Top 5 - Unconventional commutes

Top 5 - Unconventional commutes by Michael Cheary Think you have the worst journey to work? Think againFor some of us, the daily commute can be nothing more than an amble into the office or a even just a walk down the stairs.  For others, it can be hard to stay positive during the journey. But remember the old adage: theres always someone worse off than you.To help put things in perspective, here are five of the most unconventional commutes:5. Oil RigsIf youre looking for a job that involves travel and you dont mind being away from home for months at a time, this could be the perfect position for you. Wherever youre posted, your journey will usually involve planes, trains and automobiles. Helicopters are also a distinct possibility. The drawback is that it can often take over 24 hours to get to your destination, and youll be there for months at a time.On the plus side, at least you dont have to get on the underground.Journey Distance: Varies (but many travel 3,500km+)4. Dog SledgingMore of a conditional ne cessity than a lifestyle choice, in some parts of the world (Alaska, parts of Quebec) Dog Sledging is the only way of getting to work. At one time it was even an Olympic sport. Its a great way of being at one with nature. Also, the clothes are pretty spectacular.Although, parking can be problematicJourney Distance: Up to 500 miles. Snow joke.3. TruckingOk, we understand that this one is a bit of a technicality. However, we feel that the humble Trucker deserves a mention just for the sheer nature of the job. For most of us, after sitting in a traffic jam for a few hours, work is a welcome respite. For a trucker, its all part of the job.Some of them, however, go to extreme lengths to deliver their cargo. Ice Road Truckers go pretty close, but the award for most dangerous drive must go to those travelling along Yungas Road (aka Death Road) in Bolivia, which claims somewhere between 200 and 300 lives every year.Journey Distance: Hundreds and hundreds of miles. (Times may vary depending on speed and fear factor).2. Window Cleaning the Burj KhalifaIf youre afraid of heights, you might want to look away now. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is officially the tallest building in the world. With 163 floors, its around 828 metres high and made up of nearly 24,000 glass panels. And it gets pretty grubby.If you were cleaning the top of the tower, your journey to work would include taking five lifts to the 160th floor, climbing a further seven tiers on vertical ladders, and then squeezing into the 6 foot wide spire and out of a hatch. From there, the Cleaning Operative hangs from a rope and gets the squeegee and soapy water out.Dont. Look. Down.Journey Distance: 2,717 ft. Straight up.1. International Space StationThis is not only the most unusual commute, its also one of the longest. Although it only takes eight minutes to get into outer space, the resulting journey to the ISS takes three days. For this commute youll need a complete lack of claustrophobia, years of training, and extreme endurance.Journey Distance: Around 220 miles. (More for round trip)Other unconventional ways of commuting: Kayak, Hovercraft, Paddle Boarding, Scuba Diving, Slow boat to China.Looking for a more comfortable commute?  View all of our current vacancies now