Are you working extra hours every day and getting a sense of achievement when you go to bed; or are you feeling extremely exhausted and anxious to face a new day?

Are you looking at a slimmer body type at the gym and putting your sweat and blood to get that ‘dream figure’ yet feeling unhappy stepping into the gym the very next day?

Are you worried about quitting a job that seems mediocre and aspiring to achieve something more just because that is someone else’s idea of being successful?

If yes, you need to slow down. This new hustle culture is messing up your mind and emotions. If you think overachieving under pressure is hustling, here is a red flag to look out for.

Is it worth hustling?

Hustle is trending, people are giving pep talks on why you should start a side hustle, do more, maybe moonlight a bit, challenge your capabilities, dream ‘big’, because YOLO (You Only Live Once). But is it worth giving energy if it burns you out and makes you mentally and physically exhausted?

Absolutely NOT! Hustle is overrated and is not for everyone. You should not feel pressured to achieve something in life or just so to earn some money. Everyone’s idea of living an ideal life might differ. But respecting your priorities and choice is essential. Know what gives you pleasure and act towards it.

You need not fit into society’s quality standards. If your choice of life serves pure bliss without feeling burned out, take that up for sure. But if you are getting drained out and feeling unhappy, ask yourself—Whom are you doing this for and is it even worth it?

Why is there a growing urge to hustle?

We, humans, are always comparing our lives to others. Be it neighbours, colleagues, friends or social media influencers or anyone who seems successful from the spectacles of society. It has become natural to evaluate ourselves as per societal standards and in some way or another, we struggle to live up to these pseudo-expectations. This happens to be the reason for the growing trend of hustling.

Do not worry, it’s not entirely your fault. Sometimes, we tend to compete with ourselves to do better. But it’s time we normalize having normal choices. Not everyone wants a fast life, a hefty bank balance, working 10-hrs shifts to earn more, starting a side business, or following a passion that seems far-fetched or to be extraordinary. Some people might have a different perspective on life!

Less is more: Joy of having a low-key life

Those who know, know! The joy of having a laid-back life has its rewards. Let us talk about the other side of the coin—happiness derived from living a simple, low-key life!

Some people might love being ordinary, living their ordinary life, having a set routine, finding comfort in monotony, low-key expectations from life, taking time off for nothing and everything that is a non-hustle thing!

There is nothing wrong about the willingness to have a slow life, where you can sleep for 8 hours, pursue a hobby without expecting an outcome from it, go out on a vacation, spend time with close ones, celebrate birthdays at home, eat home-cooked food on weekends or have a 9 to 5 job just like others.

It is just about accepting your choices and building a life that offers happiness at the end of the day. Well, who is to judge? This could be called a successful life, too.

Normalize having a career gap!

We cannot define success by the amount of money we make, the designations we hold or the lifestyle we adopt.

Just because it is not in vogue, having low-key and ordinary aspirations is not wrong. If sitting at home, under the blanket, watching TV and eating warm food in bed makes you feel better than going out on an adventurous weekend, then you should not be guilty about it.

If you think that a higher-paying job is asking a lot from your mental health, it is all right to take a career break till you find it okay to resume.

In our society, being a homemaker is not so ‘trendy.’ They are shamed for doing ‘nothing’ or for not getting paid. But little do they understand that it takes a lot to be a woman of the house. If she wants to be a stay-athome mother looking after a household, it is her choice!

This hustle culture has affected new moms. While the newborn needs a parent during the growing years, these mommies have to struggle to save their jobs. The work industry has not normalized a career break for new moms yet. So, they still have to ‘woman up’ and resume their career, calling it ‘hustle.’

Now, even if the choice is always there to prioritize motherhood and take a break, it comes with a fear of being judged by society and not getting the right opportunity again after the ‘career gap.’

Break free and take this bold step of prioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental needs!

Be proud of whatever you choose.

It is never too late to realize what you want. While hustling is not a bad thing, having a choice to not hustle isn’t, too, a bad thing. Be proud of whatever lifestyle you want to choose for yourself. Slow down, take some time for yourself and feel free to make decisions for your good. Prioritizing your choice will always produce many challenges, but the life that waits ahead of it shall be worth it. Take a leap of faith and go ahead because- YOLO (You Only Live Once)!