Hustle culture: it's time to get out, and here's why

Why Hustle Culture is Toxic

Here’s a little tough love for all the self-proclaimed boss babes, momtrepreneurs, and girl bosses: you are more than what you do. 

You are more than what you earn.

You are more than how hard you hustle.

You are more than your side gig.

You are more than your labels.

I’ll be honest, hustle culture can feel tempting. There’s this draw to keep doing more, to rise to the top, and to live the life you’ve dreamed of.

But what if we stopped and paused for just a moment?

What if we critically questioned how hustle culture is impacting our mental health, our overall well-being, and how we view the world?

Is it possible that you’re so caught up in the hustle that you’re not sure of who you are? Are you finding that you’re so focused on rising to the top that you’re distracted from the beauties of today? 

You can be your best self without the hustle. 

You can escape hustle culture.

What is hustle culture?

Hustle culture is this mindset to always do more.

People are encouraged to be their best selves by pushing to their limits to achieve more. Moms experience it, employees do, and just about everyone is navigating this society that is telling us that to be more, we have to do more. 

This approach to living can be dangerous because it can lead to unhappiness, and even in extreme cases of being overworked, it can lead to death. 

Why should I escape hustle culture?

It’s possible that your whole life, you’ve been told you can be anything. Though there is power and strength in this mindset, there’s also this fear that “I may not measure up to what I want to be.” 

Rather than pouring all your time and energy into becoming an elite version of yourself, I want to encourage you to recognize that you can find fulfillment in everyday life. You don’t always need to be making more or striving for the next thing to be the best you. 

The best you could be you that loves to drink their coffee on the porch before logging in to their work-from-home job or who likes to take the long way to work so you have time to finish your podcast episode.

We’ve been fed this narrative that the best versions of ourselves are ones who make lots of money, are popular, and who have their lives perfectly curated. 

This mindset can lead you down a path of becoming a burnt-out workaholic who finds their self-worth in what they produce.

Some of the benefits of doing less include lessened anxiety, more time to do what you actually want to do, and you can enjoy the things you’re doing more. 

How can I escape hustle culture?

Escaping hustle culture starts with your mindset. 

Start by recognizing that you’re allowed to be mediocre.

Heck, I encourage you to embrace mediocrity (here’s another great link!)

You’re allowed to do the bare minimum. There are days, weeks, and seasons in our lives where doing the bare minimum is enough. You don’t need to go above and beyond to be your best self. 

You’re allowed to set low expectations in your workspace (and still be a good employee). 

You don’t have to chase the next thing because the next thing keeps moving. 

You may find it helpful to pull out a journal and reflect on who you are and what you want to do. Spend time asking yourself what myths you believe, what dreams you have, where you are pouring your energy, and where you’re unhappy in life. Journaling your feelings may help you pinpoint where you need to change and how hustle culture is impacting your overall well-being. 

Rather than pouring all of your energy into hustling and doing things that are going to make you more money or get you ahead, spend time exploring your creative passions.

What hobbies interest you? 

I don’t mean creating graphic t-shirts to sell on Etsy or taking up pottery so you can join a pop-up shop.

I mean, what hobbies interest you solely for the fact that they seem fun? 

What is something that you’ve always wanted to try?

Maybe it is pottery.

Maybe the thought of getting your hands dirty and creating something beautiful is life-giving.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to take up journaling or scrapbooking, why not try woodworking? I recently got into aquascaping. I was tired of telling myself to wait until “I retired” to take up this somewhat obscure and interesting hobby. But I’m so glad I didn’t wait.

One way to escape hustle culture is to recognize that the world is full of fulfilling activities that you can be passionate about and that will help you unleash your creativity without having to make money or shape you into an elitist. 

What happens when you’re trying to stop hustle culture, but you’re doing more? 

Now, I get it…

It’s all easier said than done. 

You might feel like you’re trying to escape hustle culture, yet you just have to get things done before you can truly escape.

It’s okay to feel like this (and you’re not alone). 

I encourage you to be gentle with yourself but also be honest. 

If you’re like most of us, you’ve fallen into this cycle of hustle culture, and breaking free from it is also going to be a cycle. 

You’re allowed to have ebbs and flows in your routine. 

If you notice that you’re slipping back into old habits, I encourage you to journal about your feelings and experiences and look for places where you can pivot. 

Learn more.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to realign with your center and take a break from the chaos of everyday life, then I encourage you to visit my website to learn about the Rooted Retreat.