Susan Miller, a super-commuter from New York City to Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been traveling weekly to teach at the University of Michigan business school for over two years. Despite the distance, Miller finds her travel routine efficient, sometimes feeling shorter than when she commuted within New York City. She enjoys the different atmosphere and culture of Michigan, with flights between New York and Michigan taking no more than two hours.
Miller shared her tips for succeeding at a reverse commute, including staying physically fit from sprinting in airports and learning how to navigate crowded spaces. She mentioned that packing light, booking flights in advance, and avoiding intense rush hours in New York City all help keep her commute short. By purchasing flights early and using a Delta credit card for discounts, Miller manages to keep her travel expenses between $120 and $250 round trip, much lower than the cost of a monthly pass on the Long Island Railroad.
During her time in Ann Arbor, Miller stays in a hotel near the business school and either eats at friends’ homes or dines out since she doesn’t have a kitchen. Despite not having the comforts of home, she appreciates the familiarity of the hotel staff, making it feel like her second home. Miller’s unusual travel arrangement began after being a guest speaker at the University of Michigan for years, eventually leading to a full-time teaching offer from the Ross School of Business in October 2021.
Having previously worked for companies like Colgate, Xerox, and American Express, Miller sees her super-commuting arrangement as having the best of both worlds. She teaches international students while enjoying the excitement of New York City in her free time. With grown children, Miller doesn’t have to worry about childcare, making her super-commuting schedule feasible. She encouraged others who can manage it to give super-commuting a try, as it energizes and fuels her, and she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Despite the challenges of constant travel, Miller finds fulfillment in teaching and embracing two different worlds.
