The debate around hustle culture never seems to end. But now, a Noida-based entrepreneur has challenged the myth that success demands endless hours. In a viral LinkedIn post, CA Deepak Bhati explained how his achievements came not from hustling 14 hours a day but from embracing six-hour workdays that prioritize focus and balance.
Why Six-Hour Workdays Worked for Him
Bhati revealed that he rarely works beyond 5–6 hours a day. Instead of measuring ambition by time at the desk, he measures it through outcomes. His company’s revenue grew by over 200% in just two years—without him ever subscribing to the grind culture.
He spends his extra hours reading, reflecting, and spending quality time with his daughter. “Does that make me less ambitious? I don’t think so,” he wrote. His perspective suggests that productivity is about effectiveness, not clocking in longer hours.
Success Without Burnout
Bhati’s professional journey—from starting as a Senior Associate Auditor to launching his own firm in 2019 and co-founding another startup in 2022—proves that six-hour workdays can deliver real results.
According to him, “The number of hours doesn’t prove your ambition. Your results do.” This statement resonates with a growing number of professionals who are questioning the glorification of hustle culture.
Social Media Reacts
His LinkedIn post received widespread reactions:
- “At the end of the day, it’s all about productivity and achieving your goals. Fulfillment is what really matters,” wrote one user.
- Another added, “Doing nothing is itself a task, and often the most valuable.”
- Even one of Bhati’s employees joined the fun, commenting, “Boss, this post is inspiring but HR is still timing my login,” to which Bhati replied with laughing emojis, “Let me check.”
The reactions highlight a cultural shift where working smarter is being valued over working longer.
Why Hustle Culture is Losing Ground
Six-Hour Workdays as a New Standard
For decades, hustle culture glorified exhaustion as a badge of honor. But Bhati’s story proves the opposite—that working less can actually produce more. Studies across Europe and Japan also suggest shorter workdays boost both productivity and mental health.
Balance Leads to Better Focus
When professionals limit their work hours, they’re forced to focus on what truly matters. This approach eliminates distractions and fosters sharper decision-making. For Bhati, it translated into remarkable business growth without personal burnout.
Lessons for Professionals
- Redefine Ambition – Long hours don’t equal success; results do.
- Protect Work-Life Balance – Time with family and personal growth matters as much as revenue.
- Smart Work > Hard Work – Productivity tools, clear priorities, and delegation can replace exhaustion.
- Cultural Change – Leaders like Bhati are showing India that sustainable success is possible.
Useful Resources
Read our article on How Indian Startups Are Redefining Work-Life Balance
