An interesting post from HR Magazine on the impact of increased rail fares on your salary.  How many employees take the time to think about the hidden costs associated with their jobs?

The average fare rise of 5.9% was announced in December – just below the Chancellor’s cap of 6% – putting the average annual season ticket at £2,028, or 8% of the median UK salary of £25,176.

In some cases, today’s fare hike could mean some commuters spending up to 21% of their annual salary on their journey to work.

21% of your annual salary (and in many cases, an equal amount of your working week)!  That’s quite a hit to take on your salary, particularly considering the cost of living in most areas of the UK these days.   Have you ever considered the hidden costs before you accept a job offer?  It does make quite a difference.

As a smoker (and perpetual wannabe non-smoker), I’m constantly calculating the savings I could be making from giving up the habit – I wish I was more frugally aware with other aspects of my life!  Although, I’m not too sure my girlfriend would be too happy about me making savings on where we eat out and what presents she gets…I guess it’s lucky I walk to work each day!