MENTAL HEALTH FOR PH HOW TO STAY SANE AND SMILING:
YOUR SURVIVAL GUIDE (WITH A DASH OF HUMOUR) 2. Boundaries and the elusive work-life balance
Article by Rev’d Paul Newbery The Elite Family
www.elite-liverpool.co.uk family@elite-liverpool.co.uk
Introduction
Running a private hire or taxi company is not for the faint-hearted. If you’ve ever been woken at 3am by a panicked driver (“The sat-nav’s taken me to Narnia!”), juggled customer complaints like a circus performer, or tried to explain to a staff member that “lost and found” doesn’t mean “keep it if it’s shiny,” then congratulations: you’re an everyday hero. But even heroes need a break. This guide will help you keep your mental health in check - and maybe even your sense of humour - while you steer your business through rush hours, regulatory changes, and the occasional existential crisis.
1. Recognising stress (and laughing in its face)
Let’s be honest, stress is as much a part of running a taxi business as the humble air freshener. The important thing is to spot when you’re getting overwhelmed. Common warning signs include: snapping at your phone before it even rings, treating the office kettle as your confidant, or considering “closed for lunch” as an escape plan.
Pro tip: Keep a “stress diary” - not just for venting, but to spot patterns (like the fact that Kevin always forgets his shift on Mondays).
l Driver drama: Rescheduling drivers is like herding caffeinated cats. Make it a team activity: whoever solves the weekly rota puzzle fastest wins a chocolate bar (or, more realistically, eternal gratitude).
l Staff Shenanigans: If office debates over whose turn it is to buy biscuits get heated, remember: laughter is the best de-escalator. Unless you run out of biscuits. Then, run.
l Customer Curiosities: Yes, some people do believe taxis can teleport. Smile, and add “quantum physicist” to your secret CV.
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If you feel like your workday never ends, you’re not alone. But you can set boundaries, even if your phone disagrees.
l Office Hours: Set a “no calls after 7pm” rule. If anyone complains, blame it on your dog’s unionised walk schedule.
l Delegation: Hand off tasks! If you’re too busy to breathe, it’s time to trust someone else with the spreadsheet. (Bonus: they may even fix the formulas you’ve been ignoring.)
l Breaks: Schedule real breaks. Step outside. Take a deep breath. Wave at a passing taxi and resist the urge to check if it’s one of yours.
l Family and friends: Let them know you exist! It’s rumoured some people outside the taxi world have fascinating conversations that don’t involve fuel prices.
3. Communication: the art of not losing your mind
Clear communication is like oil for your engine - it prevents breakdowns and costly repairs (of relationships).
l Team huddles: Short, regular catch-ups let everyone share updates, problems, and, if needed, therapy over last night’s football score.
l Open door policy: Let drivers and staff know you’re always available for a chat - except during “emergency biscuit consumption.”
l Humour in conflicts: When disputes arise, make a joke if the moment’s right. (“Let’s settle this the old- fashioned way: rock, paper, scissors!”)
l Celebrate wins: Recognise good work. “Driver of the Month” can come with a trophy, or at least an official crown made of receipts.
4. Supporting your team (and yourself!) A happy company runs better - and so does your brain.
l Mental health resources: Keep helpline numbers on hand and normalise talking about stress. You could even invite a guest speaker - just not the one who tried to sell you motivational tambourines.
NOVEMBER 2025 PHTM
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