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# The cost of commute
- URL: https://larrysalibra.com/the-cost-of-commute/
- Published: 2026-11-03T13:45:11.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-03T13:45:11.000Z
- Author: Larry Salibra
- Tags: hong kong, lifestyle, day-117, daily

In preparation for starting a family, I moved to the suburbs of Hong Kong in search of more space. Like the suburbs everywhere, this means that a commute is required to reach the more desirable areas of the city. While I don't need to go in to the city every day, regularly spending time on Hong Kong Island is one of those very much nice to have things. 

Prior to our son being born, I consulted with other friends who are fathers who have had good experiences working out a home office so that they can see their kids a bit more often. However, this hasn't been working as well as I'd hoped. While we do have more space, even with the office door closed and headphones on, it's impossible not to hear baby's cries. Because of this, I've found myself needing a quiet place to work out of the house. This has been harder and more expensive time and cost wise than I had expected. The main barrier is the absence of space within a short commute. 

Even locations that are physically much closer end up being the same amount of time or more to commute to via public transit versus simply driving into the city. And when you do the math on the time to commute...it really adds up to a lot of time on a monthly or yearly basis....several days over the course of a year. Time is precious and I don't really want to spend it commuting if I don't have to! I think I've found a short-term solution, but the medium & longer-term solution is probably to move back the island.