Working as a chauffeur sounds amazing! Clean job, dressed up nice, driving latest models of luxurious vehicles, having VIPs on board, selfies with private jets, etc. In addition to that, if you are a good limo driver, you can make pretty decent money. That’s all true! But there is also a dark side to being a limo driver, a price that needs to be paid for all that.
This job brings its own set of challenges throughout the day. It has many responsibilities like being on time no matter what, keeping the car clean, avoiding accidents, and delivering a smooth ride. All these come with lots of stress which inevitably leads to diseases and abnormal lifestyles.
Being a limo driver takes a toll on you mentally and physically. It also results in less family time. By the time you finish reading this article, I bet you will look at your chauffeur with a different eye.
I decided to reveal what is happening behind the scenes and the cost black car drivers pay to make your experience smooth, pleasant and comfortable throughout your limo ride. From my personal 10 years of experience and seeing what has happened to other limo drivers, I am putting this job on the list of the top 10 most stressful jobs in America, the world and especially Chicago.
Stress
We all know what stress is and that it has become a great part of our lives. But let’s go deeper in explaining what stress is and why being a limo driver is very stressful.
As per the World Health Organization, little stress is good and actually help us perform our daily activities better. But on the other side, too much stress causes long-term mental and physical health problems.
There are many stressors in a limo driver’s daily routine. The worst part is hiding the stress. Chauffeurs cannot let clients see and even feel that something worries their driver. We call it “poker face or “acting”. Exactly that hiding of emotions actually makes things worse. That’s a double-edged sword.
Stressors In The Life Of A Limo Driver
The stressors are so many, that I will only cover a few of them.
Sitting in traffic is horrible. We all agree on that. It’s not only unpleasant, but it’s also one of the reasons why being a limo driver is a very stressful job. Most people sit in traffic just once or twice a day- to and from work. A chauffeur might get stuck in traffic 3, 4, 5 times or more. Commuting is one of the least pleasant things we do. If you are getting aggravated in traffic, just imagine how the limo drivers feel. But they are not showing it because that’s a job requirement. Your chauffeur, even if looks calm, deep inside he might be boiling. Traffic might mess up the next trip and the daily earnings.
Inconsiderate drivers are one of the worst things a chauffeur can encounter. Especially, when the limo has clients on board. It happens almost on every ride. Some of the stressors while driving are: tailgating, abruptly switching lanes or stopping, flashing lights behind you, honking, even fingering you, sleeping truck drivers, people driving and texting, slow driver in the fast lane, lack of signaling, staring at high beams, being cut off, inconsiderate parking, being pressured to drive faster by other vehicles, being pushed away when trying to merge or change lanes, etc. Under these scenarios, a limo driver has to make sure that the high quality of the ride stays the same no matter what. That requires more effort managing these disruptions which causes more stress to the driver.
Lack of sleep boosts the stress levels of a limo driver. That is probably the most dangerous stressor. Limo drivers have unpredictable and flexible schedules. Busy times are often early mornings and late nights. Sometimes drivers sleep only a few hours at night and nap during the day when gaps allow that. Often there are two busy days in a row and chauffeurs will push limits to make the money. Basically no sleep schedule. Limo drivers tend to develop sleep apnea which can lead to more dangerous diseases. Coping with sleep problems makes being a limo driver the most stressful job in the world.
Working in high-crime areas is another big stressor. Chicago is such a place. In the last few years, Chicago’s crime has spread to even the good areas. Violent carjackings are record high. The number of killed drivers is rising. That unsafe environment causes lots of stress to a limo driver. The luxury vehicles with commercial plates are often the preferred target to the criminals. Now chauffeurs have another thing to worry about- their lives. Limo drivers usually arrive early for pick-ups and hang out in the area. Watching your back and constantly thinking you might be the next body bag definitely climbs being a limo driver to the top of the most dangerous jobs in the world. I have seen it all. A colleague got shot and killed while on the job. A few got their cars carjacked. Some got lucky and escaped the ambush. Stress, stress, stress.
What Can Stress Do To You?
As I mentioned earlier, I know very well the pros and cons of being a limo driver. I am still involved in this industry. Things has happened to me, my employees, colleagues, and even affected their families and friends. Stress affects not only you but also those around you. Stress kills. I know people who died in their car or while loading a passenger.
Stress eating is very typical for limo drivers. Living under stress causes the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Cortisol increases appetite and ramps up the motivation to eat, even when you are not hungry. The body starts storing fat and limo drivers gain weight. High-fat, sugary foods become normal.
Obesity, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, sleep apnea, cancer, back/ wrist/ shoulder/ knee/ foot/ sciatic pains, messed up kidneys, and prostate problems are something normal for limo drivers.
Fatigue, asthma, diabetes, insomnia, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, digestive problems, Alzheimer’s, are just a few more on the list of stress-related diseases limo drivers are likely to get. Everyday headaches are something normal in this industry. I have taken up to 4 headache pills a day. Cancers are knocking at the door too. Stress also can make you smoke and drink which can trigger more health problems.
All these anomalies start from working under stress.
How To Manage Stress As A Limo Driver
Limo drivers cannot avoid or alter the stressors. But, we can adapt and accept them.
Try to stay active, get plenty of sleep, eat healthy and well-balanced meals, get massages every week, have one full day off, meet people, talk, stretch, and work less. I know it’s hard to do all of these, but if you can do one or two of these consistently, you will feel much better. We can’t change the job, so we’d better try to find the balance.
I know very well that if you want to make good money as a limo driver, you have to sacrifice and push, push and push. The choice is yours! Just keep in mind: Being a limo driver is one of the most stressful jobs.
About Us
We, at Chief Chicago Limo, are always trying to inform, explain and help in our blogposts. Hopefully, people who would like to become limo drivers will understand why this is one of the most stressful jobs in the world.
