Hey, fellow entrepreneurs – brace yourself for a potentially uncomfortable question. Have you ever stopped to consider if the whole concept of ‘hustle culture,’ where you grind 24/7 and sacrifice everything for success, is not far off from the deceptive promise of a pyramid scheme?
Think about it. Pyramid schemes thrive on the idea that if you just work hard enough and recruit sufficiently, you’ll reach the pinnacle of financial independence and luxury. Sounds familiar? The hustle culture narratives often parrot this same tune: Work around the clock, say goodbye to your social life, and you’ll be rewarded with entrepreneurial nirvana.
But here’s the controversial bit: Isn’t this promise equally misleading? We celebrate the few who make it, plastering their faces on Forbes and glorifying their bank accounts, but ignore the silent majority suffering from burnout, broken relationships, and spiraling mental health. The narrative dangerously implies that those who fail just ‘didn’t hustle hard enough.’
Are we simply perpetuating a toxic cycle that’s as risky and destructive as the schemes we publicly condemn?
Let’s have an honest conversation. Are we unfairly romanticizing overworking, or is this ‘extreme work ethic’ a necessary step on the ladder to success? Where do we draw the line, and how do we build sustainable, healthy entrepreneurial ventures without falling into this trap?
Ready for the heat
My FIL is a very good role model for me. He built a successful business over many years, and while he worked a lot, he made time to attend every family event, and every one of my husband’s sporting things. He wasn’t working while there either, he would volunteer at the events and help clean up afterward.
He worked long hours, but he also took long family vacations (like 2+ weeks) at least once a year, and smaller weekend trips besides. He’s semi-retired now (sold the business, but got bored eventually) and still does some deals here and there. BUT, he spends most of his time playing a sport with a rotating group of neighbors and is always meeting friends or family for a meal out somewhere. He seems prob 10-15 years younger than other men the same age just because he stays healthy and is nearly always in a good mood.