The recent news of Mr. Nithin Kamath, the founder of Zerodha, suffering a minor stroke, brought with it a wave of sorrow and concern. His last social media post, emphasizing the need to “shift gears down a bit,” serves as a critical reminder of the dangers inherent in glorifying hustle culture. It begs the question: Have we, as a society, contributed to this glorification?
Mr. Kamath, known for his success and advocacy for a healthy lifestyle—including clean eating and regular workouts—represents a disconcerting narrative. The irony of a fitness-conscious individual succumbing to stress-induced health issues underscores the unpredictable nature of such ailments.
Reflecting on my seven-year journey as an entrepreneur, I can attest to the internal pressures of striking a balance between work and life, against the backdrop of the glorified 100-hour workweek. Figures like Elon Musk have popularized the notion of working to the brink of exhaustion, a narrative I find troubling.
I do not advocate for inactivity or procrastination. However, the emerging belief among younger generations that balance is unattainable is alarming. In an era flooded with information, discerning valuable insights from noise is crucial.
Personally, there were moments when I doubted my efforts, especially during the early struggles. Ironically, these doubts crept in during periods of extreme overwork—sleeping in the office after 16- to 18-hour days.
The influence of hustle culture, often celebrated in motivational content, is both subtle and pervasive. It leads one to question the worthiness and sustainability of such relentless pursuit.
Is it worth it? My answer is no.
Can it be sustained long-term? I seriously doubt it.
Society’s equation of long hours with success overlooks the importance of efficiency levers like smart decision-making, technology, delegation, prioritization, and the art of saying no. The most impactful decisions and productive periods in my life occurred during moments of pause, aligning with Ryan Holiday’s notion that calmness fosters creativity and endurance.
Studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlight the risks of overworking, linking long hours to significant health issues. In 2016, excessive work hours were estimated to cause nearly 400,000 stroke-related deaths and 350,000 heart disease fatalities.
To combat the pitfalls of hustle culture, actions at both individual and organizational levels are essential:
At the Individual Level: Establishing and communicating clear boundaries is crucial. Seeking professional help to manage stress or untangle from hustle culture should be destigmatized.
At the Organizational Level: Companies should adapt to their specific sectors by offering flexible working hours and focusing on outcomes rather than hours logged. Leadership must exemplify the work-life balance they promote.
Mr. Kamath’s health scare is a poignant reminder of the dangerous path carved by hustle culture. It’s time for a societal reevaluation of overwork glorification and a shift towards a more sustainable approach to success—one that prioritizes well-being, balance, and the courage to place health above endless labor.