Yahoo Finance Hustle culture vs burnout: The Gen-Z dilemma
Being always 'on' isn't a sign of commitment; it's a fast track to burning out.
In today's culture, social media glorifies an 18-hour workday as if Elon Musk himself is taking notes on your performance.
As a 22-year-old juggling multiple companies and playing way too much chess, I understand the Gen-Z drive to hustle. But why is it that young people face the dilemma of working too much versus not enough? And what can they do about it?
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Hustle culture tells us that #NoDaysOff is a way of life, as if we are all engaged in an Olympic-level competition where only the strongest survive. And, while tenacity and grit are indeed positive virtues, it’s a dangerous trend that also goes hand in hand with burnout.
Hustle culture tells us that #NoDaysOff is a way of life as if we are all engaged in an Olympic-level competition where only the strongest survive.
Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It's a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that can have serious ramifications for your health and well-being. A survey carried out in late 2022, showed more than 40 per cent of the global workforce was burnt out, marking an all-time high, even exceeding a peak during COVID-19.
The most affected people? Young workers and women.
So, how do you strike a balance between the two?
We’ve all heard the saying: “Work smarter, not harder.” The concept might spark some controversy, but I’m a firm believer that most people are only productive for a few hours a day. In fact, there is research to suggest people who work a full eight hours per day are only productive for up to three of those hours.
It’s important to understand that being always 'on' isn't a sign of commitment; it's a fast track to burning out. Instead, you need to learn how and when to delegate, how to use technology to automate repetitive tasks, and how to prioritize quality over quantity.
Let me illustrate the best way I know how: with a chess analogy. The game isn't just about relentless attacking; it's also about strategic retreats and moments of pause to consider the board. Consistently pushing your pawns forward without self-preservation is often a recipe for a swift checkmate against you.
The balance between aggression and caution in chess is much like the delicate equilibrium we need to maintain in our professional lives.
The balance between aggression and caution in chess is much like the delicate equilibrium we need to maintain in our professional lives.
The trick is to take time to reflect. And remember, the ultimate goal is to find that sweet spot where you're neither coasting nor burning the candle at both ends. To quote one of arguably the best quotable scenes in cinema - from the movie Whiplash - “Are you rushing or dragging?”
Each of your movements needs to be just right, not too fast or too slow. This feels like the perfect time to make a Goldilocks joke.
The new hustle for the conscientious Gen-Z entrepreneur, or anyone for that matter, should be about achieving balance. And, as much as the spotlight shines on those who appear to be doing everything at once, sometimes the most successful are those who know when to step back and take a break.
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