When owner-operators begin their driving careers, they have different paths they can choose from. Owner-operators can choose from being over the road for several days to weeks or being local drivers where they are home each night.
The challenge many drivers face, from owner-operators to company drivers, is to balance their driving career and life. Local drivers balance the two more efficiently because they can be home every night. However, over-the-road drivers who are out on the road sometimes for weeks find it more demanding, especially when they have a family at home.
With extended time on the road, owner-operators tend to keep reminders of their family with them, such as a picture, notes, drawings, or schoolwork from their kids. Drivers will often call home to hear from their families to get updates on life at home, and with the advancements in technology, they can also see their family through video calls.
Not just owner-operators or company drivers with families must find a balance. All drivers must find a balance by finding something they enjoy, such as reading or a hobby they can do over the road. Sometimes drivers pass the time by listening to music or a podcast to help them unwind from a stressful day of driving.
How to Balance Life and Work Over the Road
With extended hours on the road and the responsibilities of being a business owner finding a balance between work and your personal life is important for your overall success and well-being. Below are some strategies to help you as an owner-operator to have a healthy work-life balance.
1. Set and Prioritize Boundaries – First, you will need to determine your priorities. You will need to know what matters most to you, such as spending time with family, taking on or pursuing a hobby, or focusing on your health. Once you understand this better, you must set your boundaries between work and your personal life. Determine your work hours, days of work and keep to them. You must communicate these boundaries to your brokers, clients, and anyone else in your business.
2. Organize and Plan – An effective plan and organization is important in balancing life and work as an owner-operator. You can begin by creating a schedule with a specific time for work-related needs, including paperwork, client communication, personal activities, and driving. You can use productivity tools such as task management apps and calendars to help you stay on top of work and personal obligations. A well-set schedule can help you feel less overwhelmed and have more control over your life.
3. Outsource – As a business owner, you must know that you cannot do everything independently. This means you must delegate tasks others can handle, including maintenance or bookkeeping. Outsourcing work can help free up your workload so you can focus on your priorities and personal life.
4. Use Technology – Using technology to help simplify your work and help improve your efficiency. Using transportation software, GPS, and other mobile apps to lay out routes, track your expenses, and contact brokers and clients can help you save time and reduce burdens.
5. Personal Care – Maintaining a work-life balance also means taking care of your mental and physical well-being. Participating in self-care, such as exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep, can help you unwind and reset. Taking care of yourself improves your quality of life and will help improve your productivity and how you handle different challenges daily as an owner-operator.
6. Communicate – Having open communication with your family is important. Discussing your commitments and schedule with your family helps them better understand the demands of your career.
Finding the perfect balance between work and life as an owner-operator takes effort and a lot of planning. You can have a sustainable career and lifestyle by setting priorities and boundaries and keeping your time organized. Each driver is different, and there is no correct answer to balancing driving and life – everyone must find what works best for them.