I’ve been a super commuter for more than a decade. Here’s why

I live in the Chicago suburbs and work in Nashville, where my employer, Vaco Holdings, is headquartered. Every week, I pack a bag, say goodbye, and hop on a 1.5-hour flight for most of the workweek. In total, I have been super commuting for over a decade (excluding the pandemic) and have adjusted to it as my norm. (Previously to Nashville, I made a weekly commute to the San Francisco Bay Area, so these days my commute is almost easy.)

Extreme commuting isn’t new, but it’s growing. According to a June 2024 Stanford study, the number of super commuters has risen 32% post-pandemic. Why? Many companies now want employees back in the office to boost collaboration and productivity.

I enjoy my job and my home—even though they’re in different cities. Here’s how I make it work:

The power of routine

I love Chicago. It’s where I’ve built my life, and yes, I’m a die-hard Chicago sports fan, as painful as that can be. But Nashville is where I spend most of my time. I like to call it “remote home.”

A typical week starts Sunday evening with a flight to Nashville. As a longtime super commuter, I’ve learned that I need to control what I can. Coming in on Sunday gives me a sense of order, purpose, and predictability.

Case in point: I prefer to wake up in the place that’s going to be my home base for the day. I go out of my way to travel in the evening so I can be ready to start the workday early and don’t have to worry about morning flight delays or traffic between the airport and the office. It helps me stay in a positive and productive mindset, as well.

Once I land, I stick to a well-worn routine. Same airline. Same hotel chain. Same rental car company. Predictability keeps me sane.

I’ve also learned to make travel time productive. On the plane, I work or stream shows when I can. At my place or hotel, I stick to tasks like unpacking immediately, so I can relax later. These small habits create structure in a busy routine.

Running is another constant. I’m a streak runner in fact—I’ve run four (or more) miles every day for over 11 years (yes, no days off!), no matter where I am. I’m usually on the treadmill by 5 a.m. and at my desk by 7. Running grounds me. It’s my daily reset.

Rolling with the punches

No matter what’s happening around me, I strive to remain positive and make the best of my extreme commute. With this lifestyle, there will be good days and bad days. Over the years, I’ve experienced every travel nightmare you can imagine—from medical incidents on the plane to an emergency landing with the engine on fire. For me, the worst are flight diversions. For example, flying from Chicago to Seattle only to end up in Portland overnight because of bad weather.

The key? Stay positive. There’s no room for frustration when you’re on the move. Plans fall apart. Flights get cancelled. You adapt.

Making time for family

There’s no easy way around it—balancing super commuting with family life is hard. When my kids were young, I made it a priority to be present for major milestones—birthdays, sports, theater performances. Sometimes that meant flying home on Wednesday, back on the plane Thursday, and home again Friday. Logistically, it gets complicated sometimes, but I just make it work.

Now, my daughter is in grad school, coincidently in Nashville, so we see each other often. Technology like FaceTime also helps me stay connected when I’m away. But nothing replaces in-person time, so when I’m home, I try to be fully present.

Is super commuting right for you?

If you’re considering this lifestyle, ask yourself:

• Can you handle less downtime?
• Will it disrupt your rest? I only require 5-6 hours of sleep a night, which helps.
• Are you healthy? Travel is physically demanding.
• Does it make financial sense to do this long-term? 
• Do you love your job? If it’s rewarding, the sacrifice feels worth it.
• Can you sustain it? It’s not for everyone long-term.

Why I keep doing it

Initially, I thought I’d be a super commuter for just a year, but then eight years passed—and here we are. Commuting regularly to Nashville (and to our other office locations) was part of the plan.

For me, it’s about the people. There’s no substitute for in-person collaboration. The best ideas often come from hallway chats or watercooler moments. Those connections fuel me. They’re why I get on a plane every week.

Now, if you’ll excuse me—I’ve got a flight to catch to Manila.