The 5 Best Coping Mechanisms for Owner-Operators

In response to the recent bill proposing overtime pay for company-employed truck drivers, which has raised concerns among owner-operators in the trucking industry, it's important to discuss effective coping mechanisms. These strategies can help owner-operators cope with the fact that company drivers are making more than them for doing the same amount of work.

1.     Appraisal-focused coping strategies : Altering the way you think and what you believe about your worth and self-being is an excellent way to deal with the changing landscape. Denial is one of the more popular appraisal-focused coping strategies and is very easy to implement. Trying saying this phrase 3 times: “I don’t do it for the money”.

2.     Over Eating: Gluttony is arguably the most effective coping mechanism in the industry and is already used widely in the industry. Our experts have identified roller dogs as the most effective over eating vice due to its cheap costs, and greasy exterior that allows it to slide both in and out with relative ease.

3.     Substance Abuse: Arguably the fastest way to cope with emotional distress is by taking drugs of some form. Traditionally, truckers have used cocaine and hookers as an effective means to rid yourself of self-hate, but today, the younger generation has turned to ZYN and Tik Tok. Combined these two substances offer an extremely large dopamine release that old school substances can’t come close to matching.

4.     Online Expression: Need an immediate release? Try going to Facebook now and writing a short post to express your concerns with the overtime bill. The physical act of writing the post will flesh out your thoughts. While the likes and comments you receive, validates your ideas and boost your self-esteem in the process.

5.     Seek Social Support: Your trucker buddies are feeling the same as you. Reach out to them and lean on each other to lift each other up. If you’re lonely and have no real life friends, then try joining an online community. These digital town squares, often called circle jerks, are great places to meet like-minded people.

Overall, the proposed bill presents challenges for owner-operators as their counter parts are primed for an increase in revenue. As the market sorts itself out, it’s important to take a step back, breath, and remember that being broke is just a mindset

Here’s some real content giving a good overview of the situation: