In today’s world, when many young people aim to build billion-dollar unicorns – and some even succeed – mental health and physical well-being have been left behind. Psychiatrists and leading voices in the industry attribute this to “hustle culture”, the mantra of ambition, and warn young people not to follow it. Hustle culture is back in the news after Kritarth Mittal, who tasted success at the age of 25 with the social app, was hospitalised due to health concerns. In a post on X, the 25-year-old blamed poor lifestyle choices and unhealthy diet and urged his followers and other social media users to take care of their health.
Tech Leaders Who Challenge the Hustle Culture
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is often celebrated as the embodiment of hustle culture. However, his own experiences serve as a cautionary tale. In a candid interview the new York TimesMr Musk explained how overworking has affected his health and well-being. He admitted he works 120 hours a week and relies on Ambien to sleep, which he described as “not wise”. His admission sparked a discussion about whether the relentless pursuit of success is sustainable or worth the price to personal health.
David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founder of Basecamp and creator of Ruby on Rails, is a vocal critic of hustle culture. Mr Hansson has railed against the glorification of overwork in the tech industry, arguing that it leads to burnout and stifles creativity. In his book, It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work, co-authored with Jason Fried, he advocates for a calmer, more sustainable work environment. Hansson has repeatedly emphasised the importance of work-life balance, stating in The Guardian that “work shouldn’t be your life”.
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has also been vocal about the dangers of hustle culture. Since stepping down from his role at Reddit, Mr. Ohanian has focused on promoting mental health awareness and work-life balance, particularly in the tech industry. He has spoken extensively about how hustle culture can lead to burnout and has encouraged entrepreneurs to prioritize their well-being. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)Mr Ohanian said so-called “hustle porn” fuels an unhealthy culture in the online tech industry.
The Hidden Costs of Hustle Culture
Stress on mental health: The rush culture promotes working constantly, often at the expense of mental health. The constant pressure to be productive can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. According to Forbes, the obsession with work can create a toxic environment where employees feel guilty about relaxing.
Effects on relationships: The Guardian An article states that the culture of rush can damage personal relationships, as time spent with loved ones is sacrificed for work. The pursuit of success often leads to loneliness, eliminates social connections and increases stress.
Long term consequences: While short-term gains can be celebrated, the long-term effects of overwork include long-term health problems and decreased life satisfaction.
