In a world where the daily commute often involves the usual hustle of traffic, one woman’s journey to work is anything but ordinary. Racheal Kaur, an Indian-origin mother of two, has transformed her commute into a daily adventure that spans across states, involving airports and flights.
A Unique Daily Routine
Kaur, working as an Assistant Manager in Finance Operations at AirAsia in Malaysia, has adopted a commute routine that most would find daunting. She flies from her home in Penang to her workplace in Kuala Lumpur five days a week, a distance that Google Maps calculates at around 700 kilometers round trip.
From Rent to Flights
Initially, Kaur lived in Kuala Lumpur and returned to Penang only once a week, a setup that made balancing work and family life challenging. In early 2024, she decided to switch to daily flights to manage her dual responsibilities better. Surprisingly, this change has not only been manageable but also cost-effective. Her monthly expenses dropped from about $474 (approximately Rs 41,000) for rent and living costs in Kuala Lumpur to $316 (approximately Rs 27,000) for travel.
Balancing Act
Speaking to Channel News Asia (CNA), Kaur explained her daily schedule. She rises at 4 am, leaves home by 5 am to reach Penang Airport for a 6:30 am flight, arriving at her office by 7:45 am. After work, she’s back home by 8 pm. This schedule allows her to be with her children, aged 12 and 11, every evening, ensuring she can be more present in their lives.
The Benefits of Commuting by Air
Kaur finds her commute time as a moment of personal relaxation, listening to music and enjoying the view from above. The proximity of her office to Kuala Lumpur Airport, just a 5 to 10-minute walk, further simplifies her day. She also prefers the office environment for productivity, valuing the face-to-face interaction with colleagues.
Supportive Work Environment
AirAsia has supported Kaur’s unique commuting arrangement, recognizing it as a solution to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Despite the early mornings being exhausting, Kaur finds the joy of seeing her children after a day’s work immensely rewarding, erasing all fatigue.
Conclusion
Racheal Kaur’s story is a testament to the lengths one might go to harmonize professional commitments with personal life, showcasing an innovative approach to what is typically seen as a mundane daily task. Her “super commuting” isn’t just about getting to work; it’s about making every journey count towards a better quality of life.
