The AI Race: Why Some Startups Want You to Work Every Single Day

The Big Picture: A Race to Be First

Imagine you and your friends are all trying to be the first to build the coolest new video game. The problem is, the technology to make this game is still new, and there’s a chance that whoever makes the best game in the next couple of years will become super famous and rich. This creates a sense of urgency, right?

That’s kind of what’s happening in the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) right now. Some young bosses, the leaders of these new AI companies, are working incredibly long hours, often 7 days a week. They believe that the companies that move the fastest and build the best AI products now will be the ones that win. They’re worried that if they don’t work non-stop, a competitor, maybe even from another country like China, will get there first and capture the whole market.

This idea of working extremely hard, even on weekends, is sometimes called “grind culture.” It’s like a throwback to the early days of the internet, back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, working super long hours, even sleeping at the office, was seen as a sign that you were really dedicated and on the path to success.

Some of these AI company leaders are only in their 20s. They might not have a lot of other responsibilities, like a family to take care of, so they feel they can pour all their energy into their work. They’re hoping that by working these intense hours, they can create something amazing that will make them rich later, perhaps through company stock that could become very valuable.

The “996” Trend: A Closer Look

You might hear the term “996” being used. This refers to working from 9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week. It’s a shorthand for this demanding work schedule. Some CEOs have even posted job openings explicitly stating that working 6 days a week is not negotiable.

One famous example from China is when the founder of a major tech company said that young people should consider working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, as a “blessing.” This caused a lot of controversy, and he later had to explain his comments.

So What? How Does This Affect You?

Even if you’re not working for an AI startup, this trend can still matter. Here’s why:

• The Future of Work: This “grind culture” is a conversation about what kind of work environments we want to create. As you enter the job market, you’ll be part of shaping these expectations. Do you want to work where long hours are the norm, or do you prefer a balance?
• Potential for High Rewards (and High Risks): For the few who join these startups early and the company becomes incredibly successful, the rewards can be huge. Think of people who joined companies like Facebook or Amazon early on and became very wealthy from their stock. However, many startups fail. If the company doesn’t succeed, all those extra hours might not lead to any financial gain. It’s a bit like buying a lottery ticket – you might win big, but you’re more likely to lose your money.
• Health and Well-being: Working extremely long hours, especially 7 days a week, can have serious health consequences. Studies have shown that working 55 hours or more per week can increase the risk of serious health problems like strokes and heart disease. It’s also been shown that after a certain point, working more hours doesn’t necessarily make you more productive. Your brain needs rest to function at its best.
• Pushback and New Ideas: Not everyone is buying into this intense work culture. In China, there’s been a movement called “lying flat,” where young people choose to reject constant striving for a simpler life focused on well-being. In the U.S., something similar is sometimes called “quiet quitting,” where people do their job well but don’t go significantly above and beyond. Many younger workers are also looking for flexibility, like hybrid work arrangements, and are willing to look for jobs that offer it.
• Innovation vs. Burnout: The idea is that this intense work will help companies innovate faster and beat competitors. But is it sustainable? If people are constantly exhausted and stressed, can they truly be creative and productive in the long run? There’s a point where working too much can actually slow things down and lead to mistakes.

This is all happening at a time when AI is becoming a huge part of our lives. Understanding how these companies are built and the pressures they face can help you make informed decisions about your own career path and what you value in a job.

What Can You Do?

Right now, you might not be thinking about your career in AI, but it’s never too early to understand how the world of work operates.

Your Actionable Step: Explore the concept of work-life balance. What does it mean to you? Research different types of work environments and what they value. Think about what kind of job would make you feel fulfilled and happy, not just successful by someone else’s definition.

Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only and not financial advice.