Hustle Culture Is Over

Rest is the new hustle.

Hustle Culture seems to be on the decline. 

“What’s that?” you ask? Hustle culture – or, as it used to be called – workaholism, can be defined as being dedicated to “the grind.” It’s a lifestyle that promotes constant busy-ness: 18-hour workdays, no sleep, no social life, no vacation. No. Time. Off. 

The global hiatus brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic forced us all to take a literal pause and reassess our lifestyle. And we collectively realized that hustle culture is unsustainable. Things would have to change. Many of the other changes that needed (and still need) to take place, we have no direct control over, but one that many of us can control is the amount of rest we allow ourselves.

Here’s why I’m overjoyed that hustle culture seems to be fading away:

1. No more pressure. Or at least not as much. Less pressure to be always “on.” Less pressure to be constantly “producing.” Less pressure to indulge in performative workaholism for our bosses by logging unsustainable hours. Less pressure means less stress. And less stress is always a good thing.
2. No more guilt. Since so many people, companies, countries were on pause at the same time, the guilt associated with needing and taking rest diminished significantly. The collective inhale of the global shutdown has had lasting effects. It’s now ok to go a little slower. It’s ok if you finish the project in the morning rather than toiling into the night. 
3. No more celebrating burnout behaviors. We’re no longer tying our self-worth solely to how efficiently you executed on your to-do list. There’s less “I have to.” and more “I get to.” We’re taking breaks. We’re meditating. We’re getting in catnaps if we can. We’re making ourselves less constantly available. We’re letting our things to do roll over like minutes til the next day. And we’re loving ourselves whether we’re “producing” or not. 

And so: today, I rest. And every day, I rest. Unapologetically. I still produce. I still meet my deadlines. I still cross things off my to-do list. But first…rest.

Rest is the new hustle. 

Like what you read? Show it some love! Leave a like/comment, connect with me on LinkedIn, follow me on social media, and support my work.

Text and images ⒸLisa Hurley/@happyhappyphoenix