Balancing Hustle Culture, Career, and Well-Being
We carry a rich cultural heritage of caring for others, often putting family, friends, and community first. We’re also rising through the ranks in the corporate world and are becoming entrepreneurs at record rates. We want to win, and make our parents proud. But how do we balance this drive while protecting our energy in the workplace or the business world and living a bit more slowly?
Leadership expert and bestselling author Dr. Yasmin Davidds – author of the new book, Graciously Assertive: How Becoming A Better Human Makes You A Great Leader —thinks there are important practices we need to learn to prevent being taken advantage of, and learn practical strategies for creating healthy boundaries.
Here’s Dr. Davidds on how to thrive personally and professionally without sacrificing our cultural roots:
Q&A With Dr. Yasmin Davidds
Q: Last time we chatted, we talked about how Latinas are natural caregivers. How can we practice assertiveness in the workplace in a way that protects our well-being without compromising our relationships or cultural roots?
Dr. Yasmin Davidds:
All Latinas definitely have the power to practice assertiveness in the workplace in a way that protects their well-being without compromising their relationships or cultural roots. It’s all in the “HOW you do it” or “HOW you say it.” The key is in always being Graciously Assertive, which is the balance of self-advocating while being empathetic to the other side. Here are some techniques:
- Set Clear Boundaries with Compassion
Caregiving tendencies can lead to overextending ourselves. It’s important to be compassionate to others while maintaining our boundaries so we can be compassionate to ourselves. You do this by using compassionate language to assert your limits. For example:- “I’d love to help with this project, but I’m currently at capacity. How can we find additional support?”
- “I want to be fully present for this, and to do so, I’ll need more time or resources.”
- Be Direct While Staying Collaborative
Direct communication can be graciously assertive and aligned with our cultural values of familia when framed collaboratively. You can do this by using inclusive statements. For example:- “I have a lot on my plate right now, however, I believe we can find a solution that works for everyone. Here’s what I suggest…”
- “I would love to help, but my schedule does not allow me to do so at this time. In what other way can I support you?”
Q: Some Latinas feel the pressure of “hustle culture,” often sacrificing their health and personal growth in the process. What are 2-3 pieces of advice for setting boundaries and creating balance in a way that aligns with our values?
Dr. Yasmin Davidds:
Navigating “hustle culture” while staying true to our values is tough but doable. We must begin with intentional boundary-setting and self-care practices. Here’s what I recommend:
- Redefine Success on Your Own Terms
In our culture, success is often tied to hard work and sacrifice. But true success should also include personal joy, meaningful relationships, and loving ourselves enough to prioritize well-being. Reflect on what matters most to you, then set goals that align with both professional ambitions and personal values. - Create Sacred “Non-Negotiables”
Identify essential practices that recharge you—such as family dinners, wellness routines, or dedicated rest periods—and protect those commitments no matter what. Clearly communicating these boundaries helps others understand your limits while emphasizing that staying well allows you to show up fully for them and for yourself. - Practice an Empowered “No”
Being graciously assertive helps avoid overcommitment. Saying “no” doesn’t have to mean rejecting others—it can be framed respectfully while offering alternatives when possible. In doing so, you set a standard for how others will treat you.
Q: Do you think people tend to take advantage of Latinas at work because we’re more likely to be “people pleasers”?
Dr. Yasmin Davidds:
Yes, absolutely! Being perceived as “people pleasers” can make Latinas more vulnerable to being taken advantage of in the workplace. This is why setting strong boundaries and being graciously assertive is the best way to establish standards for yourself—and for how others will treat you.
Assertiveness and compassion are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can and should coexist, especially for us who juggle cultural expectations and professional goals. By practicing Graciously Assertive communication, setting compassionate boundaries, and redefining success to include well-being, we can honor our roots while thriving in our careers.
If you’re looking for more insights, keep an eye out for Dr. Davidds’s new book, Graciously Assertive, where she dives deeper into strategies for self-empowerment, boundaries, and holistic success. Remember: caring for yourself isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s the first step to showing up fully for everyone else, at home and at work.
Thank you to Dr. Yasmin Davidds for sharing her expertise with us. Keep following Señora Era for more empowering conversations designed to help Latinas balance culture, career, and well-being.
