Commentary

Food truck life versus personal life – striking a balance

While it’s important to make hay when the sun shines, you need to have a balance, or else you run the risk of your dream job feeling more like a burden. If this happens, you will face an inevitable burn out.

May 20, 2019 by Will Hodgskiss — CEO, Venture Food Trucks

Food truck season is in full swing, and don't we know it. One thing that every insider knows about working in the service industry is that you're working when everyone else is having fun. Long hours and late nights. Holiday weekends. Endless prep work. While it's important to make hay when the sun shines, you need to have a balance, or else you run the risk of your dream job feeling more like a burden. If this happens, you will face an inevitable burn out.

So, what can you do about it? From our experience as a mobile food vendor, we have compiled a few tips that may help you maintain some sanity during the busiest food truck months.

1. Prioritize your events

Some events will require more effort and prep time. Use your energy accordingly. If you are getting ready for a 3-day event, plan ahead so that you don't feel rushed and frantic. Spread your work out over a few days so you don't get overwhelmed. If you're rushing, you have a higher chance of forgetting something important. When you have smaller events or catering gigs, use this is an opportunity to feel a bit more relaxed.

Another trap some people fall into is saying "yes" to every food truck opportunity they are presented with. While it may be wise to try lots of events in your first couple of years of business to see what works best, you must do what makes sense for your business. Research each event (attendance, how many years running, cost to attend) and decide if it is right for you. Don't spread yourself too thin!

2. When people offer to help, take them up on it

We're all familiar with saying "That's a nice offer, but don't worry about it!" when someone extends their assistance. If a close friend or family member wants to make your life a little easier by running an errand for you, or helping you prep, take them up on it! The extra time could come in handy for you on event day!

3. Treat yourself

What things do you do just for you during your busiest months? It could be going out for dinner or having a couple of drinks after a busy day in the truck. Maybe it's getting a massage. Whatever it is, make sure you have something to look forward to and a nice way to unwind.

4. Maintain personal routines

Don't let your personal routines fall by the wayside. Make plans with your friends and family, exercise, go to the cottage when you can. It's easy to get consumed by work when you're in event mode, so slow down and make sure you are prioritizing your other plans.

Hopefully, these tips help you out during your busy food truck season! Striking that balance between food truck life and personal life will ensure you enjoy work and passion for years to come, while not missing out on great moments in life.

Health & Nutrition Independent Operators

About Will Hodgskiss

Venture Food Truck is a 29 years established premium truck builder, we also build containers, trailers and carts. Founded By Niki and Will Hodgskiss Venture ships internationally.

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