I use to believe in all the hustle hype. Hustle hard. Hustle like a mother. But nowadays, I am just not a fan. Hustle culture rewards those who don’t take breaks and are constantly working and that’s just not healthy (or sustainable). I’m a big believer in having a good work-life balance so I personally don’t subscribe to hustle culture anymore. Here’s why I think hustle culture is leading us down the wrong path:
It Promotes Exhaustion
We’re all tired enough. We don’t need to be always working. Hustle culture will have you thinking that you’re being lazy or can’t be successful unless you’re always clocking hours into your business. Working like that will lead you straight to burnout and that’s not the goal.
It Leads to Increased Anxiety and Depression
It’s incredibly stressful to feel like we always have to be working. One of the indicators that you’re probably working too much is feeling anxious or even depressed when it comes time to work (or even just an increase in general). We create our business to love the work that we do. Not for it to be a continuous stressor in our lives.
That’s Right – Burnout
You should’ve known this was going to be on the list. If all you’re doing is working and not taking time for yourself, family, and friends, you’re headed straight on the path to burnout. That can mean everything from your body physically shutting down (and forcing you to stop working) or losing the drive and passion to continue your business. We don’t do burnout in these parts.
It Creates A False Narrative
Hustle culture will have you out here believing that you’re failing because you’re simply not working hard enough. And that’s just not true. There could be any number of reasons why you’re not where you want to be in your business (like lack of time, clear strategies, or correct marketing) but it’s not because you refuse to burn the midnight oil every day.
It Rewards Always Saying Yes
Sometimes the answer is no. No, we can’t accommodate something on our schedule. And no, we can’t take on a new client. Or even no, I simply don’t want to. We don’t have to say yes to every client, opportunity, or activity just because we fear saying no will doom our business. Instead, value your time enough to say yes to those things that truly serve your business and you.
It Costs Us Our Social Life
No one wants to be around anyone whose identity revolves solely around their work. And friends and family may frequently stop sending invites if you always say you’re working. Our social lives are essential for our mental health. Spending time with family and friends helps recharge and refresh us so it’s important to take time to engage with family and friends and build those relationships. Plus, it helps are mental state too.
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