Workers should treat social-media career content as a source of ideas rather than a benchmark for their own performance, according to career coach Amanda Augustine.
Her advice follows a resume.io survey in which 40.5% of respondents said social media glorifies hustle culture in ways that damage workers. Another reported finding was that 26.7% saw its impact as mixed, while 14.3% viewed the content as purely inspirational.
The survey covered 600 full-time workers in May 2026. The supplied methodology does not specify the countries surveyed, so these figures should not be read as estimates for the UK workforce. They measure respondents’ views, rather than proving social media causes burnout.
“The problem arises when we start treating someone else’s carefully curated content as a realistic benchmark for our own careers.”
Amanda Augustine, resident career expert, resume.io
Five ways to keep career content in perspective
- Remember it is a highlight reel. A creator chooses which parts of a working day to show; the routine and difficult moments may be absent.
- Notice how your feed makes you feel. If content repeatedly leaves you feeling inadequate, mute or unfollow it and look for more useful career information.
- Use real performance expectations. Quality of work, skill development and contribution are more useful measures than a short productivity montage.
- Speak to people in the role. Mentors and professional contacts can offer a fuller picture of a career than a social-media post.
- Prioritise sustainable progress. Relevant skills, worthwhile projects, relationships and manageable work habits can support long-term development.
Why it matters for recruiters and HR
The practical implication is to make career expectations visible. Realistic job previews, honest conversations about typical working days and clear performance standards can give candidates and employees a more useful point of comparison.
Augustine is a Certified Professional Career Coach and Certified Professional Resume Writer, and resident career expert for resume.io and Careerminds. Read the resume.io research on social media and hustle culture.
Image: editorial illustration created for Onrec.
