Mom-of-two wakes up at 4:00 am and flies to work in Malaysia 5 days a week after rejecting WFH. Here's why
ET Online February 11, 2025 04:21 PM
Synopsis

Racheal Kaur, an assistant manager at AirAsia, wakes up at 4 am daily to fly from Penang to Kuala Lumpur for her job. Despite the early hours, this commute allows her to spend evenings with her children. The travel routine is more economical and helps her maintain a work-life balance.

In Malaysia, an Indian-origin mother has earned the title of 'super commuter' due to her extraordinary daily travel routine.
In Malaysia, an Indian-origin mother has earned the title of 'super commuter' due to her extraordinary daily travel routine. Each weekday, she rises at 4 am to prepare for her job, embarking on a unique commute that involves flying to her workplace.

Introducing Racheal Kaur, an assistant manager in AirAsia's finance operations division. She has gained significant attention on social media following an interview where she detailed her travel regimen, which she asserts is not only more economical but also allows her to spend quality time with her children at home, as reported by CNA Insider.

What Prompted Racheal Kaur To Choose Daily Flights?

"I have two children, aged 12 and 11. As they grow, I feel the need to be present more often. With this arrangement, I'm able to return home every day and see them at night," Kaur explained.

Previously, Kaur rented accommodation in Kuala Lumpur near her office, returning to Penang, her hometown, only once a week. However, this setup strained her work-life balance. In early 2024, she opted to start flying daily, a decision that has enabled her to establish a better equilibrium between her personal and professional commitments.

What Does Her Daily Schedule Entail?

In a video shared by the outlet, Kaur disclosed that she wakes up at 4:00 am to prepare for work, leaving for the airport by 5:00 am to catch the 5:55 flight. After completing the necessary procedures, she boards the plane and arrives at her office by 7:45 am. Following a full workday, she returns home by 8:00 pm.

The report indicates that her daily commute, including meals and accommodation, is more cost-effective when traveling by air compared to renting a residence near her workplace. She even manages to save money with this new travel routine.

Kaur mentioned that she previously spent $474 (approximately ₹42,000) monthly, but now her expenses have decreased to $316 (around ₹28,000) per month.

How Does She Utilize Her Commute Time?

Kaur refers to her flight time as her "me time." She spends the initial minutes reflecting on her life, then listens to music and admires nature until she reaches her destination. After disembarking, she walks to her office, which is a five to seven-minute stroll away.

Why Not Opt For Remote Work?

Kaur believes that this arrangement is more effective than working from home. She stated, "Being surrounded by people makes it easier to complete tasks when you're able to communicate face-to-face."

She also praised her employer, AirAsia, for supporting this arrangement, allowing her to maintain a work-life balance. "When I'm at work, I focus entirely on my job, and when I'm home, I dedicate myself fully to my family," she added.

Reactions To Her Unique Commute

Kaur revealed that people are often amazed or shocked upon learning about her commute routine. While some express admiration, others react with disbelief, asking, "Are you crazy?"

"It's exhausting to wake up every day at 4:00 am. But the moment I see my kids upon reaching home, all that fatigue disappears. It's wonderful," Kaur shared. She intends to continue this unusual commute for the foreseeable future.
© Copyright @2025 LIDEA. All Rights Reserved.