What is Hustle Culture?

Hustle culture is basically the state of working so much that it becomes a lifestyle. Hustle culture tends to idolize those who are super successful, independent and young. Think of “gal on the go,” “boss babe,” or other terms like “workaholics” that all hype up the idea of working hard until we meet our goals and achieve our dreams…and then working even more…and more. 

How Can Hustle Culture Be Toxic?

Hustle culture etches the idea in the minds of young professionals that hard work, fast-paced environments and being in a constant state of “grinding” is the only way to truly succeed — and taking any sort of break may make you feel lazy, guilty and as though you’re off track in meeting your goals or falling behind, according to societal standards. 

Feeling guilty for not working can cause self-induced stress, anxiety, depression and extreme burnout. Increased workplace stress can actually lead to reduced professional productivity and strained mental health, which bears no benefits for you or your employer. 

Thinking about hustle culture makes you wonder: Why is overworking ourselves the norm nowadays? Why is it so hard to say “no” to things, when our schedules are already full and we’ve already stretched ourselves way too thin? Why is being busy considered a good thing? Why is having a full schedule something to take pride in? 

Now, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with working hard to achieve your goals and staying busy. But, it’s so easy to get caught up in a lifestyle of nothing but work, work, work…and more work. When will that cycle end? When will we be able to enjoy ourselves again without fear of falling behind?

What can be done to combat the problems caused by hustle culture? 

Ending the cycle of hustle culture starts with us. We need to challenge the ideas of the trend and rediscover the fundamentals that make us happy and human — which more than likely doesn’t involve overworking ourselves past the brink of burnout. We have to reshape our lives to allow time for silence and rest. We have to learn to say “no” to things. We have to find a way to focus less on goals, accomplishments and reaching a finish line because life shouldn’t be lived as if it’s a race. 

Tips to Detach from Hustle Culture

If you’re stuck in the cycle of hustle culture and want to call it quits and detach yourself from the toxicity — start by acknowledging what’s truly important to you. 

Prioritize your goals and achieve them without compromising your wellbeing

Set aside specific time for yourself to focus on your own hobbies aside from work or school-related tasks. This will give you a chance to reset and recharge. Set boundaries when it comes to work and its interference in your personal day-to-day life. 

Remember: productivity doesn’t always look the same

Some days productivity may mean waking up early, working out and checking everything off of your to-do list. Other days, productivity may look as simple as taking care of yourself. Self care is productive. 

Practice mindfulness

Old habits most definitely die hard, and the grind won’t just stop overnight. Implement simple steps into your daily routine that allow you to take a pause, reflect and connect with your mind and allow time for you to determine what your body ultimately needs. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself

Unlearning hustle culture when you’ve been in the routine of toxic productivity for so long won’t happen overnight, so don’t be too hard on yourself for not always meeting your goals or checking things off your to-do list. We’re only human and humans need time to unplug and recharge. Be gentle with yourself. 

Take breaks

Reward yourself for victories both big and small to prevent burnout. Allow yourself time to fully rest and recharge. Work hard, rest hard and say “to hell with the hustle.” 

Breaking free from the grind that is hustle culture definitely won’t be an easy task, but it’s essential to slowing down, prioritizing mental health and just overall finding a more enjoyable work-life balance.