The Downside of Entrepreneurial Escapism

The rise of hustle culture is a natural consequence of extreme individualism, growing digitalization of society, and toxic capitalism. Even during a pandemic, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a celebrity, local entrepreneur, or internet troll saying it’s ok to take a break.

I‘d like to add my opinion on some psychological factors affecting some entrepreneurs that may be difficult to spot from the outside. With social media, it’s easy to see an artificial image of many entrepreneurs but what is most important is not the byproduct of their work but their philosophy towards entrepreneurship and life in general.

It is important to work on your craft and extremely difficult to turn your craft into a sustainable business. However, by continuously self-reflecting on your emotions and motivations, you can become more effective in what you do.

Many entrepreneurs use “work” as an escape from family issues, health issues, financial issues just to name a few life challenges. Escapism comes in many forms and downing yourself in work and goals in simply one.

Being obsessively passionate about your goals and business can lead you to fall in the category of 45% of entrepreneurs that report being stressed compared to 42% of “other workers.”

Escapism isn’t inherently bad. It can be the fuel for creativity and freedom but taken to its extremes will not only impact your own health and well-being but will also ruin your closest relationships and business opportunities.

You are not defined by your work. Prolonging a product launch, changing your goals, or deciding you're going to take a break doesn’t make you a failure as a person.