#hustle-culture

#hustle-culture

The idea that you aren't worthy unless you are producing results has seeped like insidious black mold into every facet of our modern lives. We are pressured to always be making goals, going somewhere, or achieving something. "Doing nothing" is scorned as lazy. Pursuing a hobby with no monetary value or social esteem is deemed a waste of time. You only have a certain number of days on this planet. If you don't spend them hustling, you're of no use to anyone.

I became interested in consulting through some older friends while studying at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. Their stories about how fast you could learn and grow in the career made me want to pursue it. I applied to all the top firms and accepted McKinsey's offer to be a business analyst in 2010 as soon as I received it. It was the best thing I could imagine as a long-term career.

Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal priorities have shifted. Many began to recognize the fragility of health, the value of family, and the all-too-common symptoms of burnout. In response, they are adopting a different approach. A new trend known as "soft productivity" has emerged as a guiding philosophy for a growing number of working Americans. In the five years since the pandemic, it has steadily taken hold, reshaping what "normal" looks like on the job.

LinkedIn is entering a cringe era, sparking debate over its evolving nature as the platform balances between professional networking and a culture of hustle.

"Long hours. Skipped vacations. Constant motion. These have become badges of honor for ambitious professionals. But here's the hard truth: Hustle culture is lying to you."