My 20 years in Chicago included being out of the house from 6 AM to 6 PM for an 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM job, but I was living 35-40 miles out in the suburbs just so I could find affordable housing for my family. I took the commuter train, which was cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and very relaxing.
Even when I lived in the city itself and was taking the bus to the El, it took me an hour each way.
I NEVER drove to work.
Sounds like my dad when I was younger and we lived in Joliet.