Indian-Origin Woman Flies 350 Km Daily for Work, Finds It Cheaper Than Renting Near Office
Indian-Origin Woman Flies 350 Km Daily to Work, Says It’s More Cost-Effective Than Renting
In a unique approach to work-life balance, an Indian-origin woman, Racheal Kaur, has gained global attention for her unconventional daily commute. Instead of renting a home near her workplace, Kaur, an assistant manager at AirAsia, takes a flight every day from Penang to Kuala Lumpur and back. This extraordinary decision has earned her the title of a ‘super commuter.’
Why She Chooses to Fly Instead of Renting
Kaur, a mother of two, prioritizes spending quality time with her children while maintaining her professional commitments. Before 2024, she rented a house in Kuala Lumpur and only returned to Penang once a week. However, this arrangement affected her work-life balance. She realized that flying daily would allow her to be with her family every evening, ensuring she is present for her 12-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter as they grow up.
“I have two kids, both are growing. My oldest is 12 and my daughter is 11. With them growing, I feel the need for the mother to be around more often. And with this arrangement, I’m able to go home every day and see them at night,” Kaur said.
A Look at Her Daily Routine
Kaur’s day begins at 4:00 am when she wakes up to prepare for work. By 5:00 am, she heads to the airport for her 5:55 am flight, reaching her workplace by 7:45 am. After completing her workday, she takes the return flight, landing home by 8:00 pm to spend the evening with her family.
Interestingly, this daily flight routine is proving to be more cost-effective than renting a house near her office. Earlier, she spent approximately $474 (₹42,000) per month on rent and food in Kuala Lumpur. Now, her monthly expenditure has reduced to $316 (₹28,000) by commuting via air daily.
More Than Just a Commute – A Moment of Peace
Apart from financial benefits, Kaur values the quiet moments she gets during her flights. The journey provides her with much-needed “me time,” allowing her to reflect on life, listen to music, and enjoy the view from above. It serves as a peaceful transition between work and home life, making her routine not just practical but also refreshing.
Her inspiring story showcases how unconventional solutions can sometimes lead to better work-life balance and financial savings. Kaur’s daily flights prove that sometimes, thinking outside the box can offer the best of both worlds—professional success and quality family time.