In a stark warning to the startup community, Kritarth Mittal, founder of the Soshals app, recently shared a personal cautionary tale on social media about the devastating consequences of embracing the “hustle culture” mentality. Mittal’s story serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers of prioritizing endless effort and sacrifice over well-being. His own experience of relentless overworking, poor lifestyle choices, and chronic sleep deprivation ultimately led to a harrowing hospitalization, forcing him to confront the true cost of his success.
Mittal’s courageous sharing of his journey highlights the importance of recognizing the warning signs of burnout and reevaluating the unsustainable expectations of today’s fast-paced work environment. By speaking out, Mittal hopes to inspire a more balanced approach to achieving success, one that prioritizes health, well-being, and sustainability alongside professional ambition.
In a candid post, Mittal sounded a warning bell, cautioning others against the toxic effects of the hustle culture. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing health and well-being, exposing the darker side of the relentless pursuit of success. By sharing his personal struggles, Mittal aimed to create a ripple effect, encouraging others to reevaluate their own relationship with work and make self-care a non-negotiable part of their journey to success.
“Hustle culture comes with a cost – some you incur right away and some over decades. Choice is yours, I’m just here to show you the ugly side of it so you don’t get swayed easy. This is me after pulling all-nighters, sleeping for <5-6 hours, and no diet plan.” he wrote on X.
Hustle culture comes with a cost — some you incur right away and some over decades.
— Kritarth Mittal | Soshals (@kritarthmittal) September 2, 2024
Choice is yours, I'm just here to show you the ugly side of it so you don't get swayed easy.
This is me after pulling all-nighters, sleeping for <5-6 hours, and no diet plan: pic.twitter.com/NcksKnwr7h
The founder acknowledged that working 12-hour days isn’t inherently detrimental to one’s health, provided it’s complemented by a balanced lifestyle consisting of regular physical activity, wholesome nutrition, and adequate rest. However, he confessed that he personally found it challenging to sustain such a routine, resulting in negative consequences like persistent bodily discomfort and noticeable fatigue, evident in dark circles under his eyes.
“I don’t think 12 hours of work is too bad if you’re able to compensate it with a regular work-out and a good diet (I hope 8 hours of sleep is also included in this routine). I have struggled to maintain a healthy routine, diet or sleep cycle. Hence, constant body pain, dark circles, etc. If you’re not observing all these symptoms, you’re good.” he commented on his post.
I don't think 12 hours of work is too bad if you're able to compensate it with a regular work-out and a good diet (I hope 8 hours of sleep is also included in this routine).
— Kritarth Mittal | Soshals (@kritarthmittal) September 2, 2024
I have struggled to maintain a healthy routine, diet or sleep cycle. Hence, constant body pain, dark…
Users shared their valuable insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. One user cautioned,
“You should never pull all nighters. Sleeping for atleast 7-8 hours a day and not drinking or smoking has made me sustain this long. The code that we write during the allnighters can be always written in the morning after a nice sleep. This is the strategy I use.” a user commented.
“All bodies are not equal. You need to understand the signals your body is giving and take it slowly. I had to go through the same. I stopped responding to the after 10 PM and early morning phone calls.” another user commented
