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In this opinion piece, one writer asks: Is hustle culture making Malaysians unhappier?
20 years ago, RM100 could fill a shopping trolley. Now, it’s a distant dream as RM100 can only suffice for a fortnight’s essentials. Millennials and Gen Zs are stretching the Ringgit to unimaginable distances, and we are struggling.
In occupations where we aren’t paid enough, and in cities where rental prices make our eyes pop out, Malaysians are looking to diversify their income rapidly. Hustle culture, the grind, girlbossing, and other synonyms – you name it, we are embracing it. But what happens when we take hustle culture too far?
Are Malaysians taking hustle culture too far?
Hustling became a culture because it provided a solution to our financial woes. The idea that anyone with just a few extra hours could find greener pastures by working for it is seductive.
However, what was once a means of survival has now become a competition of who can work the hardest. Many Malaysians have adopted hustle culture as a way to fit into social circles that pride themselves on ultra-productivity. It is rewarding to post #thegrind on their social media, as it is seen as an achievement by others.
It’s a constant sprint of pushing ourselves to do and be better. The horizons of happiness are continually expanding, and we drive metaphorical Ferraris (though in reality, we drive Axias) to meet them.
4 ways hustle culture has made our quality of life worse:
While this ultra-productivity is beneficial for wallets and outer appearances in society, this constant marathon has taken a toll on our lives. Here are some ways hustle culture has proven to be detrimental:
#1. Poor mental health:
Overworking has been directly linked to several mental health issues, such as lack of sleep and high stress levels, which can contribute to depression and anxiety, leading to lower quality of life and decreased productivity.
#2. Reinforcing the idea that there is only one way to live:
Success can be defined in various ways, not solely through material fulfillment. There are numerous paths to a fulfilling life, such as sustainable farming practices, teaching children, creating art, and writing. These avenues can offer success and fulfillment without relying solely on productivity driven by material gain.
#3. Discrimination & prejudice against those who reject hustle culture:
There is a significant amount of prejudice against individuals who do not subscribe to this culture. Often, they are branded as lazy or irresponsible. However, this creates a narrow view of productivity and stifles diversity in work styles.
#4. Quiet quitting & prioritizing meaningful work:
During the pandemic, many employees experienced burnout and began only doing the minimum amount of work required. This phenomenon, known as “quiet quitting,” allowed individuals to reclaim control over their work-life balance and prioritize tasks that were meaningful to them.
Redefine what it means to be “hardworking”
It’s becoming increasingly clear that this relentless pace of work impedes a peaceful quality of life. Recognizing when to step back from work and enforcing healthy boundaries, such as carving out downtime and prioritizing purposeful work, is crucial.
As Malaysians, we must break free from outdated notions of success and redefine what it means to be “hardworking.” Transitioning away from hustle culture and integrating work-life balance should be seen as a productive challenge.
Try incorporating things you love into your life, such as a new hobby, or actively taking breaks between stressful tasks. You can even try recharging in nature. We feel more fulfilled at work when we prioritize enriching our life outside of work.
Ditch the “First to come, Last to leave” mindset
We also collectively need to ditch the “First to come, Last to leave” mindset at work, where many compete to be the first to come to the office, and the last to leave. Not only is it detrimental to our health, but overworking can also decrease our overall productivity levels. If cars can’t run on empty fuel tanks, how can we?
Additionally, instead of viewing hard work in terms of hours put in, think of effective work in terms of impact or change created. Switching up the way we gauge productive work can alleviate a lot of time and effort on our part.
Find your purpose outside of work
Explore new avenues of work! One of the more common questions people ask themselves when they burn out and are exhausted from their day-to-day life is: “What is my purpose?”
Your “purpose” is whatever has always come naturally to you.
A little confused? Allow me to shed some light — think back to when you were a child, what were you excited about the most? Or what were you naturally good at? Was it writing? Or cooking? Perhaps you always had a knack for fixing things or were a whiz at puzzles.
Come out of the comfort zone of what has been dictated to us as a “dependable job” and challenge yourself to find that equilibrium of your passion and financial prosperity. You might surprise yourself and truly find or carve a space where you get to combine financial gain with peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
What do you think of this story?
Let us know in the comments!
Send an email to hello@inreallife.my and you may be featured on In Real Life Malaysia.
Read also: Why Malaysians Don’t Quit Their Jobs No Matter How Bad It Gets
Why Malaysians Don’t Quit Their Jobs No Matter How Bad It Gets
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