I’ve written before about hustle culture being a scam, and I want to criticize a hustle culture meme, while offering an alternative. If you’ve been in this corner of the internet, or the manosphere, you’ve probably heard of “Monk Mode.”
You go into monk mode when you become so focused on achieving your goals that you drop off the social grid, log off of social media, and abstain from drugs and alcohol. Just as the monks of yesteryear withdrew from the world to commit themselves to a Godly life, you withdraw from the world to commit yourself to your goals.
Monk mode is mainly a silly meme, but I’m going to take it seriously for a moment. It reflects the most fallacious thinking about hustle culture. There are very few career paths where withdrawing from the world will lead to success. Being a recluse ascetic won’t make you a millionaire or even a better worker.
The reason why is simple: we need other people to be successful.
On a selfish level, we need people to network, mentor, socially climb and exchange goods and services. But on a deeper, more human level, we need people to enjoy and share the fruits of our labor.
Speaking from experience: I had no motivation to maximize my income at all costs after I found a job that provided work-life balance and financial compensation that reflected what I was worth. But this year, things have changed: I’m getting married! For the first time, I aspire for an income not just for what I need, but what my growing family needs (and desires) as well.
And suddenly…monk mode doesn’t seem so crazy to me! I would love to lock myself in a room and just spend all day “producing value,” for my family because I feel an indescribable drive to do so. I’m motivated to grind, but it’s not for the same reason as the monk mode enthusiast.
For me, other people are the fuel of my motivation, not a hindrance, and I’m not going to neglect them for my goals. In this way, I don’t want to sacrifice everything for my goals, but I will sacrifice quite a bit for my family.
I call this mindset “Breadwinner Mode” and I’m adopting it for 2025. I’m attacking the work day and my career like I’m the sole breadwinner, but not in such an extreme way that I neglect my loved ones or put too much pressure on myself.
I have higher ambitions for myself this year than in years past. I won’t share them here, but I will say that I feel deeper motivation than anything I’ve felt before. It doesn’t come from the insecurity of not being where I want to be, but from a secure position of wanting more for others. It’s more sustainable, and dare I say…exciting.
I implore everyone to find someone in their life that puts them in breadwinner mode. You won’t find them in monk mode.
Congrats on your engagement! That’s so great!!