Hustle Culture

Written by Laurelli

As an attempt to fill up the hours of the day with beneficial, perhaps even “productive” activities, instead of wasting away on the couch, scrolling, I think about all the things I should be doing to better myself. Going to the gym, loading the laundry, doing that one super extra step in my skincare routine, for me, micro-needling, seeing friends, or trying to make something, cooking and eating my first actual meal in the past week or making that Dr.’s appointment…

If I have the time, why not check things off my list? Wouldn’t that make me feel better? Unfortunately, no. The problem is that none of those things make me money. A lot of them end up costing me money, even if it is a fucking ridiculous five bucks at the laundromat. Trust me, I love money. For whatever reason, my subconscious is obsessed with money, my consciousness is too. I think it could probably buy my happiness, don’t @ me, but that’s for another essay. Unless I’m doing something that’s making me money, or has the potential to in the future, like studio sessions, recording, and making TikToks, it’s so hard let myself feel good about doing it. A day full of taking care of myself and my needs turns a voice in my head on saying that I’m unproductive, I didn’t take advantage, and I didn’t do anything “aaaallllll dayyyyyy” (that’s how she sounds, really whiny.)

When I first moved to Los Angeles, and even when I first started making music, it took me a while to realize that the whole hustler, “grind” image that people put out is complete bullshit. A lot of people haven’t realized that yet, and it can be a massive weight you don’t even know exists. It exists on social media in general, but I’ll speak on the music industry since that’s what I know. There’s this idea that everyone is constantly working, and if you’re not then you’re in the wrong. Parties every weekend, sessions every day, networking events, consistent content for social media, blah blah blah. My brain knows that none of that is sustainable. Even if it is true, I’ve been close with people who’ve run themselves dry, burning out by trying to make the hustle their reality. I figured out that these “daily sessions,” actually consist of linking with a friend who’s an artist, producer or engineer to talk shit, smoke and make two songs for eight hours. Most likely rappin’ about the grind, or posting it on socials, just to end up with two more, probably mid, songs to throw on the pile. It’s not their fault for playing into it, people eat that shit up, including myself at some points. It’s a vicious cycle, feeling like you have to work harder to prove yourself because of the image other people put out, causing you to eventually put out the same image as them, which sends everyone watching you back to step 1, feeling like shit. 

People out here are broke. People are working normal jobs. They’re getting Beyonce placements, then clocking in at Wendy’s. They’re posting a plaque then struggling to pay bills, be happy and stay sober. Crazy things can happen to anyone every day!

Sometimes I walk my ass to the park because doing nothing while on my phone feels better outside. Sometimes I schedule sessions every single day for two weeks straight. Sometimes I cry because I feel like I don’t have enough money to wash my sheets. I won’t give you advice because that’s a problem if you listen to me, so I’ll just say it to myself. Prioritize your list, not somebody else’s or the ones spoon-fed to you by capitalism, captions and billionaires. Most people’s lists are going unchecked, and it's a good day if anything on yours is, monetized or not.