Dear Men — Take a Break From the Hustle

Make room for joy, and let the hustle know it’s not the only rhythm in town

I’ve been noticing something on the scene, especially on X — a trend that’s raising my eyebrows. It’s the trend of guys in their 20s and 30s proudly declaring they don’t do breaks, avoid loved ones, and basically live, breathe, and sleep work. They call it a “flex,” a badge of honour for their unwavering commitment. But to me, it feels less like a power move and more like a silent cry for help.

Let’s talk about the hustle culture allure. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. The hustle gospel preaches that if you grind nonstop, you’ll hit that sweet spot called success, and then, life becomes a breeze. But here’s the reality check — for most folks, that “I made it” moment keeps playing elusive. There’s always another milestone, and the satisfaction finish line stays frustratingly out of reach.

I get it because I’ve lived it. I sacrificed moments with family and friends, convinced that chasing career dreams was the key. Looking back, those shared laughs and heart-to-heart talks meant more than any work goal. But in the thick of hustle culture, I was blind to what genuinely mattered.

Here’s the deal: societal pressure often pushes young men into this hustle frenzy. The outdated notion that being a man means a perpetual grind, no breaks, always hustling to provide — it’s like an old cassette stuck on repeat. But let me be real with you — constant work doesn’t make you more of a man. More often, it leads to burnout, blues, loneliness, and a nagging feeling that life’s slipping by.

Back in my early 20s, I was the poster child for hustle culture. Being busy 24/7 felt like a status symbol. My self-worth was hitched to productivity and climbing the career ladder, toxic much? I was so deep in the hustle, that I almost lost touch with everything vital — family, health, the simple joys of life. I kept telling myself that I was young, had the energy and could put in all the hours, so no excuses. Work took the front seat, and my well-being rode shotgun.

Soon enough, I woke up to the truth: no job title could replace the joy of human connections and experiences I was missing. I hit the brakes and started reassessing my priorities. Turns out, it wasn’t the promotions that lit up my life; it was the belly laughs over a meal, the late-night conversations with close friends, the hangouts with friends and loved ones, the trips and photographs, parties and Games nights. Those connections and experiences couldn’t be sacrificed in the name of hustle and success. They were the whole point of life.

You can choose balance, joy, and time with your loved ones over being “on” 24/7. You can work hard and still make space for the things that matter most and the things that make you happy. I’m writing this because I know firsthand how seductive hustle culture can be, especially for young men seeking purpose and success. But it often leads to burnout and regret. I don’t want that for you.