Histopedia

In the heart of China’s tech industry, a monster lurks in the shadows, devouring the lives of young professionals. The 996 culture, named after the grueling schedule it demands (9am to 9pm, 6 days a week), has become a norm in many Chinese companies. I met Alex, a young software engineer, who shared his harrowing experience of working under this relentless regime.

Alex was thrilled to land his dream job at a top tech firm in Shenzhen. The pay was enticing, the colleagues were friendly, and the work was challenging. But as he settled into his new role, he realized that the expectations were far more demanding than he had anticipated. “The first few months were manageable,” Alex recalled, “but soon, the workload increased, and the pressure to deliver mounted.”

Alex’s days began at 8am and ended around 10pm, with only one day off on Sunday. The workweek was a blur of coding, meetings, and endless debugging sessions. “I would often fall asleep at my desk, exhausted,” he confessed. The constant stress took a toll on his physical and mental health. “I lost weight, my hair started falling out, and I felt like I was losing myself.”

The 996 culture is not unique to Alex’s company; it’s a widespread phenomenon in China’s tech industry. Many young professionals are lured by the promise of high salaries and career advancement, only to find themselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of work and exhaustion. “I know I’m not alone,” Alex said, “but it’s hard to speak out when everyone around you is silently suffering.”

As China’s government starts to crack down on excessive work hours, Alex and his colleagues are cautiously optimistic about a brighter future. “I just want a balanced life,” he said, “where I can pursue my passions without sacrificing my well-being.” The 996 monster may be a formidable foe, but it’s not invincible.

The 996 culture is a stark reminder that success comes at a cost. As we chase our ambitions, let’s not forget the human cost of our achievements. It’s time to rethink our priorities and strive for a better work-life balance, before the monster devours us all.

The image that comes to mind is a haunting one: a lone figure, hunched over a computer, surrounded by the shadows of a dark and endless night, with the faint glow of a screen illuminating the tears streaming down their face.