The Side Effects of Hustle Culture: Why Rest Feels So Hard
Do you ever feel like you have to constantly be doing something—checking off to-do lists, chasing goals, or working on your next big thing? Do you struggle to relax, even when you finally have a free moment? If so, you’re not alone.
Hustle culture has convinced us that success is only possible through nonstop productivity. Whether it’s juggling a full-time job and a side hustle, building a brand, or climbing the corporate ladder, we are constantly told that if we’re not working harder, we’re falling behind.
But here’s the truth: Always being in “go” mode isn’t sustainable.
I know this struggle firsthand. No matter how much I accomplish, my brain is always thinking about what’s next. Even in my so-called “free time,” I find myself planning, strategizing, or thinking about how I can be more productive. And when I do try to rest? That little voice in my head whispers, You could be getting ahead right now.
In this week’s episode of This Therapist Has Problems Podcast, I’m diving into the side effects of hustle culture, how it impacts our mental health, and what we can do to redefine success in a way that actually serves us.
What Is Hustle Culture?
Hustle culture isn’t just about working hard—it’s about the toxic pressure to always be working. It’s the idea that slowing down means falling behind, and that if you’re not constantly producing, you’re wasting time.
After the pandemic, this mindset only intensified. Suddenly, it felt like everyone needed an LLC, a passive income stream, or a second job just to stay afloat. Social media made it seem like if you weren’t working multiple jobs or turning every hobby into a business, you were doing life wrong.
The problem? Hustle culture convinces us that we’ll only be happy after we reach a certain level of success. But in reality, there’s always another goal, another level, another reason to keep pushing.
The Hidden Toll of Always Being “On”
For years, I thought I was just being ambitious. But the truth is, I was running myself into the ground.
I would push myself so hard that eventually, my body would force me to stop—either through burnout, exhaustion, or getting sick. I would go through cycles of working nonstop, hitting a wall, and then barely functioning until I recovered, only to start the process all over again.
Hustle culture doesn’t just drain your energy—it takes a toll on your mental health, relationships, and physical well-being. It leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression because we never feel like we’re doing enough. We tell ourselves, I’ll rest when I reach my goal, but by the time we get there, we’ve already moved the goalpost.
Breaking Free from the Hustle Mentality
If you’ve been caught in the cycle of do more, achieve more, be more, it’s time to take a step back. You don’t have to quit your ambitions, but you do need to redefine success in a way that doesn’t require sacrificing yourself in the process.
For me, that meant realizing that my worth isn’t tied to my productivity. Success isn’t just about accomplishments—it’s about creating a life that allows for both achievement and rest.
One shift that helped? Actually celebrating my wins instead of immediately moving to the next goal. I used to check off a milestone and think, Okay, what’s next? without even pausing to acknowledge what I had just accomplished. Learning to take a moment to appreciate my progress made a huge difference.
Another thing I had to work on was giving myself permission to rest. Not because I was completely burned out, but because rest is necessary. Hustle culture makes us feel like we have to earn rest, but the reality is, rest should be a regular part of our lives—not just something we do when we have nothing left to give.
And finally, I had to remind myself that comparison is the thief of joy. Watching people online who seem to have it all together can make you feel like you’re behind, but the truth is, we’re all moving at our own pace. Success looks different for everyone, and what matters most is what feels fulfilling to you.
Finding a Healthier Balance
Hustle culture tells us that if we’re not working, we’re failing. But real success isn’t about how busy you are—it’s about building a life that actually feels good to live.
Take a moment to ask yourself:
- What does success really mean to me?
- What goals am I working toward—and why?
- How can I build in more intentional rest without feeling guilty?
If you’ve been running on empty, this is your sign to slow down. Hustling isn’t the goal—creating a fulfilling life is.
What will your next step be?
Take a moment to reflect—how has hustle culture impacted you? Are you giving yourself the space to rest and recharge, or are you stuck in the cycle of doing more, achieving more, and never feeling like it’s enough?
Share your thoughts or a goal for creating more balance in the comments below. Let’s hold each other accountable and commit to building a life that includes both ambition and rest—because success shouldn’t come at the cost of our well-being.
Thank you for being here. Let’s start the conversation.
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Thank you for stepping into this space with me. Remember, breaking free from hustle culture takes intention, self-awareness, and the courage to slow down. I’m here with you every step of the way.
And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out this week’s podcast episode for an even deeper dive into this conversation:
🎧 Watch now: Side Effects of Hustle Culture
Let’s stop glorifying burnout and start embracing balance.
