Andrew Tate, a social media personality known for his aggressive takes on success, often pushes phrases like “no days off” and “sleep is for the weak,” fueling the hustle culture mindset that’s everywhere online. While this message might seem motivating, the obsession with nonstop grinding can actually do more harm than good, especially for students and young entrepreneurs. Hustle culture glorifies overworking, treating exhaustion like a badge of honor and pushing the idea that success requires sacrificing everything—sleep, rest, and even fun. It convinces people that they should always be working, whether it’s on school, a job, or a side project. But the truth is, this mindset isn’t sustainable, and constantly hustling can lead to burnout rather than real, long-term success.
“Honestly the trick to staying on top of the grind is to have goals and work towards something you’re passionate about,” Senior Diego Amador said, one of the students and entrepreneurs behind DND, a business focused on vintage items. “If you love what you are doing, the burnout doesn’t come as quick. Those extra hours you spend working on a project don’t hurt as much if you wouldn’t rather do anything else.”
Burnout happens when you push yourself too hard for too long, and it’s not just something adults face. Students can feel it too. Many teens try to juggle perfect grades, lots of extracurriculars, and sometimes even running their own businesses. This can make them feel like they need to keep going, even when they’re tired or stressed.
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram can make this worse. People post about their “grind,” showing off their packed schedules and achievements. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind when you compare yourself to others. But what you don’t see are the struggles behind those posts. The co-partner behind DND, senior Dani Chacko has his own beliefs about the impact of social media.
“Social media can make it feel like you’re always falling behind,” Chacko said. “I’ve learned not to compare my journey to anyone else’s.”
For young entrepreneurs like Amador and Chacko, the pressure is even greater. Balancing school with running a business is no small task. They have to manage social media, respond to customers, and grow their brand, all while keeping up with their studies.
Amador admits it can be tough: “It’s all about priorities…sometimes school takes the lead, and other times it’s the business.”
One of the biggest dangers of hustle culture is burnout. Chacko shares his experience.
“Burnout does happen, and I’ve felt it a lot,” Chacko said. “When it happens, I remind myself it’s okay to take a break.”
Instead of trying to do more, it’s better to focus on doing things well.
“Don’t let the grind culture scare you,” Amador advises. “Start small, and focus on your passion instead of trying to compete with others. A lot of things can take off even if they are considered niche, its important to find your audience and even if it takes a while…your journey is your own, and it’s okay to grow at your own pace.”
It’s also important to set boundaries between work and life. Amador has learned this is key to staying healthy.
“I’ve made myself take a step back at certain times or dedicate specific days to friends and family. It helps me stay grounded and well-rested.”
So, the next time you hear someone say, “rise and grind,” remember that success isn’t about working nonstop. It’s about balance, self-care, and doing your best without losing sight of what matters most.
