I’ve only had to commute to CLT a few times (maybe six or seven) from Raleigh (Holly Springs actually) over the past few months. It’s a piece of cake. Drive past Jordan Lake, north on whatever that road is (421? I dunno, I’m a yankee, lol; this isn’t my native stomping ground), then west on 85.
It’s faster than flying for sure. I’m DC based for now. Even with the four hour drive, I’m better off driving in my opinion. You’re always positive space in your car...
ORF seems very doable too at 3.5 hours. I’ll switch to CLT when I can hold a line there, but for now, DC seems more junior so I should be able to move up quicker.