I have been at this for a while. I started driving in December 2015. I did my first day in Sacramento.
I drove 5 hours and made $100. I liked it. It was fun. Then I got serious about it. I moved to San Francisco. For four years, from 2016 to 2019, I drove full-time. I was obsessed with driving. I was making excellent money.
However, I did not have much of a life. I was driving six days a week. I picked up smoking again. I was gaining weight. I did take some long vacations, but my life was too focused on driving and not enough on living well.
In this article, I will share some strategies to keep your life in balance. Work is wonderful. Too much work is not.
Background
Rideshare driving is deceptively demanding on both mind and body. This job can drive you down to the bone. I regularly did 12-hour days. Your body and mind are not meant to be locked into the same position for long periods. We need to move.
Add to this the stress of driving. Your mind needs to be focused, or else you will get into an accident. The fear of injury adds an extra charge to the task of driving. I still remember how I would feel numb after 12 hours of driving.
All I wanted to do was eat, watch TV, and sleep. I did not have time for anything else.
This can weigh heavily on your family and friends, who not only don’t get to see you very often, but when they do, you are too tired and worn out to engage with them.
1. Set Realistic Goals and Boundaries
One of the main challenges for rideshare drivers is defining their work hours. The flexibility these platforms provide can be both a blessing and a curse. To achieve a work-life balance, drivers must set realistic income and working hours goals.
It is crucial to determine how much time they can dedicate to driving without sacrificing personal commitments or well-being.
In my case, I put too much emphasis on how much money I could make and needed more on friends, family, exercise, eating well, and meditation. I was driven by the idea of making at least $2,000 a week. I did not care if I went 12 hours a day, six days a week.
My goals could have been more realistic because they only focused on the money. By setting boundaries, drivers can establish clear distinctions between work and personal life.
They should avoid working excessively long hours to maximize earnings, as this can lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction.
Instead, drivers should allocate specific hours for work and leisure, allowing time for family, friends, hobbies, and self-care.
2. Prioritize Self-Care and Well-being
Rideshare driving can be demanding physically, mentally, and emotionally.
To maintain a healthy work-life balance, drivers must prioritize self-care and well-being. Regular exercise, sufficient rest, and a balanced diet are essential to stay physically fit and mentally sharp.
Neglecting these aspects can lead to exhaustion and negatively impact job performance. I remember once I picked up a woman at a hotel. She was late to the car. I was exhausted. I had started driving at 4 am, and it was now 8 pm. She was ready to have a pleasant ride. I was toast.
She said, “I just want a pleasant ride. Do you think I should get out?” I said Yes, and she got out. I drove home and went to sleep.
Pushing too hard can lead to lousy results and even accidents. Moreover, drivers should take time to relax and unwind after their shifts.
Engaging in activities they enjoy, such as reading, meditating, or pursuing hobbies, can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of fulfillment outside of work.
I get a massage 2X per month. Wow! By investing in their well-being, rideshare drivers can recharge and approach their work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
3. Leverage Technology and Apps
Advancements in technology have brought numerous tools and apps designed to assist rideshare drivers in managing their work effectively. Utilizing these resources can significantly contribute to a better work-life balance.
For instance, scheduling apps can help drivers plan their work hours, ensuring they do not overcommit themselves.
I use an app called Todoist. It is very easy to use, and it keeps my life sorted. I have specific tasks that I do on certain days of the week.
Everything is mapped out for me. This allows me to stop thinking about what I must do and spend more time doing it.
I also use the Sam Harris mediation app. I sit in my sauna, turn on the app, and listen for instructions for the next 20 minutes.
It is the most important part of my day, and with the app, it is as easy as sitting down and hitting play.
4. Create a Support Network
Working as a rideshare driver can be isolating, especially during long hours in the car. To counteract this, drivers should create and maintain a support network.
Connecting with other drivers through online forums or local meetups can provide valuable insights and a sense of community.
The Rideshare Guy is an excellent opportunity to receive support and camaraderie.
Moreover, having a strong family and friends support system can prove instrumental in managing the challenges of the job. They can offer encouragement, understanding, and assistance during busy or stressful times, thus enabling drivers to strike a healthier balance between their work and personal lives.
I have a group of men that I meet with every two weeks through Zoom, and we talk about our lives and share our everyday challenges and joys. I can’t image my life without this outlet.
5. Plan for Downtime and Vacation
That is a picture of me in Marrakech, Morocco, on a three-week trip with my daughter. This is one thing that I am very good at. I know how to schedule long vacations and get away. Amidst the allure of flexible hours and continuous earning potential, rideshare drivers often overlook the importance of downtime and relaxation.
However, regular breaks are essential for recharging and preventing burnout. Drivers should plan for downtime by setting aside periods for rest, even during busy seasons.
Furthermore, taking planned vacations is vital to achieving a well-rounded work-life balance. Vacation time allows drivers to disconnect from work and spend quality time with loved ones or pursue personal interests.
It provides an opportunity to return to work with renewed energy and focus. I highly recommend Thailand and Southeast Asia if you have a month to get away.
Key Takeaways
Rideshare drivers must prioritize their work-life balance to ensure sustainable success and well-being. By setting realistic goals and boundaries, prioritizing self-care, leveraging technology, creating a support network, and planning downtime and vacation, drivers can strike a healthier balance between their work and personal lives.
Achieving this equilibrium will increase job satisfaction and productivity and enhance the overall quality of life for rideshare drivers.
As the gig economy continues to evolve, the importance of work-life balance cannot be underestimated, and drivers must take these crucial steps to navigate their careers successfully while enjoying a fulfilling personal life.
Don’t do what I did. Work is not the solution for everything. Slow down. Eat good food. Do those things that are good for YOU. I don’t work 12-hour days any longer. Eight hours is my max. I only drive on the weekends.
I now work less, feel better, and have more excitement for the future.
Take care and be safe out there.
