While most people take a short drive, metro, or bus ride to work, Racheal Kaur, a mother of two, takes to the skies. Five days a week, she boards a flight-not for leisure or business trips, but simply to reach her office. Her daily journey spans states, covering 700 km to and from work.
Previously, Kaur rented a home in Kuala Lumpur, near her workplace, returning to Penang only once a week. However, the constant separation from her children made balancing work and family life challenging. This led her to make a bold decision in early 2024-to fly daily instead of living away from her family.
Managing a strict schedule
Her routine is demanding. She wakes up at 4 AM, gets ready, and leaves home by 5 AM. A drive to Penang Airport follows, where she boards a 6:30 AM flight to Kuala Lumpur. By 7:45 AM, she is at work. After completing her office hours, she returns home by 8 PM.
Despite flying five days a week, Kaur claims that her expenses have decreased. Previously, she spent $474 (approximately Rs 41,000) per month on rent and other expenses. Now, her monthly travel costs amount to $316 (approximately Rs 27,000)-making her daily flights a cost-effective alternative.
Support from AirAsia and the value of office work
Kaur, an Assistant Manager in Finance Operations at AirAsia, appreciates working from the office, feeling that face-to-face communication makes tasks easier. She believes that “being surrounded by people makes it easier to get things done.” Her employer has also been supportive, recognising the balance she maintains between work and family.
Kaur’s choice allows her to see her 12-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter every day. “With them growing up, I feel the need for a mother to be around more often,” she shared in an interview with CNA (Channel News Asia). While the early mornings are exhausting, she admits that seeing her children every night makes it all worth it.
Finding moments of peace in the sky
During her flights, Kaur enjoys some much-needed "me time", listening to music and admiring nature. Once she lands, she takes a short 5-10 minute walk from the airport to her office, making the transition from air travel to work seamless.
What might seem like an extreme travel choice has helped Racheal Kaur strike a perfect balance between her career and personal life. Her unusual commute is not only practical but has also transformed her daily routine into an inspiring story of dedication and determination.
