Chinese Woman Travels To Work With IV Drip, Fuels Debate On Toxicity Of Hustle Culture

Hustle culture, a term that has gained prominence in recent years, refers to a societal mindset that glorifies constant busyness, overwork, and the relentless pursuit of professional success.

Rooted in the belief that one must constantly hustle, grind, and sacrifice personal well-being to achieve their goals, hustle culture has become ingrained in many aspects of modern society.

In Shanghai, a woman was spotted in the subway carrying an IV drip and a fluid bottle on her head.

The incident was recorded by a man in an elevator around 10 p.m., according to a report from The Paper.

Following the video's viral spread online, the woman, Dongdong, explained that she had been experiencing a fever for several days.

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She had received an IV infusion at the hospital the previous day.

"At first, I thought she was holding a drink bottle. When I realized it was an IV fluid bottle and she had an IV inserted, I thought she was strong, and life was not easy. My heart ached a bit for her," said the man who took the video posted on Douyin.

The woman owns a dance studio in Shanghai, located 20 kilometers away from her home. She disclosed that she wasn't getting enough rest due to her work commitments.

As a qualified nurse, she decided to consult the doctors at the hospital and inquire about the possibility of receiving the fluid herself.

"I am at the initial stage of my business. I don¡¯t want to waste money. If I went to receive the IV at the hospital after 10 p.m. every day and finished the drip at 2 a.m., I wouldn¡¯t have enough rest because I need to open my studio early," Dondong told the South China Morning Post.

"So I asked the doctors if I could take the IV fluids away. I told them I had studied medicine before and could insert it myself. The doctors agreed," she added.

Despite her behavior on the subway, she advised others not to engage in similar conduct in public.

Hustle Culture

"Please be aware that there are too many uncontrollable factors in the infusion process, like acute allergies and the tubes falling apart. The latter could cause an infection. There also might be adverse reactions, which could put your life at risk," she said.

"It¡¯s dangerous to receive an IV infusion outside the hospital. I am sorry that my behavior has negatively affected the public," she added.

The video elicited numerous responses regarding work pressure in China, and many expressed sympathy toward the woman.

"Life is not easy. I understand this girl¡¯s frugality. Hiring a taxi for a journey of 20 kilometers is expensive," wrote one. "I cannot control my tears. It¡¯s like seeing the old me," wrote another.

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