A Professor’s NYC to Michigan ‘Super Commute’ Takes Less Time Than Riding the LIRR
Susan Miller, a full-time professor at the University of Michigan business school, has been making a weekly commute from New York City to Ann Arbor, Michigan for over two years. Surprisingly, she claims that her super-commute is so efficient that it feels shorter than her previous trips on the Long Island Rail Road into Manhattan for work.
Miller, a resident of NYC, hops on a plane every week to fly to the Midwest for her teaching gig. She enjoys the opportunity to experience a different atmosphere and culture, and the flight between New York and Michigan typically takes no more than two hours. In fact, Miller even jokes that it takes her fewer hours to reach Ann Arbor than it did for her to commute into Manhattan during her 23 years of working in the city.
So what makes Miller’s super-commute so efficient? According to her, it’s a combination of factors. She has become adept at navigating flights and Ubers, as well as maneuvering quickly through crowded spaces. The frequent sprinting through airports has even improved her physical fitness. Additionally, Miller’s ability to pack a small bag quickly and avoid intense rush hour traffic in NYC helps to keep her commute short.
To make her trips more affordable, Miller purchases her flights well in advance and takes advantage of a 15% discount offered by her Delta credit card. She typically spends between $120 and $250 round trip, which is significantly less than the most expensive monthly pass for the LIRR.
While in Ann Arbor, Miller stays in a hotel near the business school. Without a kitchen, she either eats at friends’ homes or dines out. Despite not having a permanent residence in Michigan, she considers the hotel her second home due to her familiarity with the staff.
Miller’s unusual travel arrangement began after being a guest speaker at the University of Michigan business school for many years. In October 2021, she was offered a full-time position, which she initially hesitated to accept due to the distance. However, Miller ultimately decided to embrace the opportunity and now believes she has the best of both worlds. She teaches motivated students from around the world while still being able to enjoy the excitement and opportunities of New York City.
Having grown children allows Miller to super-commute without worrying about childcare, and she encourages others who are able to give it a try. She finds that her super-commuter schedule both energizes and fuels her, and she has no plans to stop anytime soon.
In conclusion, Susan Miller’s super-commute from NYC to Michigan is not only efficient but also provides her with the best of both worlds. Her ability to navigate flights and crowded spaces, along with advanced planning and cost-saving strategies, make her weekly trips manageable and enjoyable. This unique arrangement allows her to teach at a prestigious university while still being able to take advantage of everything that makes New York City exciting and interesting.
