Why This Working Mom Chooses to Fly 350 km Every Day Instead of Renting a Home
Why This Working Mom Chooses to Fly 350 km Every Day Instead of Renting a Home
Racheal Kaur’s 700-km daily commute by air helps her balance work and family life
In a remarkable example of modern-day work-life balance, Indian-origin Malaysian resident Racheal Kaur travels over 700 kilometres every weekday, by flight to get to work. While most employees rely on cars, buses, or trains, Kaur boards a plane five days a week, flying from Penang to Kuala Lumpur to fulfil her duties as Assistant Manager in Finance Operations at AirAsia.
Speaking to Channel News Asia (CNA), Kaur, dubbed a “Super Commuter,” revealed that this unconventional travel routine began in early 2024 when she realised that living near her office meant being away from her two growing children most of the week. Choosing to fly daily instead, she found a surprising benefit: the arrangement was both manageable and cost-efficient.
“I have two kids, my oldest is 12 and my daughter is 11. With them growing, I feel the need to be around more often,” Kaur shared. “Now I’m able to go home every day and see them at night.”
Despite the physical toll of waking up early each day to catch a flight, Kaur says the fatigue vanishes the moment she sees her children. “When I’m at work, I give 100% to my job, and when I’m home, I give 100% to my family,” she said.
Interestingly, although remote work could have been an option, Kaur believes in-office work boosts productivity. “Being surrounded by people makes it easier to get things done. You’re able to communicate face-to-face,” she explained.
Her employer, AirAsia, has supported the unique setup, which she believes has helped her maintain a healthier work-life balance. Even as some call her “crazy” for her daily flying routine, Kaur remains unfazed, determined to make both her career and motherhood thrive.
