"The Puzzle of Hustle" How Much Are We Responsible For?

• Shocked by the recent few remarks on workhours? Well this reaction resonates with so many. And why wouldn’t it? As a form, the notion of overwork is unduly overrated, as a norm, it’s harmful.

None of us want to be at the receiving end of such long-hours workweek as a norm. We all need moments to spend with loved ones, complete pending chores, or simply unwind in front of the TV — to replenish to rejuvenate and bounce back more effectively.

One thing that got reflected in all counterpoints is that this expectation is presumptuous at best, harmful at worst.

But what bothers me today is this:? What we criticize in words, do we unknowingly perpetuate through our actions — for ourselves, for our peers, for our children - openly or silently?

The modern world demands resilience and adaptability, but have we ever paused to see how early we introduce this into children’s lives? While we may not consciously introduce the hustle culture to children, our expectations and societal norms do it for us.

• Have we turned childhood into a sprint from one activity to another? Between school, home work, extra curriculars, tuitions, and other classes, how much time do we let children get to simply play or get bored (the lost art of getting bored and its significance..well that's a topic for another time)
• Do our actions and reactions send the message that results matter more than effort, curiosity or joy? Do we let grades, medals and certificates overshadow a child’s sense of learning and creativity?
• Children are like sponge - they observe and absorb from the adults around them. Do we glorify busyness in our own lives, unintentionally teaching them that constant work is a badge of honor - and way of life?
• Social Media impacts their lives in many ways - it increases the tendency of seeking validation, fear of missing out, pressure to perform, showcase etc.. How do we introduce balanced exposure to social media is a puzzle - most of us, yet, have to crack, when we are role modelling a different message usually.

Yes, preparing children for the competitive world is necessary, but extremes—of any kind—can hinder their emotional and mental growth.

Our working norms also often mirror this form...

• How often do we inject imbalance into others’ lives through our working styles?
• How many times have we rushed deliverables over someone’s lunch or got on a not-so-urgent ad-hoc call with a peer during their dinner time to finish something quickly?
• How often do we disrupt someone’s planned holidays, sick leaves, or personal time for non-critical work?
• How frequently do we prioritize our sense of urgency, turning “URGENT” into “IMPORTANT”, because we wish to get it out of our To-Do list. While there is nothing wrong with ticking off the tasks off the lists, as long as someone does not have to miss his child’s doctor's appointment, or a planned family outing because we want to get it done "URGENTLY" before we go to hangout or on a vacation...may be?

Flexible working is often seen as a solution, but true flexibility should be mutual. When one person's choice of work hours extends another's work hours or shifts responsibilities into personal time, it challenges the balance that flexibility is meant to provide. How do we ensure flexibility works for everyone? What can we do?

The privilege that makes overwork possible is rarely acknowledged.

• How often do we view others’ situations through our privileged tinted glasses, assuming they have similar support systems to care for their parents, children, pets, home chores or ?emergencies?
• How many of us understand that to be able to work longer hours with peace is often a luxury afforded by privilege—a robust support system (or should I call it an aspired replacement system) comes at a cost and is not accessible to everyone?

Remember the “Hobbies” section on Resumes? Is it still relevant?? It used to be there when we prepared our generation prepared ours for the first few jobs. It used to be a recommended section back then. Eventually it started disappearing from people's resumes and nobody questioned its absence.

• How many of us believe that having a hobby is a sign of a well-rounded individual? And how many of us respect someone leaving work on time to attend a guitar class or pursue personal growth?
• How many of us let employees at different life stages coexist without drawing unfair comparisons?
• How often do we impose our own goals or life priorities onto others, judging their choices and breeding conformity?

Our current education system and modern corporate norms often feed conformity, thus hustle and grind to fit in. Yet, we believe that authenticity is a leadership skill. How do we resolve this?

Yes, the hustle culture is here to stay. We, in order to thrive, will have to learn to survive and with resilience... How do we ensure that it does not reach any extreme because extreme—of any kind—is unhealthy.

The hustle culture doesn't just affect individuals; its impact ripples through families, workplaces, and societies, creating a cycle that's hard to break without deliberate intervention. It's the domino effect in action!

Each of us, in our capacity, contributes to the culture we live in - at home, at work. It’s not only the senior leaders or heads of organizations responsible for creating norms, each one of us is. This conversation is an opportunity—not just to point fingers, but to turn inward to reflect.

How can we make a difference??

1. By fostering an environment where diverse ways of being, living, and working are celebrated, and personal boundaries are respected.
2. By recognizing even smaller achievements as moments to honor effort, curiosity and creativity.
3. By giving grace to ourselves and others because everyone is navigating their own challenges at their own pace, and extending understanding to support their journey.
4. By normalizing discussions about balance, burnout, and vulnerability, breaking the stigma around slowing down to prioritize well-being.
5. By believing, practicing, and promoting that rest is a necessity, not a reward or luxury, and creating space for everyone to pause and recharge.

Do you relate with the points? Do share your thoughts ..experiences..!

I look forward to hearing from you.