12-hour days, no weekends: AI's brutal work culture is a warning for all of us (www.theguardian.com)

The tech industry, particularly in San Francisco’s AI startup scene, is facing a troubling work culture characterized by extreme hours and high anxiety. Many employees report working over 12 hours a day, frequently during weekends, mirroring the notorious “996” work schedule. This intensification stems from a combination of factors: the rapid evolution of AI tools, heightened competition, and fears surrounding job security as AI begins to replace entry-level positions. A move from companies focusing on employee wellness to emphasizing efficiency has amplified these pressures, leaving workers feeling they must put in extra hours to remain competitive. This aggressive work culture raises significant concerns for the AI/ML community, highlighting the potentially adverse effects of relentless ambition on productivity and mental health. With projections suggesting AI could drastically reshape entry-level jobs—a forecast described as a "tsunami" hitting the labor market—there is a palpable tension among workers who balance excitement for AI innovation with fears about their career longevity. As the industry grapples with these challenges, it serves as a cautionary tale for other sectors, suggesting that the tech workplace may be indicative of broader economic shifts.