‘Glorify working hard’: This tweet hailing hustle culture has sharply divided netizens

✨ pic.twitter.com/PN5EHuo6Wa

— Hardik Pandya (@hvpandya) March 6, 2023

The seemingly innocuous note has gone viral with hundreds of retweets and likes. In the comments, many agreed with Pandya and equated ‘hustle culture’ with hard work and subsequent rewards. However, others argued that it is a euphemism for exploitative working conditions.

it gives ‘we’ll continue to reward damaging behaviour but we absolutely are going to make you choose bw opportunities and your health & well being’. https://t.co/GOrrmlRN6v

— Saumya (@mrsholmes_221b) March 6, 2023

I am a strong proponent of the last para 🔥

People lashing him in comments don’t really know how hard is it to work hard!!

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I outworked my peers and was amongst the Top 3% of software engineers globally in the org. And, it was only possible through hard work.

— Tanmay Rauth (@tanmayrauth) March 7, 2023

As someone who has worked 7 days a week since past 10+ years I can see where you’re coming from.

I personally wouldn’t go so far as to glorify it. Sure there’s a certain period in your life where you should absolutely give this a go but otherwise I don’t think it’s healthy.

— Tanmay (@tanmays) March 6, 2023

The issue is not when people want to work hard/hustle. It is when bosses/organizations expect it from everyone.

PS:
Notion of success mentioned seems to be very one dimensional; it can also be spending most possible time with family for some. Definition of success is personal.

— Rama (@WobbleSeam) March 6, 2023

Working during the weekend doesn’t necessarily indicate productivity. Unless it’s for an early stage startup, its probably a mismanaged team in which employees face burnout and retention / innovation is low.

— Sir_Ban_Wick 🎩 (@The_RealBan) March 6, 2023

Point is many actually do and don’t get paid– not nearly enough. Do you believe that construction workers, gig workers, and domestic workers don’t work at least 10 hours per day? Do they get paid enough to lead a dignified life? May be log off and read a book on labour history

— kadhal dot com (@karadihills) March 6, 2023

Among those who criticised Pandya’s argument, many noted that in the ruthless world of corporate capitalism, all workers – regardless of their performance or dedication – can be replaced on a whim, as seen in recent massive layoffs at top tech companies. People also opined that working extra hours is not something that everyone, especially women, with additional household responsibilities can afford.

Additionally, many explained that when employers indirectly promote hustle culture, they inadvertently set the expectation that only those who clock extra hours will be rewarded. This ends up promoting an unhealthy work-life balance.

Echoing this view, a Twitter user wrote, “it gives ‘we’ll continue to reward damaging behaviour but we absolutely are going to make you choose bw opportunities and your health & well being’.”