In recent years, the concept of hustle culture has gained significant traction across various industries, including the design field. Promoting the idea of relentless work, constant productivity, and an “always-on” mentality, hustle culture has become both a source of inspiration and a potential hazard for professionals. While it may seem appealing on the surface, the design industry’s hustle culture can lead to severe consequences.
As a designer, I’ve danced with hustle culture on the grand stage of creativity and innovation. The allure of being constantly on the move, of pushing boundaries and delivering more projects than I could count, was irresistible. It was a badge of honor, a testament to my commitment to the trade. But as I peeled back the layers, I realized that beneath the surface lies a dark side that’s not often spoken about — a side that has left me grappling with burnout and imposter syndrome.
Hustle culture, with its promise of success through tireless effort, once seemed like the pathway to design greatness. There is constant pressure to outdo oneself, take on numerous projects, and maintain a strong online presence while juggling other factors that society bombards daily. The thrill of juggling multiple projects, fueled by sleepless nights and bottomless cups of coffee, initially gave me an adrenaline rush. I felt invincible like I was mastering the art of creative multitasking. Yet, with time, the spark that ignited my passion began to shimmer down. The constant demand for productivity wore away the very essence of what had drawn me to design — the joy of ideation, experimentation, and genuine creation.
The Burnout Epidemic
Burnout stealthily tiptoed into my life. I found myself glued to my computer screen for hours on end, my personal life fading into the background. The boundary between work and leisure blurred, and the concept of downtime became a distant memory. The constant need to prove myself through an ever-growing portfolio, driven by my relentless pursuit of perfectionism, gnawed at my mental and physical well-being. The very thing that was supposed to elevate my career was hurting my creative spirit.
Imposter Syndrome and the Perfectionism Trap
And then there's imposter syndrome—a whisper that grew louder as time went by. The more I accomplished, the more I questioned whether I truly deserved the recognition. When I was promoted to my senior role I had to ask my manager to repeat herself because my brain didn’t register it. The comparison game intensified; I scrutinized my work against that of my peers, assuming they had unlocked a secret formula that I had missed and my work was far from getting a passing grade. This leads to never-ending feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. Hustle culture's glorification of constant productivity had me convinced that everyone else was effortlessly churning out masterpieces, while I struggled to barely keep up. In hindsight, I have met only a handful of designers who weren’t plagued by imposter syndrome.
Going on a break
In this whirlwind, I took a step back to reevaluate. I questioned whether this was the career journey I had envisioned — a life of exhaustion and self-doubt. The answer was a resounding no. It was time to challenge the narrative and redefine what success is to me. I realized that my worth wasn’t determined by the number of reactions on LinkedIn or the number of projects I could handle. My worth as a designer wasn’t a mathematical equation; it was measured in the quality of my work, the impact it had, and the growth I experienced along the way.
So, I embarked on a journey to reclaim my creativity and prioritize my well-being. I embraced the power of saying no to unreasonable demands and allowed myself the luxury of breaks. Even breaks from hobbies where I felt I was overcritical of what I was creating and not enjoying the process. I decided to take a pause and sought moments of solitude. Collaborative activities replaced cutthroat competition, and I discovered the strength that lies in shared experiences and shared struggles.
Not all is perfect in paradise. Yet again, the FOMO of hustle culture and imposter syndrome reappeared in my life. The feeling of guilt of a break and anxiety slipped into my thoughts. Before I knew it, I was trapped scrolling through LinkedIn, writing down notes and potential to-do lists for things I needed to improve on. I was like a moth to a flame. It took a moment of reckoning — a turning point — to realize that I had to break free from this toxic cycle. I felt like I was staring in another episode of a TV show that I had already lived through. The good news is that past experiences left me more prepared for this next round.
A Call for Balance and Well-being
Here are some tips that I have used and worked for me:
Set Realistic Boundaries: Set work hours and stick to them. Your creativity needs time to recharge too.
Learn to Say "No": It's not a dirty word! Saying "no" to projects that don't align with your goals or are beyond your capacity can save you from drowning in work and stress.
Take Breaks Without Guilt: Breaks aren't for the weak; they're for the wise. Step away from the screen, go for a walk, or just chill out. Your brain needs some breathing space to come up with those great ideas.
Embrace Imperfection: Perfectionism is the villain here. Remember, done is better than perfect. Sometimes the quirks and imperfections in your work can be its most endearing qualities.
Celebrate Wins, Big and Small: Did you nail a tough project? Awesome! Did you just design a cool form for a website? Equally awesome! Celebrate your achievements, no matter the size.
Connect with Fellow Designers: Talk to others in the field. You'll quickly realize you're not alone in battling imposter syndrome. Sharing experiences and tips can be super helpful.
Avoid the Comparison Game: It's easy to scroll through social media and feel like everyone's a design genius except you. Remember, what you see online is a highlight reel. Don't let it get to your head.
Focus on Learning, Not Perfection: Instead of chasing perfection, aim to learn and grow with each project. Design is a journey, not a destination.
Prioritize Self-Care: Designers need self-care too. Exercise, meditate, watch your favorite show—whatever helps you unwind, make time for it.
Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who's been through the hustle culture trenches. They can offer valuable advice and perspective on navigating the industry without burning out.
Diversify Your Skills: Hustle culture often narrows our focus. Consider learning new design tools or exploring different aspects of design. It can reignite your passion.
My Two Cents
My personal confrontation with the darker side of hustle culture was a powerful wake-up call, resonating deeply within my creative journey. It reminded me that despite our creative talents, we're not invincible machines but human beings with limits and a crucial need for equilibrium.
This is my unfiltered story—a personal journey navigating the abyss of burnout and imposter syndrome. It's an authentic account of the struggles we, as designers, often face. It's a call to action, urging fellow designers to question the narrative, redefine the benchmarks of success, and nurture creativity without sacrificing our well-being.
Now, we stand on the brink of a new chapter—a chapter that demands we cast aside hustle culture's looming shadow. Let's replace it with authenticity, collaboration, and a renewed passion for our craft. This shift doesn't just rejuvenate our design journeys; it forms the foundation of a healthier, more balanced approach, ultimately fostering creativity that flourishes while respecting our individual and collective mental and physical wellness.
If any of this resonates with you, remember that you’re far from alone. Take a moment to acknowledge your journey, embrace the concept of taking a break, or perhaps chat with a friend over a cup of coffee. This can be an opportunity for us to learn from each other and grow, together.
