Hustle culture is everywhere. Social media (especially LinkedIn) is full of people bragging about long work hours, side hustles, and sleepless nights in the name of success. The idea is simple: the harder you work, the more successful you’re perceived to be.
But is that really true? While I do believe hard work is important, hustle culture could do more harm than good. It often leads to stress, burnout, and poor health. Here’s why I think working nonstop isn’t the best path to be on.
What is Hustle Culture?
Hustle culture is basically the culture of overworking yourself or “hustling” now so that you can achieve your dream life or live comfortably in the future. It tells us that we should always be busy—working long hours, starting side projects, and pushing ourselves to the limit.
Social media drills it into our heads even more. We see influencers waking up at 4 AM, juggling multiple jobs, and never taking breaks. It can make us feel like we’re not doing enough, even if we’re already working hard and doing the best we can.
Why Hustle Culture is Problematic AF
Burnout and Mental Health Issues
Working too much can lead to burnout, which is a state of complete exhaustion. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises burnout as a real occupational health issue caused by long-term stress at work (though it’s not a medical condition). You’re probably facing burnout if you’re:
- constantly tired or exhausted
- filled with negative feelings towards your job (anxious, depressed, frustrated, etc)
- less efficient than before in your daily tasks due to lack of focus or just not having the motivation to work
Many people who adopt hustle culture eventually burn out. When that happens, their productivity drops, and they often feel worse than before.
More Hours ≠ More Productivity
Hustle culture makes it seem like working longer means getting more done. But research found that productivity drops sharply after working 50 hours per week. In fact, people working 70 hours get very little extra work done compared to those working 55 hours. This means long hours often lead to exhaustion, not better results. Quality over quantity, folks!
No Work-Life Balance
When work takes over your life, personal time disappears. You might miss out on time with family, hobbies, or even just relaxing. Over time, this can make you unhappy and unmotivated. I personally felt this, and it sucks!
Countries like Sweden and Denmark that focus on work-life balance have some of the happiest and most productive employees in the world. Do you see what I’m getting at?
How to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Instead of working nonstop, this is how I get productive without burning out:
- Take breaks.
Rest helps our brain function better. As someone in the creative field, I find that taking short breaks during work (which is basically joining my colleagues for a smoke break as a non-smoker) definitely improves my focus and creativity. - Use time wisely.
Instead of working longer, I’d suggest working smarter. Techniques like Pomodoro (working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break) can boost efficiency. Plus, why won’t you finish 8 hours worth of tasks in just 5 hours if you can, right? - Set boundaries.
I think it’s important to separate work from personal life. Setting work hours and sticking to them helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance. Oh, and avoid checking emails or Slack/Teams/WhatsApp messages from work late at night. - Get enough sleep.
I’ve found that lack of sleep reduces my productivity and creativity quite a bit. That’s why I aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Personally, I would like at least 9 (but whether I get it or not is another story).
Hustle culture might seem inspiring, but it often leads to burnout, stress, and lower productivity. Success isn’t just about working hard—it’s also about working smart and taking care of yourself.
Instead of following the “always busy” mindset, focus on balance. Rest, set limits, and use your time wisely. In the long run, this approach will help you be happier, healthier, and more successful.
All images are from Pexels
P.S. Writing this made me realise that I’m actually quite burnt out. I should take my own advice and stop hustling so hard.