Previously, we’ve discussed what hustle culture is and why this mindset is toxic. We’ve discovered that following hustle culture, also known as the grind and burnout culture, means putting your work and career goals above all else.
And despite what social media says, following this mindset will severely damage your health and personal relationships. Because of these adverse side effects, there’s been a recent backlash against hustle culture. The great resignation is one such example.
So, if you’ve been subscribing to hustle culture and wish to change but don’t know how, we’re here to help. Here are five tips that will help you overcome hustle culture.
Know and Firmly Set Your Boundaries.
The first step to help you overcome hustle culture is knowing and setting boundaries between work and personal life.
Having a boundary between work and personal life allows you to unwind and spend more time with your family. It also gives you time to enjoy your hobbies, find new ones, or just get some much-earned rest.
If your work shift is from seven in the morning to four in the afternoon, Monday to Friday, then work only within this time. Ensure you notify your boss and co-workers about this to avoid them communicating with you outside work hours unless absolutely necessary.
Saying “No” is the Key.
When setting boundaries, learning to say “no” to your co-workers and boss is a must. One of the pitfalls of following hustle culture is that you always say yes to every request that comes your way. After all, it’s another opportunity for you to show your skills, right?
The problem is tasks can quickly pile up in you, and before you know it, they have gotten out of hand.
But if you’re capable of respectfully saying “no,” you’ll be able to have the time and energy to effectively complete your current tasks. Once you’ve finished them, you can then take on more responsibilities.
So how do you say “no” without sounding like a jerk to your co-workers and boss? First, assess what’s currently on your plate and whether you can accommodate your new tasks.
If not, contact the person that assigned it to you and notify them about your current situation and why you can’t do it right now.
If they absolutely need you to do it, ask them if they can wait for you to finish your pending tasks before doing this. Or if they can provide you with help so that the workload is more manageable for you.
Don’t Forget to Rest.
One of the main points of hustle culture is that a moment spent not working or gaining income is wasted. However, this mindset is a recipe for burnout and anxiety. That is why you should remember to take a break once in a while.
Yes, working hard is essential to succeed in your career. But if you don’t learn to take breaks, you’ll just wear yourself out and become even less productive.
Taking breaks, no matter how short, helps you unwind from the stress of your work. That’s what your vacation leaves are for, anyways. So when you return, you return refreshed and able to bring your best to the table again.
Know Your Values and Priorities.
Another way to overcome hustle culture is to take a step back and assess your values and priorities. Why do you work so hard? Is it only to gain more money? Or is it for your family? Or do you have a career goal you want to accomplish as soon as possible?
Remembering why you’re working so hard helps orient you on which things to prioritize. If you’re hustling for your family, why not spare some time to be with them? You can always earn money, but you won’t be able to get back lost time with your loved ones.
Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself.
Most followers of hustle culture often mistake becoming sick due to being overworked as noble and commendable when it’s not. What could working yourself to the bone do for your career if you’re constantly ill?
So before anything else, don’t forget to practice self-care first. Self-care is “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.”
This ranges from getting more sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising to detaching yourself from work by taking a vacation. Despite what hustle culture may tell you, doing these helps improve your work quality and productivity, thus improving your chances to get promoted while staying physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy.
It’s Time for the Grind to Stop.
Detaching yourself from blindly following hustle culture is a long and challenging process. And yet, it isn’t impossible. So long as you’re willing to put effort into it and remain consistent, which are traits you probably already have in spades, right?
If you’re looking for a workplace that promotes a healthier work-life balance, Remote Staff has you covered. Head to our jobs list to see the various online jobs you can apply to, depending on your qualifications. Good luck!
