12-hour days, no weekends: the anxiety driving AI’s brutal work culture is a warning for all of us | AI (artificial intelligence)
San Francisco, long considered ground zero for technological innovation, is experiencing a shift in its startup culture. While the pursuit of rapid growth remains a defining characteristic, a new layer of anxiety is emerging among tech workers, fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence and a changing economic landscape.
The New Grind
The demanding work ethic in San Francisco’s AI startups is becoming increasingly intense. Stories abound of founders working relentlessly, employees sacrificing personal lives, and a normalization of extreme hours. One employee described a situation where founders worked 16-hour days from a two-bedroom apartment, sustained largely by DoorDash deliveries. Sanju Lokuhitige, co-founder of Mythril, reports working 12-hour days, seven days a week, prioritizing networking events alongside his coding responsibilities, and admits to having no work-life balance.
This isn’t a new phenomenon. A decade ago, the mobile app boom saw coders relying on meal-replacement drinks like Soylent to maximize time at their desks. However, the current atmosphere feels different, marked by a tension between excitement about AI’s potential and anxieties about its implications.
Shifting Power Dynamics
The balance of power between employers and employees is demonstrably shifting. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Airbnb, once known for generous employee perks, are scaling back benefits while simultaneously increasing expectations. Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk have publicly called for increased efficiency and “hardcore” work ethics within their organizations, coinciding with widespread layoffs. Approximately a quarter of a million tech workers globally lost their jobs in 2025, with AI frequently cited as a contributing factor.
Executive coach Mike Robbins notes that the focus of his consultations with companies has shifted from employee wellbeing to navigating change and uncertainty. The pressure to constantly upskill and remain competitive is driving longer hours, not necessarily due to employer demands, but from a sense of necessity among workers themselves.
What This Could Mean
The intense work environment in San Francisco’s tech sector may be a harbinger of broader trends. Economists are divided on the extent to which AI will displace jobs, but there’s consensus that it’s already reshaping entry-level work. A Stanford University paper indicated “substantial declines in employment for early-career workers” in AI-exposed industries. Some predictions suggest AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs within five years, and the International Monetary Fund estimates that 60% of jobs in advanced economies could be eliminated or transformed by AI.
The pressure to demonstrate value is particularly acute for those entering the field. Lokuhitige states that “no one hires junior developers any more,” and landing a job now requires “doing something cool” – building a product or solving a problem that gains recognition. Job postings for entry-level positions have decreased by a third since 2022, while those requiring five or more years of experience have increased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “996”?
The term “996” refers to a work schedule of 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week, which has become associated with demanding work cultures in the tech industry, particularly in China.
Are companies still offering employee perks?
Even the largest tech companies have scaled back perks like on-site massages and barber shops, as they escalate expectations of workers.
What is driving the increased pressure on tech workers?
The rapid pace of change in artificial intelligence, coupled with economic anxieties and the potential for job displacement, is driving tech workers to put in longer hours and prioritize upskilling.
As the tech industry navigates this period of rapid change, will other sectors follow suit, adopting similar demands on their workforces?