The concept of hustle culture is not a bad idea because it encourages people to follow through with their aspirations and goals and actively go after them. The problem with hustle culture is that people feel the need to be working and “hustling” which is toxic constantly.
Adina Afshan, 19, an Architecture major says that hustle culture has its pros and cons,
“It’s good because you’re young and making your money and that’s great but this time is about being happy and enjoying your life. Rather than being stressed out all the time.” Afshan said.
Sofia Garcia, 17, a theater dual enrollment student says, “It’s a good thing for me because it motivates me to push myself beyond what I think I can do and sometimes I realize that I can handle more than I think I can.”
Garcia adds, “It’s bad because sometimes it’s unrealistic to think that every day is going to be productive.”
I agree with this because most students think that success means you need to constantly be working and doing something productive. However, this vision of success is unsustainable, as no human is able to properly function while having to work 24/7 as if they are a robot.
Hustle culture is a generational issue because Gen Z is a generation filled with many entrepreneurs and business owners. The pressure to succeed, especially at a young age, has infinitely increased. As well as young people feeling the need to do more than they have to.
According to CNBC, “nearly half of Gen Z, about 48%, have numerous side hustles.”
This ties into how Gen Z has ruined hustle culture because instead of having a healthy balance between work life and personal life, we have made work our whole life. So, in the long term, it not only will negatively impact how we view working but also our view of life.
Hustle culture between generations such as Gen z and Millenials is looked at a lot differently. Since Gen z sees side hustles as a way to make more money.
While on Medium.com, an American online publishing company it says,
“ Side hustles have become so ubiquitous because most millennials can’t afford to live without one.”
Hustle culture is not supposed to be a bad thing to participate in but it could become draining if you allow it to consume you. There could be some potential benefits if executed the correct way.
To participate in hustle culture effectively, it is important to allow yourself to have breaks. Many students tend to forget they are human and need time to recharge as well as work. This includes having fun, whether it be solo activities or activities with loved ones, having hobbies that do not deal with making money, or a career boost meaning something that helps you move further up in your career.
Researchers are also saying on bfi.co.id, a multi-finance company website, “Everyone feels tired, but that doesn’t mean you give up easily.”
Although everyone will feel some sort of exhaustion while working towards their goals, it should not be to the extent where every aspect of their life feels exhausting. There needs to be a work-life balance that allows for work to get done but also involves time for fun activities as well.
In all, the idea of hustle culture itself is not inherently harmful. It is important for students to actively pursue their goals and want to better themselves. However, it is also important to recognize the need for balance. Too many people, especially students, experience strong pressure to be successful at a young age. In reality, many successful people did not reach their big break until later in life.
