Work where you earn, Live where you want
Mallorca is becoming home to more and more "mobile workers" who want to work where they earn and live where they like. MANDY VAN ZUYDAM investigates.
One such commuter is 37-year-old Munich-based freelance journalist, Christine Koller. Six years ago, Christine’s partner Andy Rygol decided that because the Munich-Mallorca commute was such a practical one, he would take a one-year sabbatical on the island. He is still here, running his popular Sa Vinya restaurant in Deia.Christine remained in Munich to focus on her career, but every second weekend boards a plane for Mallorca. She does not use any particular airline but flies LTU, Air Berlin, Hapag Lloyd or Condor – which ever is the most convenient. "Munich-Mallorca is a popular commute," admits Christine, "I see the same faces on these flights every time I travel! When Christine does not come to Mallorca, Andy visits her in Munich.
Their "relationship-on-the-go" provided Christine with material for her recently published book, "Love at distance. Commuter relationships and how you master them". Her book examines the development of commuter relationships, and offers sociological, psychological and economic surveys, as well as interviews with more than 40 commuters. A must-read for anyone considering going the same route!
Although Christine’s research shows that most people in a strong relationship would prefer not to commute, she believes that it is an increasing trend, and one that some people would even consider ideal. "People only tend to commute because of work or personal factors, and how it affects a relationship is a complex question. A lot depends on what kind of person you are. I personally feel it’s a good test of a relationship. It forces you to value your time together and overcome conflicts more quickly." Christine’s own experience of commuting has been mainly positive.
Pilot Stefan Maier is no stranger to travel. His position as a captain with a Japanese cargo airline requires him to commute regularly from the island to London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.But, as a father of three young children – Madeleine 4, Ethan 18 months, and Camoryn two months – commuting poses a different set of concerns. I tend to go away for a week and them I’m home for a week. Obviously, it can be hard on my wife, Joanne, when I am away and the children are ill or up all night, but luckily we are both from the airline industry and know that it is one of conditions of the job. Joanne has good help and great support from her friends, which makes life easier." The couple were originally based in Holland but decided to move to Mallorca after they visited friends for a holiday and were impressed by the friendliness of the local people and the relaxed lifestyle. As I can commute from anywhere in Europe, we thought that we might as well make our home in a place we really enjoy living in. It’s been a good choice and Mallorca has a world-class airport which makes it a good option for commuters like me." "The negative side of commuting is that it can be quite lonely, especially when you wake up and are far from your family, but on the other hand, it allows you both to enjoy a degree of independence while still being in a great relationship."
Nigel Penny is a director of strategic management consultancy OnBoard Executives which operates out of Singapore, London and Mallorca. "When I mention Mallorca the response is normally, ‘Why Mallorca?” But we’ve found that a lot of executives enjoy doing their strategic planning away from the office environment. Often, they can fly to the island in less time and for less money than they can taxi across London and, at the end of the business session, throw in some great golf, sailing and Mallorquin cuisine. I reckon that’s well worth a flight!"
Some tips from regular commuters:
By Mandy van Zuydam
