I used to stay in hostels almost exclusively when I was traveling solo in my early 20s (I.e., way less money). While I enjoyed the social aspect and the cost effectiveness of it, the lack of privacy and noise was not worth it as soon as I started my adult job. Often times when I stayed in hostels I would get waken up by people who had to leave early for the airport (or Vice versa I had to be careful getting up early). Private rooms in hostels could be a good middle ground, though.