by Athala Nabila
Hustle culture is a lifestyle? in which a person feels that they must constantly work hard with so little time to rest in order to think of themself as a success. This lifestyle is often perceived as 'toxic'. It means devoting as much of your day as possible to working, hustling. There is no time out or time in at work. Work is done in the office, outside the office, at home, at coffee shops, anywhere. In a world that is constantly on the go and individuals are equipped with the tools to achieve that, working endlessly is very possible.
The phenomenon of the hustle culture was first discovered in 1971, and it is spreading rapidly, especially among millennials. This phenomenon creates a belief that the most important aspect of life is achieving professional goals by endlessly working.
Hustle culture also often discourages more healthful nutritional habits. Junk- and fast-food options start looking more efficient than cooking from scratch, even though the faster choices are far less beneficial fuel for your body. Over time, this can result in malnutrition and a lack of energy.
What to do If you’re stuck in hustle culture mode
This never-ending cycle can only last for so long before you crash and burn. In the long run, it will serve you better to take breaks throughout your day to do things you enjoy, such as hanging out with friends. Not only will you have something to look forward to while you go through your day, but you’ll feel better after getting some social interaction.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (even weekends), and get some bright sunlight early in the day to help set your body clock for better sleep. Take bubble baths. Watch a film. See a friend. Go for a walk. Eat cake. Hobbies are important too. Taking breaks does not make you any less of a dedicated employee or any less of a person for that matter. It is productive. It is needed. It is human.
The impact of the hustle culture on workers across the globe
Published in the study journal Occupation Medicine, they claim that people with longer working hours, whatever their age, are prone to anxiety disorders, depression, and sleep disorders.
In Japan, the number of workers with heart disease, strokes, to mental disorders tripled due to overexertion.
Based on the Forbes page, 55% of workers in the United States are under stress because their workload is 20% higher than most people in the world.
What would I tell my past self in 2020?
Honestly, the year doesn’t always start off so bad at all. Track season makes for a good beginning to 2020. You will build connections and have a lot of fun hanging out with new people. You will also be proud to see the ways training for track paid off. Even though there will only be one track meet.
On the darkest days, remember that life is still worth living and that the future is still one filled with hope. You'll cry when you're feeling frustrated or anxious. You'll break down when you're feeling insecure or ashamed. There will be days when you want to curl up in a ball and simply disappear.
After a long break from school, you'll learn that the rest of your academic school year will take place online. No in-person classes, sports or other extracurricular activities. It will drag on. And on. And on. It won't be easy. You'll figure out that you overthink a lot, and that you care too much about what others think of you. But, you'll try your best. And you will pull through. I promise.
Works cited
Krissy Brady (2020, 25 February). The Downside of Hustle Culture. Accessed on 11th April 2021, from https://www.shondaland.com/live/money/a31050746/downside-of-hustle-culture/
FK Universitas Airlangga. Mengenal Hustle Culture, Budaya Gila Kerja Generasi Muda. Accessed on 11th April 2021, from https://fk.unair.ac.id/mengenal-hustle-culture-budaya-gila-kerja-generasi-muda/
Yasmin Al-Najar. It's Time to Talk About Toxic Positivity and Hustle Culture. Accessed on 11th April 2021, from https://theeverydaymagazine.co.uk/opinion/its-time-to-talk-about-toxic-positivity-and-hustle-culture
Photo sources: https://unsplash.com/photos/DJ7bWa-Gwks
About the Author
Athala Nabila is currently a 15-year-old high school sophomore in Indonesia. She loves spending time on movies and series because it helps her make new discoveries in her daily life. She likes to discuss, socialize with others, and take part in organizations that focus on self-development and social issues. She is willing to contribute by the act of raising awareness and spreading less negativity around. She believes that everyone's life matters and can be part of society no matter who they are.