You ever feel like you're constantly running on a treadmill that just keeps getting faster? Like no matter how much you work, there's always some "motivational" post telling you to hustle harder, wake up earlier, grind on weekends, and turn your entire life into a productivity spreadsheet?

Look, I get it. Everyone wants to get ahead. We’re bombarded with stories of self-made millionaires and "entrepreneurs" who supposedly made it big by just “outworking everyone.” But honestly? It’s not sustainable. Some of us have jobs, families, hobbies, and, you know, the need to rest. When did it become a badge of honor to work yourself into the ground?

What’s worse is this idea that if you’re not doing something 24/7, you’re lazy. Like taking a break or gasp relaxing is some kind of moral failure. It’s infuriating! You can’t even scroll through social media without some guy telling you that your 9-5 is for "losers" and that you should have seven side hustles, a six-pack, and a thriving social life all at once.

Newsflash: humans need downtime. We’re not machines. There's nothing wrong with wanting a life that doesn't revolve around monetizing every waking moment. And yet, people are shamed for simply wanting to have a work-life balance, for daring to value things like sleep, family, or even just chilling out without feeling like they should be “grinding” all the time.

The craziest part? Hustle culture sells this toxic lie that anyone can become a millionaire if they just "want it bad enough"—ignoring that the game is rigged in favor of those who already have resources, connections, or sheer dumb luck.

I’m not saying hard work doesn’t matter, but let’s stop pretending that working 80-hour weeks and burning yourself out is the only path to success. Sometimes, taking care of your mental health is more important than pushing yourself to the limit just to meet some arbitrary idea of success.

Can we please normalize not glorifying burnout? Life’s short. I’d rather spend my time living it than hustling myself into an early gra