The Pressure to Hustle
It seems like everywhere you turn these days, someone is talking about “the hustle.” Social media is packed with posts about waking up at 4 a.m., working 16-hour days, and grinding until you can finally post a photo of a fancy car or big house. Don’t get me wrong, ambition is a good thing. I respect anyone who works hard for what they want. But somewhere along the way, this idea of hustle culture started to feel more like a competition than a way of life.
I’ve never been the type to brag about how busy I am or to chase quick money. For me, work has always been about something more simple: showing up every day and doing the job right. That’s how I was raised, and it’s how I’ve built my life.
Growing Up with Real Work
My understanding of work started young. My parents ran a childcare center in St. Louis for 30 years, and I spent plenty of time helping out there. From cleaning up to fixing things, I got a real look at what it means to keep something running day after day. It wasn’t glamorous, but it mattered. Families relied on that center, and my parents showed up every single day to make sure it was taken care of.
That experience shaped how I see work. It wasn’t about chasing status or showing off. It was about responsibility, consistency, and caring for the people who depended on you. Those lessons stuck with me when I moved into the automotive industry.
Honest Work in the Auto Industry
I’ve had a variety of jobs over the years—maintenance at my parents’ business, working as a porter when I was a teenager, and now detailing cars at a dealership. Each job came with its own challenges, but the common thread was always the same: show up, do your best, and take pride in the results.
Detailing cars may not look like a big deal to some people, but it’s work that requires focus, skill, and patience. You can’t cut corners and expect a good outcome. When someone gets their car back shining and spotless, it feels good to know my work made that difference. It’s the kind of satisfaction you can’t fake.
Why I Don’t Buy Into the Hustle
The hustle culture mindset often tells you that if you’re not chasing more money or status, you’re falling behind. But I don’t believe that. For me, life isn’t about constant grinding. It’s about balance. It’s about working hard during the day and still having the energy and time to play basketball with my kids, take them swimming, or watch a movie together at night.
What’s the point of hustling nonstop if you’re too tired to enjoy the people and things that make life meaningful? I’d rather be remembered as a dad who was present and dependable than as someone who was always “too busy” chasing the next thing.
The Value of Showing Up
I think people underestimate the power of simply showing up. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every day or be the flashiest person in the room. But if you’re reliable, if you take pride in your work, and if you care about doing it right, people notice. That kind of reputation sticks with you longer than any quick win.
When I was younger, playing soccer taught me this lesson too. My dad was my coach, and we were always on championship teams—not because we had superstars, but because we had kids who showed up, worked hard, and played as a team. That same principle applies to life. Success comes from consistency, not shortcuts.
Teaching My Kids About Work
Now that I’m a father, I think a lot about what message I’m sending to my kids about work. I want them to know that there’s nothing wrong with dreaming big, but I also want them to understand that real success comes from effort and persistence. Whether they want to play sports, run a business, or work in a trade, I hope they see that it’s not about hustling for attention—it’s about showing up, day after day, and giving your best.
When I take them with me to the garage or talk to them about my job, I try to make sure they see the pride I take in what I do. They may not always understand the details, but I know they notice when I talk about finishing a tough job or making a customer happy.
Community and Responsibility
Work, to me, has always been tied to community. My family not only ran the childcare center but also supported food pantries and donated gifts and supplies to families in need. That sense of responsibility—to help, to give back, to use your work to make a difference—is something I carry with me too. Hustle culture often feels focused on the individual: what can I get, how can I get ahead. But honest work reminds you that what you do affects others, and that’s a responsibility worth taking seriously.
I may not be the kind of guy posting motivational quotes about hustling at 4 a.m., but I know the value of hard work. I know what it means to show up when you say you will, to take pride in the small details, and to balance work with family and community. Hustle culture might have its place for some, but for me, honest work has always been enough.
At the end of the day, I believe success isn’t about how busy you look—it’s about the consistency and care you bring to your work and your life. And if you ask me, that’s worth a whole lot more than hustle.