If you struggle with loneliness or homesickness while on the road, you’re not alone- many truckers feel like same. Here are some ways to manage those feelings.
Many truckers around the world agree that one of the hardest parts of the job is leaving home for long periods of time to be on their own. Everyone feels homesick at some point, but truckers have to deal with this feeling as just another part of their job. For those who feel as though the homesickness and loneliness on the road are affecting their overall well-being and their career, take a look at some of our tips on how to manage those feelings.
Homesickness
The life of a trucker comes with being away from home for days or even weeks at a time. Many truck drivers agree that missing their family is much harder than they expected, and some have given up on their trucking career because it was too tough to manage. Before becoming a trucker, you should know that homesickness comes with the territory, and if you don’t think you’ll be able to handle it, look for a job that allows you to come every night or every few days. For those who want to stick it out as long-haul truckers, here are some tips.
Feelings of homesickness often come and go, so the only thing you can do when those feelings arise is to fight them off of best as possible. Some days you may be really enjoying your drive, and others you may miss your family so much you consider quitting. When those thoughts creep into your head, the only thing you can do is remind yourself how much you love your job, and how much work you’ve put in to get to your position. The best professional truck drivers know how to master their emotions and continue to be self-disciplined even in difficult situations. If your mind wanders to your family, just make a mental note that your job benefits them in the long run and you’re making a stable living doing what you love.
Loneliness
In addition to homesickness, another major problem for truck drivers is feeling lonely while on the road. These feelings of isolation affect new drivers the most, as they have likely never dealt with spending so much time on their own before. If you’re dealing with feelings of loneliness while on long hauls and aren’t sure what you can do, here are some tips.
Before you leave for a haul, make a plan to stay in touch with your loved ones. Don’t let yourself fall into a situation where you haven’t called anyone in days. By setting a concrete plan of when you’ll call or video-chat over the phone, you’ll be able to fight off the feelings of isolation by looking forward to the next time you get to call them.
If you need real company while on the road, look into bringing a pet along for the drive! A growing number of trucking companies have established drive-along programs for truck drivers with pets since drivers who have a companion are happier and more productive. Taking a pet with you takes a lot of extra planning, but for those who really struggle with loneliness, it may be something to consider.
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Evan Transportation provides trucking and transportation services for clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. All of our drivers and staff are offered competitive salaries, benefits, and are guaranteed to be home every day. Interested in finding out more? Visit us online or give us a call at 443-673-3365. For even more information, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Google+.