Hustle culture has led many people astray, Simon Squibb said in a post on LinkedIn, arguing that real purpose, not rest, is often the missing piece.

“Your work needs to matter. And not in a sense that you might be able to afford a fancy car if you succeed,” Squibb wrote. “It needs to REALLY mean something. When that happens… you’ll never ‘live for the weekend’ again. So if life feels heavy right now… you probably don’t need a break. You need a reason.”

Squibb critiqued the traditional “grind” mentality, writing that while people can tolerate uninspiring work temporarily, it often leads to burnout, poor health, and dissatisfaction. By contrast, he argued that aligning one’s work with deeper meaning makes motivation and discipline come naturally.

His message reflects a growing trend among entrepreneurs and professionals rejecting the nonstop hustle narrative and instead seeking alignment between their values and their labor. Studies have shown that purpose-driven work can significantly improve psychological well-being and resilience.

Simon Squibb is an entrepreneur, investor, and creator who has founded over 17 companies and now shares career advice with more than 70,000 followers online. His work focuses on empowering individuals to start their own businesses and find fulfillment through meaningful work.