I'm so glad I work in a hybrid setup now because it's less time commuting, but when I have to… My god it's miserable. It isn't even the time, it's how we're treat by the train company here (Northern Rail).
Death by ticket checks.
Ticket checks to get on the platform (loads of miserable 'hired goons' blocking your way wanting to see your ticket and scan it)… then you get ticket checks on the train (2 conductors asked me to see my eticket).. on top of that loads of 'hired goons' for the train company on the platform forcing you to get in line shouting “tickets please” and get your ticket scanned to get out the station.
I just feel like screaming at them after work and telling them “I'm a f***ing paying customer, why are you on my ass? Leave me to listen to my music in peace!” I don't understand why conductors are necessary. In London I barely see them on trains. I prefer it there where I could just scan my oyster card/bank card and be left alone.