Burnout exists in every industry … even if you love what you do.
Therefore, you better believe burnout exists in the food truck industry, an industry in which owners tend to work double-digit hours six to seven days a week. This is an industry in which vacations are few and far between — well, at least when you are first starting off, because you can hire someone to run the daily operations … eventually, and if you decide to go that route.
In hopes of helping mobile kitchen owners conquer burnout in the food truck industry, below we will be unleashing some strategies to help you fight through the pain, if you will.
How To Conquer Burnout In The Food Truck Industry
5. Take A Break
One of the easiest — and best — things a food truck owner (or any owner, for that matter) can do when burnout is rearing its ugly head is take a break. If you need to add more breaks into your daily schedule, then by all means do so. If you have reliable employees — which of course you do — then you can start delegating more work as well.
While the entrepreneurial/owner lifestyle is all about hustle, hustle, hustle, if you don’t take breaks, then burnout is going to crush you.
These breaks can be as simple as going on a walk, stepping away from work during lunch (or for 15 minutes during the day), hitting the gym, reading a book or whatever you desire.
Looking for Food Trucks For Sale? Check out this link for more details!
4. Change Up Your Routine To Keep Things Fresh
If burnout is starting to become a daily/weekly occurrence, then you probably need to make a change to your life, which is where changing up your routine comes into play.
Start incorporating a morning routine (The Miracle Morning book can help you create the perfect morning routine), start scheduling new things into your day, change up when you do certain duties that can be done whenever, etc.
Rip apart your entire routine, and then put it together again. Only this time, create the ideal routine for you, not a routine that works for other people, because what works for others … works for others. What works for you … well, works for you. Everyone is different.
3. Create A Fun Working Environment
Spoiler alert: If you create a fun environment/community, then people are going to want to be part of it, and your employees are going to love coming to work as well. Plus, you will also love coming to work, which should lead to your burnout problems being a thing of the past. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
There are many ways to make a great environment/community. Heck, even playing music throughout the day could go a long way.
Looking to take your food truck business to the next level? If so, then The Food Truck Growth Kit has your name written all over it!
2. Look At The Big Picture
If you’re really struggling with burnout, then you need to look at the big picture. Ask yourself this question: Why did I become a food truck owner in the first place?
Why did you enter this industry? What made you want to become a chef? Think back to a time when you were down on your luck/when you weren’t happy/when you were working at a job you hated. Next, take a look at where you are now — you’re running your own food truck!
Sometimes, looking at the big picture and revisiting your goals is all you need to get out of a funk/conquer burnout. Use this little trick to your advantage as many times as you would like.
RELATED: FoodTruckr’s Top 10: Our Most Viewed Mobile Kitchen Articles Of All Time
1. If All Else Fails, Take A — Dare We Say — Real Vacation
If you have tried everything, and nothing seems to be working, then you probably need a vacation … a real one that features no work.
Whether you plan on taking a longer vacation in the offseason or plan on just getting away for a weekend, start planning it now to add more excitement to your life.
An important note: Don’t feel bad for being burned out in a profession you are supposed to love, because it happens to everyone. It doesn’t mean you don’t like to cook anymore — it just means you have been working too hard and you need a break in the form of a vacation.
A vacation will help you get away from work, it will help you look at the big picture, it will help you analyze your situation/life and it will lead to you getting your mind, body and soul fresh. What’s not to love about that?
If you liked this article, then we encourage you to share your feedback, advice, questions and/or stories below!
Looking to build a new custom food truck? Check out this link for more details!
To dig your teeth into what FoodTruckr has to offer, make sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, and also make sure to check out more content that we bring to the table.
There is no ads to display, Please add some
About the Author
FoodTruckr is the #1 online destination for current and aspiring food truck owners looking to succeed in the mobile food industry. Self described “food truck devotees,” the FoodTruckr team enjoys reading about successful entrepreneurs, salivating over photos of burritos on Twitter, and long walks through food truck parks. Chat with FoodTruckr on Facebook or check out the FoodTruckr School podcast for more awesome tips to level up your business.