck in traffic is time lost — time not spent with family and friends, partaking in a hobby, enjoying a delicious meal, getting things done around the house, or just relaxing.

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the pandemic forcing millions of Americans to start working from home, we got to thinking — exactly how much time has the average person saved by not having to commute over the last 12 months?

Using US Census Bureau data, we studied the commute times in 152 major cities across the country. What we found was shocking. The average American has saved over a week – 8.6 days – of time stuck behind the wheel driving to and from work over the last 12 months. 

And for those of us who are already freelancers, that’s how much time we get back every year by not having to work in an office!

Sure, the last year has been anything but fun. But getting more than a week of your life back by not having to commute is certainly a silver lining for many workers.

1. Interactive Map

2. Our Methodology

3. How to Use the Map

 

The Map

Our Methodology

So, how did we arrive at the amount of time people have saved by not commuting over the last year?

The first thing we had to do was calculate how many days the average person works in a year. There are 52 weeks in a year, and the typical full-time employee works 5 days a week. That comes out to 260 working days in a full calendar year, but you also have to factor in vacation time and sick days. Recent studies show that the average American worker takes 17.2 days off work each year. So that means the average American works about 242.8 days each year.

After coming up with that number, we used US Census Bureau data on average commute times for cities and towns across America. From there, it was simple math.

 

How to Use the Map

The map embedded above is totally interactive and covers over 150 cities and towns across the US. If you’re curious about how many days you saved over the last year by not having to commute to work, just zoom in on the map to your area, click the nearest dot, and check out the data in the box that pops up! You can also enter your city in the search bar at the top of the map to find data for your area.

Note for mobile users: The map may display better if you flip your device horizontally.

Freelance Writing Websites: 5 Essentials to Attract Ideal Clients

Freelance Writing Websites: 5 Essentials to Attract Ideal Clients

Writer Websites: 5 Tips to Attract Freelance Clients. Makealivingwriting.com

What’s the secret to creating one of those writer websites that get’s noticed?

You know…an ideal client lands on your writer website. And you’ve got all the right stuff there to get that person to call, email, or connect on social media.

Great writer websites can:

  • Generate freelance writing leads
  • Grow your network
  • Show off your portfolio
  • Help you stand out as the writer in your niche

…while you sleep.

Chances are pretty good you already know writer websites help the pros stand out.

But what does your writer website look like?

Maybe you keep putting it off or avoid giving it an upgrade because you’re not a graphic designer, web developer or tech genius.

Sound familiar?

If you aren’t sure where to start or how to improve your online presence, you’re in luck. I’m going to show you the 5 essentials writer websites need to help you stand out, move up, and earn more.

How to Find Entry-Level Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners

How to Find Entry-Level Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners

Best Freelance Writing Jobs for Beginners. Makealivingwriting.com

Right now, a record-high number of people are considering a freelance writing career. My inbox is overflowing with questions from newbies. And the first question is: “Where can I find freelance writing jobs for beginners?”

If that’s you, sending hugs! I totally feel your confusion. The freelance marketplace is a big, complicated place. There are lots of types of paid writing, and different kinds of clients, too.

I’ve been helping writers get started for a dozen years now. And I know how mystifying it can be. You feel like there’s a door you need to find, a person you need to know, a secret you must unlock to become a freelance writer.

But really, the path to freelance writing jobs for beginners is simple.

You need to find someone willing to let you write for them. That’s it.

You get a few samples and boom — you have a portfolio to show. And you’re on your way.

There are fairly simple, break-in writing assignments that newbies tend to get. I’m going to outline what they are below.

But first, I need to explain something…