Academia’s culture of overwork almost broke me, so I’m working to undo it
The story resonates but the conclusion doesn't.As an immigrant, I relate to what she says: feel pressure to work hard -> work hard -> achieve results -> benefit from those results.As far as I can tell, the system works. She got an opportunity, worked her ass off, produced a lot, and attained a great position/life as consequence.Those who chose an easier path, perhaps were less stressed but also didn't do or get as much. But I bet they are going to be more stressed as life goes on, while she's in a great spot:Due to her earlier work, she's at a place to reflect and say "I am at level X, I can dial it back" which is great. But this is a luxury of being at X level to begin with and you mainly don't get there without hard work.