Riding my bike to work every morning?

The gas prices in my area are insane and out of control. I'm thinking about riding my bike to work but it would be a 44 mile ride (round trip). That would be approximately 22 miles to work and 22 miles back. I am new to biking and a little bit out of shape. I don't know if it would help much but I am willing to leave home a few hours before work to make sure I get there in time. My question is...Is 44 miles per day too much for a novice biker? Would I be giving up after the first day? Am I expecting too much of myself? Any advice is appreciated.