Commuter disproves Gen Z laziness stereotype with four-hour daily journey

Commuting from north Wales to Liverpool, a journey that takes two hours in each direction, is a regular routine for Lily-May Edwards, who travels to the city for her office job.

For Lily-May Edwards, the picturesque landscapes of north Wales are home, but her career takes her to the University of Liverpool, a commute she willingly undertakes.

To balance her love for her hometown and her job, Lily-May rises early, typically at 05:30, to embark on the four-hour round trip to the office.

At 24, Lily-May expresses her enthusiasm for starting her day, valuing the sense of purpose that comes with physically going to work.

The pandemic normalized remote work for millions, with over a quarter of Britons still spending part of their week working from home.

Last year, Sir Alan Sugar sparked controversy by suggesting that employees should return to the office, implying that younger workers preferred to stay at home.

However, a 2025 survey of 12,000 workers across 44 countries indicated that younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are leading the charge back to the office.

Lily-May's morning commute involves a 45-minute drive to the train station, followed by a train ride to Liverpool, and finishes with a walk to her office.

Lily-May Edwards — Lily-May says going into the office most days gives her a sense of purpose

As a social media officer, she notes that similar job opportunities are scarce in her hometown, making the commute worthwhile.

Despite the long commute, Lily-May appreciates the dual lifestyle, enjoying both her hometown and Liverpool.

She values the experience of having two distinct environments, allowing her to separate her personal and professional life.

During her commute, Lily-May uses the time to unwind, whether by editing, reading, or simply relaxing before the workday begins.

She wears a burgandy jumper tucked into her grey trousers. Her hair is in a low ponytail. She has red nails and is taking a mirror selfie — Lily-May wakes up at 05:30 to begin her commute

Although the lengthy commute means she works from home two days a week, Lily-May prefers the office environment and would spend more time there if she lived closer.

The social aspect of her job is also important to her, as she has formed close bonds with her colleagues.

Lily-May believes that hybrid or remote work arrangements are not about laziness, but rather about valuing flexibility.

According to the ONS, workers between the ages of 30 and 49 are most likely to have a hybrid work arrangement, splitting their time between the office and home.

A selfie of Lily-May without her glasses. She wear dark sunglasses on top of her head. She has blue eyes and pink lipstick — Posting her routine on social media has made Lily-May realise she wasn't "the only one" with a long commute

Some business leaders, including JPMorgan's CEO Jamie Dimon, have expressed concerns that remote work may be detrimental to productivity, particularly for younger employees.

However, Claire McCartney from the CIPD argues that there is no conclusive evidence to support the claim that working from home negatively impacts performance.

McCartney notes that flexibility has become a highly valued aspect of work since the pandemic, while also acknowledging the benefits of working in an office environment.

Claire McCartney from the CIPD says there is "no compelling evidence" that working from home impacts productivity

She emphasizes the importance of social interaction, learning, and development that occurs in an office setting, particularly for younger employees or those new to a job.

McCartney adds that employees who are offered flexibility are more likely to feel motivated, engaged, and committed to their employers.

For Daisy Willis, flexibility is essential, having transitioned from an office-based role to a fully remote job in the travel industry.

The 21-year-old found that her previous office job, which required a commute from Essex to London, was expensive, with weekly travel costs exceeding £60.

Daisy is sitting down with a palm tree in the background. Daisy has blonde hair- worn half up half down. She has a pink halter neck top and big gold earrings. — Since starting a fully remote job, Daisy Willis from Essex believes she has a better work-life balance

Daisy notes a significant improvement in her work-life balance since switching to a remote job, appreciating the increased flexibility.

She now uses her lunch breaks to walk her dog and values the extra time she can spend with her family.

Daisy finds that she enjoys her work more when she can balance it with her personal life.

Eleanor Cotton, 24, splits her time between the office and home as part of her marketing executive role in Manchester.

Due to office-sharing arrangements, Eleanor and her colleagues can only work from the office twice a week, necessitating a two-hour commute from Birmingham.

Eleanor highlights the benefits of working in an office, including collaboration and social interaction.

Cotton sitting on a bench with greenery in the background. She wears an apple watch and purple dress. She has long brown hair and wears thin, clear-framed glasses. It is a head and shoulders shot. — Because of office sharing, Eleanor Cotton and her colleagues can only work in the office twice a week

She believes that these aspects are essential for knowledge sharing and teamwork, which can be lacking in a remote work setting.

While Eleanor is content with her current arrangement, she acknowledges that the two-hour commute is a significant commitment.

She finds her job rewarding enough to justify the commute, despite the challenges it poses.

Lily-May, who documents her commutes on social media, has received a mixed response from her followers.

Some critics view her commute as a waste of time, while others offer words of encouragement and share their own experiences with long commutes.

Lily-May is heartened to discover that she is not alone in her commute, and that many others face similar challenges.

Up Next

Artist Andy Goldsworthy showcases his latest work, gathering gravestones

Don't Miss

Virus linked to cancer diagnosis, nearly results in tongue loss

Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.

News

Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years

Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Peter Murrell looking off to his right while sitting in a room. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt and dark coloured tie. — Peter Murrell is due to appear in court next Friday for a preliminary hearing

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.

It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.

The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.

During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.

Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

A police van and a police officer outside Murrell's home in April 2023. — Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of a probe into the SNP's finances

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.

BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.

It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.

The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.

Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.

Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.

The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.

A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.

The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.

It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.

The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.

Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.

Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.

News

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests

The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.

In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) show a victory sign in front of a banner with Tarique Rahman’s photo, as the results project BNP's victory in the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 13, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain — Tarique Rahman has been out of the country for 17 years. He has promised democracy will be restored

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.

As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.

In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.

Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.

Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.

This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.

During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.

The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.

Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.

In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".

Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.

Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.

The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.

Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.

The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.

As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.