Tanzeela Abdul Rasheed
In a world once dominated by rise and grind, Generation Z is rewriting the rules of work. From advocating for flexible schedules or embracing quiet quitting or a shift to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, Gen Z is challenging the toxic hustle culture that glorified overwork and sidelined personal health.
This is a generation that has witnessed the transition of palates from egg and toast to thinly cut avocados and toast. Somewhere along the way, they also saw millennials taking pride in ungodly work hours.
Take Hrithik Nath, a 26-year-old, Mumbai-based graphic designer who recently quit citing overwhelming demands placed on him. “I had no time for my studies or personal life and the work was extremely hectic,” he shared, adding that he faced penalties despite meeting daily targets.
His story reflects a common complaint among young professionals: Unrealistic expectations with little regard for employee well-being. The shift also reflects a deeper cultural transformation. Chasing the highest salary at the expense of well-being is no longer the default.
Today, they care far more about work-life balance, mental health, meaningful relationships, and work that gives them a sense of purpose.
Many are redefining work on their own terms, pursuing side gigs that align with their passions, that fund creative pursuits or personal goals.
While few workplaces are adapting, the Gen Z still face accusations of being entitled or privileged — labels that overlook their push for systemic change. They are trying to build a world where ambition and well being coexist.
And the best part? They are not asking for anything unreasonable. They are asking for something every generation has always deserved but was too afraid or too conditioned to demand. They are not just combating hustle culture but redefining what it means to thrive.
Gen Z’s rejection of hustle culture isn’t about being lazy or abandoning ambition. Instead, it’s about choosing boundaries over burnout, well being over hustle, and values over grind.