Married Father of Two Super-Commutes from Texas to Arizona for Work

The incredible story of Dennis Dabney, a father of two who super-commutes from Texas to Arizona for work, showcases the power of family support and resilience. Despite the challenges of long-distance travel, Dabney credits his military background and understanding family for making the lengthy commute manageable.

Dabney, a 57-year-old program director, relocated to Fort Worth in 2019 with his family when his company asked him to move from Virginia. However, a promotion in 2022 required him to work out of Phoenix, Arizona. Rather than uprooting his family again, Dabney opted to buy an apartment in Phoenix and commute back and forth, spending weekdays in Arizona and weekends at home in Texas.

With the support of his wife and children, as well as his 88-year-old mother who lives with the family, Dabney navigates the weekly commute with the help of budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier, keeping his travel costs at around $20,000 annually. Despite the distance, he makes sure to spend quality time with his family, flying home every other weekend and occasionally having his family visit him in Arizona.

Dabney’s military background and experience with frequent travel have prepared him for this unique lifestyle, allowing him to maintain open communication and adapt to changing circumstances. Reflecting on his Air Force years and the various moves his family made, Dabney values the stability and routine he has created to balance work and family life.

Overall, Dabney finds the experience of super-commuting very gratifying, thanks to the unwavering support of his family and his ability to leverage his background to create the quality of life he desires. This story serves as an inspiring example of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of family in facing life’s challenges.