The hustle culture is the collective mindset of working hard and putting in long hours as a way to success. This phenomenon could become more prevalent, as people fight the financial impacts of a looming recession.
According to a Qualtrics study, 64% of workers are having more trouble covering living expenses today than a year ago. About 13 million people in America also have more than one job. Workers are seeking extra shifts, searching for extra or new jobs with better pay, or entertaining side hustles. As such, working over 50 hours per week has also become normal. Generally, giving in to the hustle culture is due to necessity. For others, it comes from a need to always be productive.
The negative effects of working constantly have become the running argument against the hustle culture. These effects include increased stress levels, work-life imbalance, feelings of inadequacy, and an unhealthy mindset and lifestyle. They stem from neglect of personal needs, lack of proper sleep and nutrition, unhealthy comparisons with other people, and extreme self-criticism.
However, for people who manage to strike the right balance between work and life, the hustle culture has been very lucrative. Take Yousef Elsheikh, who built his reselling business even before receiving his high school diploma.
Doing the hustle
In 2017, Elsheikh was a high school student who began buying limited-edition Supreme sneakers and hyped apparel and reselling them. To complete purchases while he was on campus, he hid his phone in his pencil case, taking it with him to the restroom, where he could buy the goods online discreetly.
Elsheikh pushed his business’ potential while maintaining his school life. Building his wardrobe and achieving financial independence were his key motivators.
Today, his company, ITF LLC, is one of the most successful businesses in Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). It is now worth over $20 million, having hired over 30 full-time employees and owning warehouses across the tri-state area.
Why the reselling industry is ripe for the hustle
Hustle culture is a way of life that emphasizes hard work, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. It encourages business owners to think outside the box, take risks, and work hard to succeed. These themes echo within the reselling industry, as resellers need to put in a lot of hard work and long hours to build a successful business. The hustle culture is also associated with innovation and creativity, which are key components of success for resellers.
Establishing a business on service platforms such as Amazon FBA also simplifies the work process and reduces the likelihood of stress and burnout. Under this service, Amazon allows sellers to store their products in its fulfillment centers where it picks, packs, and ships orders to customers on behalf of the reseller. Amazon FBA saves business owners time and money. It also increases online visibility by providing access to over 300 million active customer accounts across the globe.
However, profiting from a side hustle on Amazon has challenges as well. For instance, Amazon FBA is not ideal for low-value items. Competition is also tough. While super resellers can earn up to $250,000 per month, an average reseller could make only $1,000 or less in the same timeframe. According to Jungle Scout survey, 44% of Amazon sellers generate sales between $12,000 and $300,000 per year. Elsheikh built his business to a $20 million net worth by focusing on valuable and limited-edition items.
Tapping into what the hustle culture has to offer
Elsheikh has made some sacrifices to ensure the success of his business, veering away from some experiences his peers had. Yet the upside outweighed the costs. “Choosing to pursue my business was rewarding. It was an educational and self-rewarding experience. If you have a goal, do not let anyone stop you from realizing it,” he says.
An upside to the hustle culture is increased motivation and productivity. Individuals who push themselves to achieve more, even during difficult times, can gain heightened motivation, productivity, and job satisfaction. Another benefit is increased creativity, as people think outside the box to arrive at innovative ideas that benefit their businesses. The hustle culture can also help improve one’s time management skills, resulting in better use of resources and funds.
Overcoming the traps of hustle culture
Working hard offers the potential for greater returns and for increased autonomy and creativity. However, overcoming the common hurdles of the hustle culture is crucial to prevent its negative effects. First, setting achievable goals that allow for progress without leaving a person feeling overwhelmed is vital. Second, taking proper breaks and prioritizing self-care also drive one’s energy and focus. Lastly, it is important to down tasks and projects that do not strategically align with one’s business goals.
The hustle culture presents an attractive alternative to traditional nine-to-five work schedules and can help build one’s ideal lifestyle. It can also be a way to show commitment to one’s passions and work. The success of Elsheikh’s reselling business is proof of that.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yousef-elsheikh-9b57451b1/
