For today’s teens, the dream isn’t a corner office or a 60-hour work week. It’s balance: a life where they can unplug, spend time with friends, travel, and maybe walk their dog. In focus groups with the SheKnows Teen Council, teens spoke honestly about how hustle culture feels suffocating — and why they’re determined not to repeat the mistakes they see in adults.

Downtime isn’t wasted time

Teens are often accused of being “lazy,” but what they’re really craving is rest. As Esme, age 19, put it: “If I’m having a sleepover with my friends, there might be times where we’re just lying down, scrolling on TikTok for a little bit,” explaining that their social batteries need some time to recharge. “A lot of my friends live further away, so once they’re at my house, they’ll be there all weekend,

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