Long Working Hours in Tech Industry Sparks Debate

Long working hours have become a contentious topic in the tech world, ignited by a recent viral post from an engineer at xAI. This discussion raises essential questions regarding productivity, burnout, and the pervasive culture of relentless work, particularly in the modern startup environment.

The dialogue commenced when Giri Kuncoro, a software engineer at the artificial intelligence firm founded by Elon Musk, shared insights on X (formerly known as Twitter) about his exceptionally lengthy workday. Kuncoro, who focuses on cloud-native infrastructure for AI workloads and has prior experience at TikTok, mentioned he had just completed a grueling 19-hour workday.

He posted, “It’s 5:30 am. Just closed my laptop after 19 hours of work today, my longest at xAI so far. I’ve never felt more alive.”

In a follow-up, he remarked, “It’s 9pm at the office on my first day, still pairing with my teammates. I love the high energy and intensity! Looking forward to building many great things in this rocketship. Can’t wait for the upcoming Saturday hackathon at the London office this week.”

This message went viral, prompting numerous reactions and shedding light on the divide surrounding the admiration or criticism of exceptionally long working hours.

Praise and Pushback Online

Some individuals lauded the engineer’s commitment and acknowledged the importance of the work in artificial intelligence. Proponents suggested that developing groundbreaking technology often calls for extraordinary dedication during critical phases.

One individual stated that the work being undertaken could significantly influence society, furthering that teams involved in advanced AI projects are “real-life superheroes.”

Conversely, many others expressed less enthusiasm. Detractors pointed out that the post exemplified a concerning trend in tech culture whereby extreme work hours are seen as commendable rather than hazardous to health.

Several commenters highlighted the notion that productivity relies more on sustainable practices rather than extended work sessions. One user suggested that maintaining adequate sleep and physical fitness often results in superior performance over protracted workdays.

Others raised alarms about the potential long-term repercussions of burnout, asserting that continually engaging in such extensive hours could adversely affect mental well-being, cognitive functioning, and overall physical health.

Wider Debate Over Hustle Culture

The varied responses signify a broader conversation surrounding “hustle culture,” which emphasises constant productivity, lengthy hours, and intense commitment as the route to success.

In high-stakes environments like artificial intelligence and startups, this mentality has become increasingly prevalent as businesses strive to innovate and secure market position. Employees in these settings frequently confront pressing deadlines, fierce competition, and swiftly changing technical demands.

While some professionals feel that these circumstances foster excitement and purpose, critics warn they may normalise unhealthy work practices and create unrealistic expectations.

Musk’s Comments on Extreme Work Hours

The viral exchange also highlighted past remarks from Musk regarding demanding work schedules during pivotal periods for his companies.

In July 2025, Musk shared on X that he was reverting to a rigorous work routine, stating, “Back to working 7 days a week and sleeping in the office if my little kids are away.”

During a 2018 interview, Musk detailed the long hours he clocked in at Tesla during a challenging phase for the company. He mentioned spending substantial time within the factory, directly involved in production efforts. “Seven days a week, sleeping in the factory. I worked in the paint shop, assembly line, and body shop,” he noted.

However, Musk did recognise that such schedules are not sustainable over time. Reflecting on that era, he concluded, “No one should put this many hours into work. This is not good. People should not work this hard.”