In India, where families value togetherness and saving money is an art passed down through generations, people are always looking for ways to balance work and personal life. The daily grind of commuting—whether in overcrowded buses, packed local trains, or endless traffic jams—has become an unavoidable reality for millions. Getting to work on time, battling honking cars and the rush-hour madness, is a struggle we all know too well.
But imagine skipping the roads altogether and taking to the skies instead! Sounds like something out of a Bollywood movie, doesn’t it? Well, for Racheal Kaur, a mother of two, this is her everyday reality. Instead of squeezing into a metro or waiting for a late cab, she heads straight to the airport, boards a flight, and soars above the chaos—all for the sake of her family.
From Long Rentals to Smart Savings
Kaur, who works as an Assistant Manager in Finance Operations at AirAsia in Malaysia, used to rent a house near her office in Kuala Lumpur, visiting her family in Penang only once a week. Like many Indian mothers, the guilt of staying away from her children started weighing on her. After all, in Indian culture, family always comes first.
At the start of 2024, she made a daring yet practical decision—why not take a flight every day instead of living separately? At first, this may sound like an expensive and unrealistic choice, but surprisingly, it turned out to be cheaper than maintaining a separate rental home. By choosing to fly daily, she eliminated the extra rent, saved money, and most importantly, got to be with her children every night.
Why This Makes Perfect Sense in an Indian Household
Indians have a long tradition of making smart financial choices. From bargaining in markets to finding creative ways to save on daily expenses, we love getting the best value for our money. Kaur’s decision is a perfect example of this mindset—why spend extra on rent when flights can be an affordable alternative?
Moreover, in India, family bonds are sacred. Whether it’s a mother waking up early to pack tiffins, a father making sure his kids get to school on time, or grandparents telling bedtime stories, every little moment counts. Kaur’s extraordinary commute may be unusual, but it reflects the very essence of Indian culture—finding innovative ways to keep the family close while staying financially wise.
A Lesson in Priorities
While most of us might dream of a work-from-home setup or a quick office commute, Kaur has shown that sometimes, thinking outside the box leads to the best solutions. Her story is a reminder that work is important, but nothing is more valuable than family.
Next time you’re stuck in traffic, maybe it’s time to rethink your commute. Who knows? The perfect solution might just be hiding in plain sight!