A startup founder has explained why he chooses to pay Rs 2.5 lakh in monthly rent for an apartment in Gurugram instead of living rent-free in his parents' four-storey house in Delhi, saying the decision is about investing in time, work and personal relationships rather than saving money.In a LinkedIn post, the founder said relatives often question why he spends nearly Rs 30 lakh annually on rent when his father owns a fully paid-off house where he could live without paying rent.Prioritising time over savingsAccording to the founder, living close to his office has significantly improved his daily routine. He said his office is just five minutes from his apartment, while his gym is located on the fourth floor of the same building.He added that waking up at 6 am, working out and reaching his desk by 8 am has become possible because he avoids spending an extra hour commuting each day.Home doubles as a business assetThe founder also described his apartment as an extension of his professional life.He recalled hosting four fellow startup founders at his home on short notice after calling them at 9 pm. Within 30 minutes, they had gathered, ordered food and discussed ideas that changed the way he viewed the next 12 months of his business.He said such interactions would have been difficult without living in a location that supported his work and professional network.Building a life with his wifeBeyond work, the founder said the apartment has allowed him and his wife, Surbhi, to build a life together through shared routines, late-night conversations and weekend moments.He described the home as a space where they have created a marriage that belongs entirely to them.Distance has strengthened family tiesAddressing concerns about moving away from his parents, the founder said he continues to visit them almost every weekend, usually for Sunday lunch or on Saturday evenings.According to him, the distance has made the relationship warmer, allowing him to spend meaningful time with his parents instead of living under the same roof, where everyday routines could eventually lead to friction.'The free option was never free'Concluding his post, the founder argued that while living with his parents would have eliminated rent, it would have come at the cost of time, convenience and personal space."The free option was never free," he wrote, adding that he had simply chosen not to pay in "a different currency."