Bonus Episode: Opt Out of Hustle Culture, Opt Into Joyful Hard Work

In this heartfelt “love note” episode of the Black Girl Burnout podcast, Kelley invites you to rethink everything you’ve been taught about work. She draws a clear, compassionate line between hustle culture—the toxic grind rooted in scarcity, overperformance, and self-betrayal—and the kind of hard work that fuels joy, purpose, and self-liberation.

Pulling from personal reflections and what she’s been seeing in conversations across social media, Kelley explores how Black women can release the pressure to constantly “push through” and instead choose work that aligns with their values, lights them up, and sustains their well-being.

Whether you’ve been trapped in the “do more, be more” loop, struggling with FOMO, or wondering if it’s even possible to escape hustle culture in today’s world, this episode offers both clarity and hope—plus practical ways to reclaim your time, energy, and joy.

Key Takeaways:

• Hustle culture is rooted in scarcity and self-betrayal. It demands you overperform for external validation while eroding your peace and health.
• Hard work isn’t the enemy. When it’s aligned with your purpose and values, work can be deeply satisfying—even joyful.
• Ask yourself: Who are you working hard for? If the answer isn’t you, it’s time to reevaluate where your energy goes.

Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):

[00:00:39] – Why hustle culture and a “soft life” can’t coexist

Kelley unpacks the contradictions in popular social media messages about ease and rest—especially when they come from people still entrenched in hustle culture.

[00:02:26] – The real cost of the grind

From overperforming to tolerating mistreatment, Kelley describes how hustle culture convinces Black women to abandon their own needs for the sake of acceptance and survival.

[00:04:06] – The scarcity mindset trap

Why “if I don’t say yes, I’ll miss my chance” thinking keeps us locked in burnout—and how to break free.

[00:05:37] – Hard work as joy

Through examples from artistry, entrepreneurship, and her own experience producing the podcast, Kelley reframes hard work as something that can be energizing and life-giving.

[00:06:37] – The alignment test

Practical questions to help you discern whether your hard work is rooted in liberation or in someone else’s expectations.

Support the Show

This week, we’re challenging you to take inventory of your work—paid or unpaid. Where are you working hard because it fuels you? Where are you working hard out of fear or pressure? Share your reflections with us on Instagram @blackgirlburnout so we can celebrate your wins and support your shifts.

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