# Reclaim Your Life: Rejecting Hustle Culture for Well-Being
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Chapter 1: The Illusion of Hustle Culture
Recently, I conducted a Twitter survey asking participants to choose between:
- working 20 hours a week for $50,000 annually
or
- working 40 hours a week for $100,000 annually.
My intuition about the results was confirmed: many prefer fewer hours with less pay. Could the recent wave of resignations have influenced this choice? Likely.
Hot take: Those opting for 20 hours tend to seek more from life than their 40-hour counterparts. They also exhibit greater creativity compared to work-obsessed individuals. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments; all opinions are welcome.
Before 2022, employees at the eCommerce company Gumroad typically worked only 20-25 hours each week. This arrangement allowed them to engage in activities they loved. In my view, having extra time away from work is the ultimate perk.
Here’s a simple fact: No one desires to work longer than necessary. Anyone claiming otherwise has fallen for the allure of hustle culture.
What is hustle culture, exactly? It’s the glorification of overexertion. If you’re not grinding, you’re not making progress. Days off are nonexistent, and professional life overshadows personal life. The mantras like "Rise and Grind," "Thank God for Mondays," "No Days Off," and "Sleep When You're Dead" serve as the rallying cries for hustle culture advocates worldwide. Public figures such as Gary Vaynerchuk, Steve Harvey, and Elon Musk are prominent supporters of this mindset.
While productivity is essential, it should not come at the cost of our mental and physical health. A 2020 study from Mental Health America revealed that 75% of workers reported burnout, with 40% attributing it directly to overwork.
The video "I gave up on hustle culture (how to ACTUALLY get results)" dives into the realities of stepping back from the hustle mentality to achieve genuine results in life.
Waking Up to Reality
Years ago, I found myself supporting the hustle mentality. I was enamored with the notion of long nights and early mornings, chasing material possessions to validate my worth. I boasted about my achievements on social media and looked down upon those opting for a more balanced lifestyle. Eventually, the sweet allure of hustle culture turned bitter. I became drained, anxious, and lost touch with reality.
After receiving a diagnosis, I recognized I was suffering from a severe case of "hustler's delusion." Upon reflection, I realized I was stuck on a treadmill going nowhere. I had sacrificed relationships and missed significant family milestones, leaving me burnt out and filled with regret.
"Not working isn't lazy or unproductive — it's human."
My perspective shifted when I understood the value of what I truly wanted out of life. I no longer focused on material wealth but on meaningful connections and personal fulfillment. Acknowledging that I had let others shape my ambitions opened my eyes to my authentic desires.
I have since distanced myself from my past identity as a "workaholic." As a former champion of hustle culture, I now advocate for achieving goals without compromising one’s mental health. Yes, it is possible to hustle without the chaos.
Understanding myself better has enabled me to recognize that working in bursts suits my productivity style. Some days I can accomplish a great deal, while other times I need to take it easy. Remember, not working doesn’t equate to laziness; it's a natural human state.
Chapter 2: The Cost of Overworking
There exists a dangerous illusion within hustle culture. Most people who "hustle hard" won't attain the success they envision. When celebrities endorse toxic productivity as the formula for success, it fosters a skewed perception of reality. For every success story, countless others have failed, with some even accruing debt from misguided ventures.
Hustle culture promotes a self-punishing mentality. When individuals fail to meet their ambitious goals, they often experience fear, guilt, and shame. Social media exacerbates this by creating an illusion of everyone else thriving, while in reality, it's often less genuine than it appears.
The adverse effects of this lifestyle extend to our offline lives as well. Many people endure grueling work hours, sacrificing rest, skipping meals, and neglecting leisure. Why do we subject ourselves to this?
For many, it’s a matter of survival. The rising cost of living often necessitates multiple jobs or gig work, as a single income may no longer suffice. This relentless drive can also lead to serious health issues.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. A 2014 study from MONICA/KORA Augsburg found that job strain increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 45%.
The health repercussions of hustle culture are numerous, including hormonal imbalances, strokes, obesity, depression, and tragically, suicide.
Bragging about long hours may appeal to those who subscribe to hustle culture, but it often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. At work, individuals may take on extra responsibilities and avoid taking time off for fear of being perceived as less dedicated. This mentality can drive people to sacrifice their well-being in pursuit of unattainable goals.
The trade-off between hours of life and money is significant. A constant hustle can lead to disillusionment, transforming once-cherished milestones into mere obligations. Is this truly the life we aspire to? Are we willing to let money dictate how we spend our days?
"Ask Steve Jobs; wealth doesn’t buy health." — Pusha T
A New Outlook on Work-Life Balance
It's essential to explore why people fall into the hustle culture trap. It often masquerades as empowerment and resilience, providing a convenient distraction from personal insecurities. Those who portray themselves as workaholics may lack a distinct identity outside of their careers, seeking validation through their accomplishments. However, the inspiration derived from struggle has diminished in today’s economy. People no longer wish to endure hardship just to scrape by.
The video "Hustle Culture is worse than you think..." highlights the detrimental impacts of this mindset on both personal and professional lives.
Recognizing the Shift
As surprising as it may seem, I welcome the pandemic for one reason: it prompted many to reassess their career trajectories. People shifted their focus from climbing corporate ladders to pursuing paths toward genuine freedom.
Those who adhered to traditional career models began to awaken to new realities. The old norms of work have evolved, and younger generations now demand fair wages, comprehensive healthcare, and ample paid time off. When these expectations are unmet, they are willing to walk away. In our technologically advanced world, we have more choices than previous generations, and this alone is a significant advantage.
The quickest route to getting caught in hustle culture is a lack of self-awareness. Understanding your values allows you to design your life intentionally. If you lack a plan, someone else will impose theirs on you.
"The more time we spend with ourselves, the easier it is to pick up on important signs our body is trying to tell us."
Redefining Work Ethic
The normalization of hustle culture complicates the identification of a healthy work environment. Prioritizing self-care can significantly enhance our productivity.
- Take Time Off: Whether it’s reading a book, going on vacation, or enjoying time with loved ones, taking breaks enables wellness checks. The more time we spend with ourselves, the better we can recognize our bodily needs.
- Set Boundaries: Remember, you are not a superhero. Be human. Allow yourself to decline additional tasks and become comfortable saying no to colleagues or supervisors. Establishing limits helps maintain balance and reduces the risk of burnout.
- Work Hard, Play Hard: Are you working to earn your keep? Prioritize self-care and express gratitude towards yourself. Hustle culture often encourages postponing leisure — but don't accept that! Treat yourself and celebrate achievements, no matter how small.
- Follow Your Path: Do you genuinely aspire to drive that luxury car? Perhaps you prefer a simpler vehicle — and that’s perfectly fine. You might not aim to be the CEO; instead, you may wish to be an artist who thrives while traveling. Don’t let societal expectations dictate your life choices.
Will Smith once remarked that we often spend money we don’t have on things we don’t need, trying to impress those who don’t care. Find your own definition of success and live your life accordingly.
If you prioritize your life, you’ll start putting your needs first. You’ll stop heeding the opinions of strangers on the internet. You won’t let others define what success means for you. You’ll grant yourself permission to fail and listen to your body when it requires rest. Ultimately, you’ll start living authentically.
If you value your life, it’s time to say “no more” to hustle culture.