I realize that as I write this, there is a level of privilege and advantage I likely have compared to many others. With that being said, the points I’ll make regarding “hustle culture” are still very much applicable. The idea of hustle culture is that in order for one to feel or to be viewed by others as “successful,” is that one has to spend most of their waking hours involved in their work environment. This might involve taking on additional work, doing more tasks, coming in early and/or staying late, or some combination of these behaviors. In the end, what we end up seeing are people who are strung out, over-worked, stressed, and likely not doing things that align with their values.
It’s also important to outline what could be a “value” – this could be something that is either theoretical or tangible. For example, one person may have the value of doing things that matter to them (e.g., starting their own business, spending more time with family, etc.), while another person may have the value of being seen by others as successful – and then there is everything in between. For many people, life consists of doing multiple things aside from just work; perhaps they have childcare, household, volunteer, or relationship responsibilities. So let’s throw all of this together and see how well “you” function. A likely outcome is that people begin to deviate from their values, which may lead to burnout, depression, anxiety, or anger. So what can be done?
Usually when I am working with patients who express these sentiments, a primary focus becomes re-alignment with their values. Somewhere along the way between going to work, school, or doing other tasks in life, people lose sight of what mattered to them. For example, as a psychologist, I was unsure if I would be cut out for working in large organizations or working for others in general. I am a pretty independent and entrepreneurial person. I have had other businesses in my life, and I am a firm-believer in being as independent as possible so that I can have the lifestyle that I want. My lifestyle includes a desired salary range, vacation opportunities, work-life balance, and working with a patient population I desire. These sentiments represent my values – so then I have to ask myself if working for large organizations or other people will help me align myself with those values. If not, then what can I do? This is something I ask my patients when they too express similar sentiments.
In the end, hustle culture can be counter-intuitive to achieving one’s professional and/or personal values. Ask yourself if what you are doing aligns with your values. Granted, there are understandable situations where all of what I’ve said could be seen as an exercise in idealism, and maybe it is to an extent. Maybe right now, you are doing what you can because you have to pay the bills, buy groceries, or pay your rent or mortgage. Keep this as food for thought; maybe one day there will be an opportunity for you to take baby steps towards re-aligning yourself with your values.
If you struggle with burnout, stress, or simply feel like you are hustling in life at the expense of your mental and/or physical health, give us a call today to schedule your free 15-minute video consultation to see how we might be able to help you.
(281)-402-9227
Derek Ream, Psy.D., M.S.
Clinical & Forensic Psychologist | Owner & CEO
Sugar Land Psychological Associates
