Hustle Culture’s Hidden Costs: Mumbai techie’s health scare highlights urgent need for work-life balance
He included a photograph of himself in a hospital bed, along with a message.
In a significant cautionary narrative that has touched numerous individuals, Kritarth Mittal, a 25-year-old tech entrepreneur based in Mumbai, has shed light on the detrimental aspects of hustle culture. As the founder of the application Soshals, Mittal experienced a health crisis that led to hospitalization, attributing the incident to his reckless lifestyle choices.
Mittal recounted that his daily life had been chaotic since his college years, characterized by frequent all-nighters, inadequate sleep of less than five hours each day, and an unhealthy diet. He admitted that his body was increasingly reminding him that he was no longer in his 20s, emphasizing the necessity for improved self-care as he matures.
The 25-year-old entrepreneur revealed that he awoke one morning suffering from a debilitating headache and experienced persistent vomiting, symptoms that were unfamiliar to him. He was admitted to the hospital as a result of the negative impact his lifestyle had on his well-being.
Burnout and Health Issues: The Consequences of Hustle Culture
In a message shared on the social media platform X, Mittal urged his followers to prioritize their health while discussing the detrimental aspects of hustle culture. He included a photograph of himself in a hospital bed, along with a message that stated, “Hustle culture comes with a cost — some you incur right away and some over decades.”
Mittal reflected on how staying up late and maintaining an irregular schedule might have seemed “cool” during his college years, but he recognized that such habits were no longer viable as he matured. He committed to establishing a routine and making a concerted effort to adhere to it, understanding the necessity of prioritizing his health.
Medical practitioners have increasingly expressed concerns regarding the effects of hustle culture on both physical and mental well-being. The symptoms experienced by Mittal—intense headaches and nausea—are frequently linked to stress, lack of sleep, and inadequate nutrition. Healthcare experts stress that persistent sleep deprivation can result in various health complications, such as diminished immune function, heightened susceptibility to chronic illnesses, and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Dr. Anjali Sharma, a physician based in Mumbai, remarked that “the relentless pursuit of productivity without adequate rest and nutrition can lead to burnout and serious health complications.” She emphasized that young professionals often neglect the necessity of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, which may lead to enduring health repercussions.
A recent study conducted by the McKinsey Health Institute in 2023 revealed that 59% of employees in India reported experiencing symptoms of burnout, positioning India as the nation with the highest burnout rates worldwide.
Furthermore, the Boston Consulting Group also found that 48% of employees across various countries, including India, are suffering from burnout, a situation that is aggravated by insufficient inclusion and support within the workplace.
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