Picture this: it’s 4:30 a.m., my alarm is blaring, and I’m already mentally preparing for a flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco. By the time most people are sipping their morning coffee, I’m boarding a plane, briefcase in hand, ready to dive into the fast-paced world of an AI startup. This isn’t a one-off trip—it’s my weekly routine. I’m what you’d call a supercommuter, splitting my life between two vibrant cities to chase a career opportunity that’s reshaped my future. Sound intense? It is. But let me tell you why it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
Why Supercommuting Became My Path to Success
When I first stumbled into supercommuting, I didn’t set out to live this way. An unexpected conversation at a conference sparked a job offer I couldn’t refuse. Suddenly, I was leading sales and marketing for an AI startup in San Francisco while keeping my roots firmly planted in Los Angeles. The catch? A five-hour door-to-door commute, twice a week. Crazy, right? Maybe. But the rewards have far outweighed the challenges.
The Power of Being in the Room
In today’s world of Zoom calls and remote work, it’s easy to think physical presence doesn’t matter. I beg to differ. There’s something electric about being in the same space as brilliant minds, especially in a hub like San Francisco, where the AI industry thrives. The city pulses with innovation, and the chance encounters—grabbing coffee after a panel or chatting at a networking event—can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Face-to-face interactions spark opportunities that virtual meetings rarely replicate.
– Career development expert
My current role came from one such moment. I met someone at a conference over a shared passion for search engine optimization (SEO), and a few conversations later, they offered me a position. I had zero sales experience, but being there in person gave me the chance to show my enthusiasm and learn on the fly. Those serendipitous moments don’t happen over a screen. Being in the room helped me build trust with colleagues, brainstorm in real-time, and connect with clients in ways that virtual calls can’t match.
Balancing Ambition with Roots
San Francisco offered me a chance to step into a bigger role—leading go-to-market strategies for an AI company pushing the boundaries of organic growth. It’s high-stakes, fast-paced, and forces me to stretch my skills daily. But Los Angeles? That’s home. It’s where my family, lifelong friends, and sense of self reside. I wasn’t ready to trade one for the other, so I chose both.
Supercommuting lets me chase professional growth without sacrificing my personal life. In LA, I recharge with dance classes, quiet walks, and time with people who’ve known me since I was a kid. It’s also where I run my side hustle, a personal finance coaching business that helps people conquer financial stress. The support system in LA keeps me grounded, especially when juggling a demanding job and a side gig gets overwhelming.
- Proximity to opportunity: San Francisco’s AI scene offers unmatched networking and career growth.
- Home base in LA: Family, friends, and a side hustle keep me rooted and motivated.
- Flexibility: Supercommuting blends the best of both worlds, even if it means early mornings.
The Realities of Supercommuting
Let’s be real: supercommuting isn’t all glamour. The first few months were brutal. I left a stable job, cried in Ubers, and ate too many solo dinners at the office. I was spending $450 a week on flights and hotels out of pocket since my company encourages relocation, not long-distance commutes. I bounced between short-term rentals, some in less-than-ideal neighborhoods, just to keep costs down.
At times, I felt like I didn’t fully belong in either city. Mondays and Tuesdays, I’d work remotely from LA, but the constant travel made it hard to settle in. In San Francisco, I hadn’t yet built a community. It was lonely, and the grind of 4:30 a.m. alarms tested my resolve. But I kept reminding myself why I was doing this: to level up my career, take on bigger challenges, and grow in ways I couldn’t have otherwise.
Turning Discomfort into Growth
Those early struggles? They were part of the process. Discomfort, I’ve learned, is often a sign you’re pushing your limits. Every flight, every late-night strategy session, every moment of doubt was building my confidence and skills. I started using affirmations to stay focused: “This is temporary. This is growth.” And slowly, things started clicking.
A year in, supercommuting feels like momentum, not chaos. I’ve built strong relationships with my team, earned trust from clients, and grown into my role. I’m also still connected to my life in LA, running my side hustle and spending time with loved ones. The grind hasn’t disappeared, but it’s become a rhythm I thrive in.
| Aspect | Challenge | Reward |
| Travel Costs | $450/week out of pocket | Access to high-impact career opportunities |
| Time Commitment | 5 hours door-to-door | Face-to-face collaboration and networking |
| Emotional Toll | Loneliness, early mornings | Personal and professional growth |
Lessons from the Supercommute
Supercommuting has taught me more than I expected. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about embracing discomfort for the sake of growth. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Proximity matters: Being physically present opens doors that virtual connections can’t.
- Balance is personal: You don’t have to choose between ambition and roots—you can find a way to have both.
- Discomfort is temporary: The early struggles fade as you build confidence and community.
- Side hustles keep you grounded: My finance coaching business gives me purpose beyond my day job.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that opportunities are earned. Showing up—whether it’s at a conference, a client meeting, or a 7 a.m. flight—builds momentum. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.
Is Supercommuting for You?
Would I recommend supercommuting to everyone? Not necessarily. It’s a lifestyle that demands resilience, financial planning, and a clear sense of purpose. But if you’re chasing a career-defining opportunity and unwilling to sacrifice your personal life, it might just be the path for you.
Before you dive in, ask yourself: What’s driving you? Is it worth the early mornings and packed suitcases? For me, the answer was a resounding yes. Supercommuting has let me blend ambition with the life I love, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Success often lies just beyond the edge of your comfort zone.
– Career coach
So, here I am, still catching flights and juggling two cities. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. And honestly? I’ve never felt more alive.
