Why I Quit the Hustle Culture: A Millennial's Perspective

For years, I was deeply caught in the web of hustle culture. Like many millennials, I believed it was the golden ticket to success, or rather the holy grail. Watching my parents work tirelessly, I absorbed the narrative that “we Indians are hardworking, and that is our motto,” and that grinding and hustling were essential to reaching the pinnacle of success. This narrative became so ingrained that it seamlessly integrated into my daily routine. Pushing my limits, working late into the night, and sacrificing sleep became the norm to fulfil my ambitions. Somewhere along the way, the boundary between personal and professional life blurred beyond recognition.

What is Hustle Culture?

Hustle culture glorifies the idea of sacrificing everything for work, equating self-worth with productivity and achievements. While this may lead to successful careers, it undoubtedly comes at a cost if not balanced properly.

For me, the cost was burnout and deteriorating health, which I ignored despite the clear signs. Over the years, this neglect snowballed into multiple health issues. That was my wake-up call, my turning point. It made me question the true meaning of success. Was it worth sacrificing my health and experiencing a diminished quality of life? The answer was a resounding no.

I was constantly chasing one goal after another in my younger days, missing out on important family moments and occasions. Sure, I had my moments of joy and great learnings, but without a fine balance, I was left exhausted and disconnected from the things that truly mattered. 

The hustle-culture lifestyle is deeply embedded in Indian workplaces and mindsets, where working tirelessly and living an on-the-go lifestyle with no rest is normalized. This has been linked to stress, burnout, and negative impacts on mental health, leading to decreased employee engagement and lower productivity.

Recently, the toxicity of hustle culture has gained significant traction. Generation Z prioritizes quality work over quantity and striving to balance their life and work. Employers have also embraced the importance of well-being, and it is a refreshing change. A lot of employees today are rejecting the notion that constantly working is the only path to success, recognizing the importance of a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Conclusion

The importance of rest in this culture cannot be emphasized enough. Adequate rest and self-care are crucial for recharging, maintaining mental and physical health, enhancing creativity, and ensuring long-term productivity.

My transition from hustle culture wasn’t easy per se. It was a gradual journey of constantly unlearning deeply ingrained beliefs and trying to adopt a symphony. If you're feeling the pressures of hustle culture, remember it’s okay to step back.