COLUMN: Ask the Money Lady – Soft culture

Dear Money Lady Readers – Why not adopt the new “Soft-Life” culture in 2026?

The hustle culture is something my demographic, (ages 50 to 65) and our parents have been used to all our lives. Living by the motto that you can’t be successful unless you “work really hard, show up every day ready to overcome any obstacle, with a no-limit attitude, and of course, programed for greatness.” We quickly passed judgment on anyone who didn’t seem to be working hard, and everything in our lives had to become second to our all-encompassing career. Sound familiar? There are tonnes of books out there printed in the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s pushing the hustle culture. Suggesting you should create your own “vision board;” telling you to not limit yourself, and this one I love: “never settle for less than what you truly deserve.” My generation was always told to: “suck it up buttercup – stop complaining and get out there, get over it, work harder, and do more.” Well, that’s not the way life is now.

Today young Millennials and the vast majority of Canadian and American Gen’Zs are adopting the new “Soft Life” culture, the complete opposite of their parent’s belief system. They don’t want to live to work, like mom and dad did. No, they want to enjoy their life, focusing on balance, ease, self-care and personal fulfillment through intentionally enjoying the small wins. Have your Gen’Zs hit you with these statements yet: “we need you to respect our boundaries” or how about this one, “it’s not about the money” (regardless of you paying, you still have to go along with their choices not yours). Parents and older generations are having a tough time making this mental shift and many have written me about their troubles. They believe their kids are unmotivated or ungrateful for the monetary assistance from their parents.

While I definitely can relate, I’m thinking the hustle culture generation should also adopt the “Soft-Life” mantra too. Now before you throw down the paper is disgust – keep reading please. When we were young, it was all about proving “you could do it!” But to what end? I’ve seen co-workers, family and personal friends hit their late 40’s and 50’s still pushing, only to be silenced by a single tragedy. Was it worth it – maybe, only you will know? I never thought I would ever say this, but I’m glad this next generation is pushing back on the hustle mentality. Good for them to want more out of life than just their career. It’s been tough for all of us oldies to deal with the micromanaging bosses, back-stabbing coworkers and peers that have accomplished more in less time.

The Soft-Life is really not about having a lot of money, but rather the evolution of an occasional “treat yourself” lifestyle to be happier. This could mean buying a name-brand grocery product instead of a generic one. Burning a scented candle on your desk while you work from home. Treating yourself to a special coffee drink, spending the afternoon curled up on the sofa with a good book and a plate of homemade cookies, or working on a quite task like a puzzle. The trend is to slow down, enjoy the little things and stop the “pushing for more” attitude. This movement rejects the idea that a difficult life is the only path toward an enjoyable one. It’s all about a life designed for calm, less complexity, sincerity with people, and finding time to unwind, pursue hobbies or spend time with the ones we love. Could we be entering an age of more traditional values? Maybe. Choosing to reject the old narrative can’t be that bad. We all would be better off if we could stop and put our mental and physical health first for once, not just for a day or a weekend, but for our whole life.

Christine Ibbotson is a Canadian finance writer, radio host & YouTuber. For more advice check out her YouTube channel: ASK THE MONEY LADY – Your Canadian Finance Coach.