Being held hostage by hustle culture? Experts share insights

In a world where success comes measured in metrics — followers, funding, fame — slowing down can feel like falling behind.

- Aalokitaa Basu

The chase for the next win has turned hustle into habit and burnout into a badge of honour. But how much ambition is too much, and when does drive turn into drain? Even the strongest minds and bodies have limits. Some, like Chinese influencer Tom Jia, are rejecting the grind altogether with the “lying flat” philosophy, taking it easy and stepping out of the rat race. But for most, raised to equate worth with output, pausing feels impossible. Experts say it's time to redefine what healthy

WHEN HUSTLE HELPS, AND WHEN IT HURTS