Healthy stress at work can help you grow, if it’s the right kind of challenge, not constant pressure or burnout. Let’s be honest: there’s a lot of noise out there about “hustle,” “grinding,” and “pushing through the pain” to succeed. But what if real growth, especially early in your career, doesn’t have to mean constant stress or feeling like you’re on the edge of burnout?
The Hustle Culture Myth
We’ve all seen the posts: “Rise and grind.” “Sleep is for the weak.” “If you’re not hustling, you’re falling behind.” It’s everywhere—on TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn. But here’s the truth: hustle culture is a made-up world. It’s a highlight reel, not real life. Nobody is switched on, productive, and positive 24/7 (and if they say they are, they’re probably selling something).
The pressure to always be “doing more” can make you feel like you’re failing if you’re not exhausted or stressed out all the time. But that’s just not reality. You don’t have to sacrifice your sleep, your social life, or your sanity to get ahead. In fact, constantly pushing yourself with no rest is a recipe for burnout, not success.
Growth Isn’t About Suffering
If you’re a student, a recent grad, or in your first “real” job, it’s easy to think you need to suffer to get ahead. Social media is full of people bragging about all-nighters and “no days off.” But let’s set the record straight: you don’t need to be stressed out to be successful. Growth happens when you’re stretched, not when you’re miserable.
If you’re someone who wants a low-stress, balanced career—that’s totally valid. Not everyone dreams of high-pressure, high-stakes jobs. Some of the happiest, most fulfilled people I know have built careers around what comes naturally to them, and that’s something to celebrate.
Eustress: The Good Kind of Challenge
Let’s talk about eustress…the kind of stress that actually helps you grow. Eustress is what you feel when you’re learning something new, stepping a little outside your comfort zone, or taking on a project that excites you. It’s not the same as feeling overwhelmed or anxious every day.
Think about the last time you tackled something that made you nervous, but also a little excited—maybe you led a group project, tried a new skill, or applied for a job that felt like a stretch. That rush? That’s eustress. It’s your mind and body rising to a challenge, not running from it.
Purpose Makes Stress Easier to Handle
Here’s the magic: when you’re working in a way that fits your strengths and feels meaningful, the tough days don’t hit as hard. You’re more likely to bounce back from setbacks and see challenges as opportunities, not threats. That doesn’t mean you’ll never feel pressure—but it’s a different kind of pressure. It’s the kind that pushes you to do your best, not the kind that keeps you up at night.
I’ve seen this firsthand building In Your Roots. There have been moments of doubt and challenge (trust me, tech bugs don’t care about your “why”), but knowing I’m working towards something I care about makes the tough bits feel worth it. It’s not about being stress-free—it’s about having the right kind of stress, in the right amount, for the right reasons.
Sometimes, Workplaces Push Too Far
It’s also important to remember that not every workplace or culture gets this balance right. Sometimes, even well-meaning environments can push the “right amount” of stress way too far—turning healthy challenge into something unhealthy. If you find yourself in a place where stress is constant, or you feel pressured to sacrifice your wellbeing just to keep up, it’s absolutely okay to walk away or ask for help. No job or culture is worth your mental or physical health.
It’s Okay to Want Less Stress
Let’s be clear: you don’t have to chase stress to prove you’re growing. If you want a career that’s stable, chill, and lets you clock off at 5pm—that’s not “settling.” That’s knowing yourself. Some people thrive on adrenaline and deadlines; others shine when they can focus, create, or help others in a calm environment.
The key is figuring out what works for you. There’s no single “right” way to build a career, and there’s nothing wrong with choosing less stress if that’s what helps you thrive.
Recognising When Stress Isn’t Healthy
Even purposeful work can get overwhelming sometimes, but here’s how you know when it’s gone too far:
- You’re constantly exhausted, even after rest
- You dread work or study every day
- You feel anxious, unsafe, or unsupported
If that’s you, it’s not a sign you’re weak or “not cut out” for your path. It’s a sign that something needs to change, maybe your environment, your workload, or just the way you’re looking at things.
Tips for Finding Your Sweet Spot
- Play to your strengths. Notice what comes naturally—what feels energising, not draining? Lean into those tasks and roles.
- Reflect on your “why.” What actually matters to you in work or life? Chasing someone else’s dream is a fast track to stress.
- Set boundaries. You’re allowed to say no, take breaks, and protect your downtime.
- Redefine success. It’s not about the title or the paycheck—it’s about how you feel at the end of most days.
- Celebrate progress, not perfection. Growth is about learning, not always winning.
A personal note from our Founder, Frankie
“I’ve always believed in building things that matter and inyourroots® is all about that. I know the value of finding work that fits your strengths and supports your wellbeing. That’s why we’re here: to help you discover what you’re great at and connect you with opportunities where you can grow and feel genuinely supported.”
Reflect & Share
Take a moment: Are the stresses in your work or studies helping you grow, or just wearing you down? What’s one thing you’re naturally good at that makes work feel lighter? Ever had a challenge that taught you something valuable, even if it was uncomfortable at first?
Remember: the best kind of growth happens when you’re stretched, not stressed out. You’ve got this! On your own terms!