When it comes to our living and work situations, there are many factors that need to be considered. This includes the cost of living compared to how much we bring home every week.
Sometimes, what may seem to be the most unusual decision is going to be the best choice under certain circumstances. That is what one woman in Malaysia discovered, and her choice took many by surprise.
Racheal Kaur is an AirAsia worker who leaves around 5 AM in the morning from her house in Penang, Malaysia. She then travels to the airport to fly to another city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. It is a journey of about 40 minutes and then she flies home at the end of every day to arrive at 7 PM.
She talks about her daily routine, saying: “Usually, I’m up around 4 am, 4:10 am, 4:15 am at the latest. And then, I am showered, dressed, and I leave my home by 5 am.
“And then I take a slow drive to the airport, boarding is at 5:55 am, so it gives me plenty of time to, you know, park my car, put on my shoes, walk over, get myself boarded, check into the flight, sit down.”
Typically, the flight takes between 30 and 40 minutes so she is not typically at the office later than 7:45 AM. That office is only about a five-minute walk away from the airport.
This may make you wonder why somebody would live in one city and commute by plane to work in another city. It really comes down to finances.
Rachel says that the arrangement saves her money but it is more than just the financial benefits. She also has more time to spend with her children.
Since she travels by plane and walks a short distance from the office, she doesn’t have to worry about the typical traffic jams that take place in the city. She pays for her flights but she does receive an employee discount.
The rent that she pays in Penang is also more affordable than what she would pay in Kuala Lumpar. By making the commute via airplane, she is able to save the equivalent of about $112 per month in rent.
She said: “I’m able to go home every day, I’m able to see my kids at night, and help out with any last-minute homework.”
Her children are 11 and 12 years old, and she feels that having their mother around is important for them.
It’s interesting how this works out. Perhaps it’s worth rethinking your work options.
