The Toxic Nature of Hustle Culture.
The Mythology of the American Worker
Hustle Culture relies on the toxic myth of rugged individualism. Four out of every ten Americans rely on “side-hustles” in the gig economy to make ends meet. For many these side hustles are the only source of income. For decades our political leaders have sold the myth of self-reliance rather than bolstering worker protections. The result is a population that lives in economic precarity and without the benefits and peace of mind associated with steady labor guarantees. There’s nothing inherently wrong with entrepreneurism but our political economy takes advantage of this mindset to strip away safety nets and blame those who cannot fend for themselves.

Show Notes
Clips
Episode Timestamp + Link | Clip Link
- 00:00:00 | Today: Side Hustle Strategies: What to Know About Making Extra Income
- 00:00:03 | The Ramsey Show: 5 Side Hustles To Help You Get Out Of Debt
- 00:00:11 | Baddie in Business: 3 LAZIEST Side Hustles to Make $500/Day (HOW TO START NOW!)
- 00:00:17 | Dan Martell: Laziest Way to Make Money with AI (Starting From Zero)
- 00:00:22 | UpFlip: How This Dad Makes $200/Hour After Work
- 00:00:26 | JodyWithAWhy: Top 5 Side Hustles For Military Members.. They Work
- 00:28:57 | The Grapes of Wrath: Tom Joad will be Everywhere
Resources
- Economic Policy Institute: National survey of gig workers paints a picture of poor working conditions, low pay
- Upwork: Freelance Forward 2023
- MBO Partners: Authentic and Intentional: State of Independence in America 2024
- ADP Research: Illuminating the Shadow Workforce: Insights into the Gig Workforce in Businesses
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Union Membership (Annual) News Release
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Union Members Summary
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Civilian labor force participation rate
- Axios: Behind the Curtain: A white-collar bloodbath
- St. Louis Federal Reserve (FRED): Labor Force Participation Rate
- Economic Policy Institute: 16 million workers were unionized in 2024
Book Love
- Giovanni Arrighi: The Long Twentieth Century: Money, Power and the Origins of Our Times
UNFTR Resources
UNFTR Quick Links