Isn’t Hustle Culture Dead?

By Stephanie A. Mahoney, OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation

Encouraging others to embrace a “hustle” mindset in 2023 usually generates a mixed reaction.

Growing criticism of “hustle culture” began with more fervor during the recent pandemic, with many people advocating for a more balanced approach to work and life. The concept of hustle culture promotes the idea that success is primarily achieved through relentless hard work, often at the expense of personal well-being and work-life balance.

However, the term “hustle” in the workplace generally refers to a strong work ethic, a drive to succeed, and a willingness to take initiative and go above and beyond what is expected. It is often associated with a sense of urgency and a commitment to achieving one’s goals.

Having the value of hustle in a workplace means that employees are encouraged to be proactive and take ownership of their work. They are expected to work hard and take on new challenges, even if it means putting in extra time and effort. This value also emphasizes the importance of being resourceful and finding creative solutions to problems.

Employers who value hustle tend to reward employees who demonstrate a strong work ethic and a willingness to take on challenges. They may provide opportunities for advancement and offer incentives for achieving goals or going above and beyond expectations.

There is indeed a difference between working hard and living a life where work becomes your idol. Working hard can be an important component of achieving your goals and feeling fulfilled in your professional life. However, when work becomes the central focus of your life to the detriment of other important areas, such as relationships, hobbies, and even in relationship to God, it can have a negative impact on your overall well-being and holiness.

As a Catholic, you can embrace the hustle mindset, without embracing a hustle culture.

Be disciplined in both work and in rest.

Apply your strong work ethic and be diligent about accomplishing the tasks before you. But, with as much fervor as you approach your work, embrace opportunities to rest. Make time for Mass, the Sacraments and adoration. Spend time with family. Avoid screen time. Get outside in nature. By placing an equal importance on work and rest and by making it a regular part of your routine, you can avoid burnout and approach your God-given mission rejuvenated.

Prioritize relationships

You are a part of the body of Christ- many parts that exist in relationship to one another. Making time to spend with other people is an opportunity to practice works of mercy and serve as Jesus served. So engage your mindset – Take initiative! Prioritize relationships with loved ones and make time for social connection. You’ll counter the isolation and loneliness that can come with hustle culture. Of course, this also includes prioritizing your relationship with God. Work on deepening your prayer life and spending time with your Heavenly Father who loves you so much.

Cultivate gratitude

Gratitude can help you stay grounded and focused on the present moment. There might be seasons in your life that require a temporary imbalance of work to life outside your tasks. But, by taking time to reflect on the blessings in your life and cultivating a sense of gratitude, you can avoid the constant striving and anxiety that can come with hustle culture. You can employ the mindset of hustle and go above and beyond to say thank you to those for whom you are grateful.

Set boundaries

Being a Christian in today’s world means that you are going to live a life that is counter cultural. Setting boundaries around work and personal time may not seem like a popular or “normal” thing to do according to the world’s standards, particularly when we are so driven to succeed. But fortunately we know that we aren’t living for this world, but for the eternal one, so “success” takes on a different meaning in this light. By establishing clear boundaries you can create space to invite the Holy Spirit to move in whatever you are doing and create successes that are meaningful within the view of eternity.

Focus on empathy and compassion

The pandemic underscored the importance of empathy and compassion in the workplace, as people struggled with the challenges of the pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. Embracing a hustle mindset means acknowledging not only commitment to a job well done, but also being relentless in listening with empathy and serving in compassion. Hustle mindset isn’t just about a task but informs how we contribute to a more Christ-centered and healthy workplace culture.

So embrace the drive to succeed with a hustle mindset and avoid the traps of hustle culture that create work as an idol instead of God.