A Malaysian woman commutes to work by plane every day, finding it more cost-effective than renting a place near her workplace. Most importantly, it allows her to come back home every day to help her children with their homework. For her, this is the perfect way to balance work and family life.
According to reports from the New York Post, the woman, known as Racheal Kaur, lives in Penang, Malaysia, and works for AirAsia, with her office located in Kuala Lumpur.
Racheal has two children, aged 12 and 11, whom she feels need her presence. To be able to see them every day and assist with their homework, she chooses to take a daily flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur for work.
Even though the flight only lasts 40 minutes, she has to wake up around 4 a.m., get ready and dressed, leave before 5 a.m. to board by 5:55 a.m. Surprisingly, she arrives at the office before 7:45 a.m.
Racheal mentioned that the early morning commute is worth it, as it allows her to strike a balance between her personal life and work.
She said, “With this arrangement, I can return home every day, see my children in the evening, and help them finish their homework at the last minute.”
Despite working for AirAsia, Racheal still has to pay for her plane tickets. However, she finds that the cost of commuting by air is cheaper than renting an apartment in Kuala Lumpur. Rent there is over $300 a month, whereas staying at home allows her to pay a monthly mortgage of around $223.
Racheal is not alone in her long-distance commute, as there are similar examples in the United States as well.
For instance, Kyle Rice from Delaware switches four trains every day, crossing four states to work in Manhattan, New York City, taking about 2 hours each time.
As a father of two, Kyle shared that the monthly commute ticket alone costs him over $1,500, but it is still more affordable than renting in Manhattan, especially considering his six-figure salary.
Another individual, Caroline Colvin, commutes in the opposite direction. She lives in Manhattan but travels daily to Baltimore, Maryland for work.
She mentioned, “Living in New York City is expensive, with a high cost of living. Working in Baltimore is more affordable with lower living costs.”