For years, the rise-and-grind ethos of hustle culture reigned supreme, glorifying relentless productivity, sleepless nights and the idea that success meant squeezing every second out of your day for work. But Gen Z isn’t feeling it, choosing instead to find ways of working that also support their well-being. This seismic cultural shift raises a question: What does success look like in the post-hustle world?
The hustle culture boom — and inevitable crash
Hustle culture exploded in the 2010s, fueled by startup moguls, influencer culture and the promise of the gig economy. Social media platforms became hotbeds for motivational quotes and videos showing entrepreneurs waking up at 4 a.m., juggling multiple income streams and championing the mantra, “Sleep is for the weak.”
Cracks started showing in the facade, though, before the pandemic. A 2019 Gallup survey revealed that 28% of workers reported feeling burned out at work very often or always, while another 48% felt it sometimes. The pandemic turned this smoldering discontent into an inferno, as remote work blurred boundaries and led to record-high levels of exhaustion and dissatisfaction.
Economic realities played a role, too. From living through the Great Recession to juggling student loans they’ll never pay off and skyrocketing housing costs keeping home ownership perpetually out of reach, it’s no wonder the younger generation isn’t keen to burn themselves out for a promise that may never deliver.
In just a few years, the narrative around work and success has shifted dramatically, turning what was once a badge of honor into a cultural relic. Gen Z, more than any other generation, is rejecting the grind in favor of their own happiness and well-being.
Hustle’s rebrand wasn’t flattering
In the past few years, social media has seen a proliferation of videos, memes, satire and candid discussions about the toxicity of overworking. Posts and videos mock hustle culture and offer alternative views of work and life.
On TikTok and other platforms, hashtags like #AntiWork, #QuietQuitting, #HushTrip and #BareMinimumMonday garnered billions of views. Videos celebrating balance over burnout went viral, often featuring captions like, “Your job will replace you in a week, so take care of yourself first.” This content struck a chord with Gen Z, whose values were already diverging from those of their millennial predecessors.
One of the most popular trends, quiet quitting, became a rallying cry for those who wanted to set boundaries without abandoning their jobs entirely. Quiet quitters fulfill their job responsibilities, but nothing more. They don’t stay late to finish a project, take work home with them or go the extra mile to earn brownie points.
The hush trip — when a remote employee works from a vacation destination, like a Thai beach or a Mexican yoga retreat, without informing their employer that they’re not at home — is another trend that quickly took hold. It’s a loophole in the employment contract that allows overburdened workers to reclaim time and energy.
If hustle culture is dead, what’s taking its place?
Gen Z’s disdain for hustle culture doesn’t mean they’re lazy — far from it. They want to work, but in a way that fits into their lives, allowing them to maintain balance and a sense of purpose.
A 2023 Deloitte survey found that 46% of Gen Z respondents ranked work-life balance as their top consideration when choosing a job. They’re opting for careers that offer flexibility, remote work options and time for personal pursuits.
Mental health first
TikTok’s openness about mental health has made it a cornerstone of Gen Z’s priorities. The platform is filled with videos promoting self-care — from therapy to mindfulness and meditation — and it has influenced how the younger generation approaches their own mental health and self-care needs. According to RippleMatch, it has also led workplaces to enhance mental health benefits and create supportive environments for employees.
Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity leader, for example, gives employees access to mental health resources from individual therapy and meditation classes to life coaching. Similarly, Oliver Wyman has established a global Wellbeing Champion Network, enabling colleagues to support one another.
Employers are embracing remote and hybrid work options, too. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 14% of all employed adults now work from home full time, while 41% with jobs that can be done remotely are on hybrid schedules, allowing employees the freedom to balance work and personal life. People function better when they can sit down and eat breakfast with their families instead of rushing out the door for a long commute to the office.
Passion over paychecks
Money still matters to Gen Z, but it’s no longer the thing that drives them to pursue a certain career. These days, young adults are looking for jobs that align with their values and allow them to make a positive impact while also paying their bills.
A 2021 LinkedIn Workforce Confidence survey revealed that around 69% of Gen Z employees consider alignment with company values a key factor in their job decisions.
For this generation, meaningful work trumps grinding it out just for a fat paycheck.
Where we go from here
With heavy influence from social media, the workplace of 2025 is evolving. Companies are rethinking productivity metrics, offering more flexible schedules and even experimenting with four-day workweeks. Employees are finding ways to work smarter, not harder, and employers who resist this shift may struggle to attract and retain talent.
The rejection of hustle culture isn’t about rejecting work itself. It’s about redefining what work should be: Fulfilling, balanced and supportive of a full life. The hustle may be dead, but something far healthier — personal well-being — is rising in its wake.
Robin Donovan is the author of more than 40 cookbooks and the founder and creator of All Ways Delicious, a food site loaded with easy recipes for the best dishes from around the world. Her writing and recipes have been featured in major media outlets including MSN, Associated Press, Buzzfeed, Cooking Light, PopSugar, Chicago Sun-Times, Fitness, Parade, San Jose Mercury News and many others.