Captain Obvious statement, but 996 isn’t about the founders Most founders work some version of 996 in the early years. I always did. Mostly, I still do. That’s nothing new. You don’t win as a founder if you don’t obsess close to 24x7. It’s about a message to anyone joining as to expectations.

Nov 8, 2025 · 3:48 AM UTC

15
1
58
Replying to @jasonlk
The hype over 996 makes me laugh. For anyone who has worked in banking/consulting this is business as usual.
1
5
Yup
Replying to @jasonlk
it’s not glorifying grind culture, it’s setting the tone for what it really takes to build something from zero
1
Replying to @jasonlk
You build the team in your own image
1
1
Replying to @jasonlk
The real question is whether the people joining *want* to work 996 or are being told they *have* to. Founders self-select into obsession. Employees just wanna build cool stuff and have a life sometimes. There's a difference between attracting grinders vs demanding everyone grind y'know?
Replying to @jasonlk
It’s culture not clocking time, alignment wins
Replying to @jasonlk
when a company communicates honestly about intensity without sugarcoating, people make informed choices and those who thrive in it will contribute more meaningfully
Replying to @jasonlk
I think it was a necessary counter balance to the trend of people in their 20s asking about work life balance in pre Series C startups, coupled w/ managers coddling them with endless 1:1s Credit to Musk reset culture by decimating Twitter, pushing back on management functions
Replying to @jasonlk
Founders are 24/7 or nothing
Replying to @jasonlk
fully agree, dedication and passion should be the driving force, not just rigid work schedules.
Replying to @jasonlk
Sure if you include low intensity work and meetings you can hit 16 hours. But that's just being inefficient. You shouldn't be stuck in small talk and data entry all day when you could be resting. Delegate/outsource/automate/hire better.
Replying to @jasonlk
The challenges for leaders are: 1) To be building something that's worth spending so much of your life on (ie: time), and 2) To ensure the folks who step-up aren't spinning their wheels on stoopid things and spending ridiculous amounts of time to get a few results. 1/
1
Replying to @jasonlk
You're right. Founders work 996. That is why anyone joining, being asked to work 996 should be considered a co-founder and get co-founder equity. If 996 is just expected even after reaching PMF without significant equity, that's just exploitation.
Replying to @jasonlk
Living by the startup grind, 996 is a norm! 🚀 It's essential for newbies to understand the high-energy demands and commitment needed when joining our thrilling world!