I write this as I sit cramped on a train, finding myself rather lucky enough to be one of those in the carriage early enough to be able to get myself a seat. How do people manage this on a daily basis? The struggle at the station with the barriers; the crowded rush over the bridge to the platform; the fight to get through the doors to get on the train and the eventual hunt for a spare seat without a reserved tag. It’s enought to drive you mad and certainly increase the stress levels. And that’s even before you’ve started your working day, combined with the knowledge that you’re going to have to do exactly the same thing this evening on your way home.
Tie all that up with the exorbitant cost and it’s no wonder so many people have to take time off work with stress-related illnesses. Hell, it’s a wonder anyone manages to wake up in a morning at all.
Ok, perhaps I’m exagerating slightly. But the commute is still such a huge pain. Fortunately it’s not something I often have to contend with. Unfortunately I may be joining these ranks soon as my new job may see me having to travel to Birmingham regularly, at least to begin with. And of all the stations you really should avoid if you want a stress-free life, it’s New Street.
Ah, well. For now I shall sit back and enjoy my coffee, safe in my cramped seat, speeding happily backwards to St Pancras.
