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Is the 'Hustle Culture' just a glorified Pyramid Scheme? (alien.top)

submitted 10 months ago by A707@alien.top to c/entrepreneur@indiehackers.space

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Hey, fellow entrepreneurs – brace yourself for a potentially uncomfortable question. Have you ever stopped to consider if the whole concept of 'hustle culture,' where you grind 24/7 and sacrifice everything for success, is not far off from the deceptive promise of a pyramid scheme?

Think about it. Pyramid schemes thrive on the idea that if you just work hard enough and recruit sufficiently, you'll reach the pinnacle of financial independence and luxury. Sounds familiar? The hustle culture narratives often parrot this same tune: Work around the clock, say goodbye to your social life, and you'll be rewarded with entrepreneurial nirvana.

But here's the controversial bit: Isn't this promise equally misleading? We celebrate the few who make it, plastering their faces on Forbes and glorifying their bank accounts, but ignore the silent majority suffering from burnout, broken relationships, and spiraling mental health. The narrative dangerously implies that those who fail just 'didn't hustle hard enough.'

Are we simply perpetuating a toxic cycle that's as risky and destructive as the schemes we publicly condemn?

Let's have an honest conversation. Are we unfairly romanticizing overworking, or is this 'extreme work ethic' a necessary step on the ladder to success? Where do we draw the line, and how do we build sustainable, healthy entrepreneurial ventures without falling into this trap?

Ready for the heat

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[–] PurpleEsskay@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

I think it's a lot more complicated than a simple yes/no answer, but there absolutely is an element of pyramid scheme vibes to it.

It's not helped by the fakers who's entire business success is selling how to be successful. Almost all the books, courses, private groups, coaching, etc are aimed at people who think they can be the one that makes it, and that these people are their path to learning how to be successful. In reality 99% of them spend a small fortune on all this crap and end up failing.

I think what makes it worse is you get a lot of people that fool themselves into believing and trusting these people they've paid. They'll come to posts like this and defend them even with overwhelming evidence showing them its all a big scam.