Opting for a More Balanced Lifestyle: Avoiding the Intense 996 Work Schedule, Not Tied to the 'Lying Flat' Movement in China
"Geez, Rebeca, you're looking stressed!", I told my friend, who's been grinding away at her job in Singapore's tech scene for years. It's not just the long hours—30% higher pay compared to her previous gig at a Fortune 500 American company doesn't seem to be making up for the lack of personal time due to constant business trips and late-night online meetings.
But this isn't a new story.
Reminds me of my time in China a decade ago. I'd landed a dream job hosting a weekly TV show, but it was a nightmare behind the scenes. Bosshole bosses, endless travel, and crippling deadlines were the norm. Work consumed every waking moment. Motherhood? "Delay, maybe never," was the mindset.
That mindset changed once I left—and left the country.
Enter the 996 culture. It's a brutal work regimen, common in China's tech world, with employees typically putting in nine-to-nine, six days a week. Prominent tech movers and shakers like Jack Ma of Alibaba and Pony Ma of Tencent endorse this grueling schedule. But the cost? Employees' personal lives crumble under the weight.
Exhaustion, burnout, and health issues become common problems. Employees have little time or energy for family, leisure, or personal activities. And the pressure to prioritize work over all else infects society, creating a culture of overwork and stress.
It's no wonder some folks are rebelling. The "lying flat" movement and the label of "rat people" describe those who opt out of the demanding work environment in favor of a more relaxed lifestyle. Critics argue that the focus on productivity and efficiency, while important, needs to be balanced with values like relationships, community building, and leisure.
So, Rebeca, my advice? Maybe it's time to consider a change. Your health, your happiness, they matter too. After all, what's the point of climbing the corporate ladder if you're too tired to appreciate the view from the top?
- The constant work demands in Singapore's tech scene, as seen in Rebecca's case, are reflective of the aggressive 996 culture prevalent in China's tech world.
- Workplace-wellness is a concern that extends beyond personal time, as evidenced by the physical and mental health issues arising from the 996 culture.
- The focus on health-and-wellness, including mental health, in the workplace is crucial to maintain a balanced lifestyle, countering the culture of overwork and stress.
- In the face of the demanding business environment, there's a growing movement pushing for a more relaxed lifestyle, known as "lying flat" or being labeled as "rat people." This movement highlights the need for a re-evaluation of values beyond productivity and efficiency.
