echo I’m sure all of us have come across that avid student that studies 8 hours a day, gets brilliant grades, participates in at least 3 extra-curriculars and somehow also manages to maintain a great social life. The rest of us are simply left wondering: how do they do it all? How does one achieve and maintain this level of success and productivity? Social media feeds us with morning routines, the idea of the ever-elusive ‘girlboss’, and inspirational phrases that reinforce this version of ‘success’ as a source of validation we should all aspire to. But is this glorified work ethic, often coined as ‘hustle culture’, actually doing more harm than good?
The effect of social media
Social media has played a significant role in glorifying hustle culture, often portraying an idealized version of constant productivity and success. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn are constantly flooded with posts showcasing individuals waking up at 5 a.m, working long hours, and juggling multiple projects, all while maintaining a seemingly perfect lifestyle. This curated content creates a false narrative that relentless hard work and sacrifice are the only paths to success, pushing the idea that rest or downtime is a sign of weakness or laziness. The emphasis on “grind” and “no days off” can make it difficult for people to strike a healthy work-life balance, as they feel pressured to keep up with unrealistic standards.
Hustle culture especially affects the mindset and thinking of young people, especially aspiring students or those just beginning their careers. Many often start off positive and determined, but as our workloads pile up, stress, inadequacy and frustration creep in, to which opening TikTok and seeing a “study with me for 12 hours” video, doesn’t help. Thus, we push ourselves, thinking ‘If they can do it, we can – right?’. However, as some of us have realised, constantly striving to work harder and achieve more often leads to burnout and sleep deprivation. It can also negatively impact our personal lives and relationships with family and friends. At the end of the day, we are left mentally and physically drained, disconnected from others around us, and with a distorted sense of self-worth.
The effect of social media on hustle culture
The glorification of hustle culture on social media often neglects the negative consequences it brings. People on social media are constantly being thrown shorts containing motivational quotes and success stories (sometimes paired with engaging content like Subway Surfers gameplay), with every piece of content expecting them to work on themselves every second of the day. This culture fosters a toxic environment where self-worth is tied to productivity, making it challenging to prioritize self-care and well-being. The pressure to stay “on the grind” at all times can lead to chronic stress and anxiety, ultimately affecting one’s overall happiness and quality of life.
Even with its drawbacks, the glorification of hustle culture on social media continues to stay relevant as it taps into the human desire for achievement and recognition. Many influencers and entrepreneurs share stories of their success without highlighting the struggles and sacrifices they faced behind the scenes. This selective storytelling fuels unrealistic expectations and creates the illusion that anyone can achieve their dreams by simply working harder.
Hustle culture also disproportionately impacts groups who already face systemic barriers, pressuring them to work even harder to ‘prove’ their worth. It also undervalues non-work-related achievements, such as creativity and personal growth, restricting success purely to one’s career advancement. As a result, society perpetuates a cycle in which overworking is lauded while other holistic aspects of life, such as well-being, leisure, and connection, are overlooked.
Redefining success
As awareness grows about the downsides of hustle culture, conversations around work-life balance, setting boundaries, and redefining success are becoming more prominent. These discussions encourage people to adopt a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to their personal and professional lives. We might not realise it, but we may be subconsciously influenced by society’s high standards in the way they translate into the expectations we place on ourselves. It is great to have goals, but they should be, with hard work, attainable, rather than unreachable. Failure to achieve our own goals will only lead to further disappointment in the long run.
Success should not be measured solely by material wealth and professional or academic accomplishments, but instead by our happiness and joy, personal growth and meaningful connections. By embracing this broader definition, we can break free from the vicious cycle of constantly striving for more at the expense of our well-being. Only then can we experience true satisfaction without sacrificing ourselves in the process.
Strive for a healthy work-life balance!
Conclusion
In a nutshell, while hustle culture may seem like the ultimate path to success, it often leads to burnout, stress, and an unhealthy work-life balance. The pressure to constantly strive for more, fueled by social media’s idealized portrayals, can create unrealistic expectations and hinder personal well-being. However, by redefining success to include happiness, personal growth, and meaningful connections, we can break free from the toxic cycle of overwork and embrace a more balanced and fulfilling life. It’s important to recognize that true success is not solely about achievements but also about living a life that aligns with our values and well-being.
Work should support our lives, not dominate them. It should provide fulfillment and stability without overwhelming our well-being or personal time. A healthy balance allows us to pursue passions, nurture relationships, and care for ourselves. When work takes over, it leads to stress, burnout, and strained connections. So, recognise that your best is good enough, and that self-care is not a reward to be earned, but a necessity. By setting boundaries and valuing life beyond professional achievements, we can create a more fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle.
Wrriten by: Reeya and Chung Wei
Edited by: Ashley
