Is Taking Grab to Work Daily a Luxury, or Just Normal Now? A Real Talk on Lifestyle, Income & Expectations

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Apr 8
2 min read

In today’s world, the lines between needs, comfort, and luxury are blurrier than ever. Case in point: taking a Grab (or rideshare) to work every day. For some, it feels like a daily necessity. For others, it screams “unnecessary spending.”

But the real question is, who gets to decide what’s normal? Is it your income? Your lifestyle? Or the constant stream of curated routines on social media that say, “You deserve convenience at any cost”?

Let’s unpack this.

What’s ‘Normal’ for You May Be ‘Luxury’ for Someone Else

Daily Grab rides can feel justified if:

You live far from public transport
You work late hours or shifts that aren’t supported by bus/train schedules
You prioritize mental energy and punctuality
You’re managing safety, comfort, or even health concerns

But for others, the same habit might eat up a third of their monthly salary. And if that’s the case, calling it “just part of my lifestyle” might not be sustainable.

The Social Media Trap: Don’t Let Lifestyle Flexing Set Your Financial Bar

We’ve all seen it, TikToks or IG reels showing 25-year-olds with soy lattes, daily rideshares, and monthly staycations. It looks like normal life, but often, it’s sponsored, staged, or unsustainable.

Just because someone posts:

“I don’t take the MRT anymore. Time is money.” doesn’t mean it’s a smart move for your bank account.

Normalize asking yourself:

“Does this support my priorities?”, “Am I doing this right, or to avoid looking like I’m struggling?”

A Practical Look: Do the Math, Then Make the Call

Let’s say a Grab ride costs you $18 one-way. That’s $36/day × 22 workdays = $792/month Now compare that to:

Your total monthly income
How much you’re saving (or not saving)
What you’re cutting from other parts of life just to afford it

If Grab eats into your savings, increases debt, or leaves you anxious at the end of each month, it may be time to reconsider.

Luxury isn’t about price, it’s about whether your lifestyle is exceeding your financial reality.

It’s Okay to Choose Comfort, Just Don’t Let It Choose You

We all need convenience sometimes. If taking Grab helps you show up better for your day, that’s valid. But let it be a conscious choice, not one driven by peer pressure, comparison, or the fear of looking “less successful.”

A healthier approach:

Use Grab when time or energy demands it
Mix in public transport when it makes sense
Reclaim control from the “all or nothing” thinking

Conclusion:

Taking Grab every day isn’t right or wrong, it’s just one of many decisions that should fit your reality. Not the influencer’s. Not your colleague’s. Not even your past self’s idea of what “success” looks like.

Make peace with where you are. And build habits that support your future, not just your feed.

Written with Passion by: HappierHomes Admin