The old commute felt different after years at home

About 90 minutes each way, five days a week: a Tokyo commuter had managed that before the pandemic. After several years of fully remote work, returning at least three days a week felt worse. The office had moved a little farther away, and the trains felt more crowded. Moving closer didn't look like a clean escape. At their then-current salary, a smaller place nearer central Tokyo didn't feel worth the rent. Downsizing after years of more space felt like another loss. For another renter, the longer ride bought a home they didn't regret: a bigger, newer apartment in Saitama for half the old Tokyo rent. The commute grew from 20 minutes to over an hour, with much of it spent reading ebooks. Another hour-long commuter was comfortable because the route had no transfers and a seat was always available on their trips.