Since I started work last year and until recently, I've been carpooling with my mom. Fortunately she passes by my workplace on the way to hers and since being in a car with me as the driver is traumatizing for her, I always end up sitting on the passenger seat - which is good for me.
With carpooling, I get to save a lot on fuel and toll and I am always if not mostly early at work because she would rather go out early in order to avoid the horrible traffic. However, the downside of being a passenger is (i) having to get ready early (ii) not being able to listen to desired stations and (iii) going home later than usual because she's busy.
My colleagues ask, "When are you going to drive on your own?". Just because being driven is convenient and environmentally-friendly, I didn't really think of it. Well, I've driven to work on my own of course, whenever she was not around.
A few weeks ago, though, she got fed up of waiting for me in the morning and decided that I should drive on my own. So far I'm enjoying it, I've been late at times, somewhat poorer, too, but even so, it's still good because (i) I've acquired the skill to wake up just before the alarm clock starts to ring (ii) I get to play good songs on the way to work, which later leads to a happier me at work and (iii) I get to go back on time.
Being independent in this sense is helping me.
