What is up with this "Hustle Culture" and Materialism glorification?

 

Since Covid19 hit I’ve been working from home and it’s been a wonderful experience. My boys are completing Grade 11 via an online private school so we don’t have that early morning stress and rush anymore. They are teenagers so they don’t bother me while I’m working because they are busy with their schoolwork. They also have their PlayStation to keep them occupied and they have chores to do, so I’m very grateful and it’s truly been a blessing. I’m also a very disciplined person so I still get up at 5h30 when my husband leaves for work and I start working at approximately 7h00 every morning. I also go into the office twice or three times a month which is nice because I do miss my colleagues.

In recent years I’ve noticed this trend amongst millennials and Gen-Z’s called the “Hustle Culture.” It can basically be defined as, “Work as much and as hard as you can and you will be “successful” and make lots of money.” Blog.runrun.it says this,  “In a nutshell, hustle culture (as the name also implies) means constant working. It means devoting as much of your day as possible working — hustling. ... When you talk of hustle culture, the more you work, the more celebrated you are. Never mind that you miss meals, sleep, and other important events.” I don’t understand why working 24/7 has become “cool or trendy” in recent years. Materialism seems to be the focus and goal in today’s world and frankly I don’t get it. What is wrong with having balance in your life and what is wrong with being content with what you have? Don't get me wrong I think working hard is good and I've worked hard all my life but I also think having a work/life balance is vitally important. It’s important to work hard and give your best during your working hours but it’s equally, if not more important to spend quality time with your family and friends and make time to de-stress, relax and exercise.

 

I’ve been doing a lot of self-reflection this past year and what Covid19 and 2020 actually taught me is that time with loved ones is precious and we should never take it for granted. When you and I are on our deathbeds one day we are not going to think, “Gosh I should have worked longer hours or I should have bought that designer handbag when I had the chance.” But chances are we might think, “I wish I spent more time with my loved ones or I wish I took that trip when I had the chance.”

I can honestly say I am grateful and content. I enjoy and appreciate my job, I have a roof over my head, a reliable car, wonderful family and friends and my health. I have no desire to work 24/7 or to climb the corporate ladder to have millions in the bank, a flashy car, designer labels or a massive house. I have everything I need and more and I thank God for it daily.