Billionaire cofounder Lucy Guo of Scale AI has sparked debate on traditional work-life balance by suggesting that employees might be in the wrong job if they’re craving it. According to Guo, her grueling daily schedule, which includes waking up at 5:30 am and working until midnight, doesn’t feel like work to her.
“I love doing my job,” Guo says. “If you feel the need for work-life balance, maybe you’re not in the right work.” Guo’s philosophy is gaining traction among founders who are openly embracing China’s 996 grind, which involves working 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week.
This trend has been fueled by entrepreneurs such as Harry Stebbings and Martin Mignot, who claim that 7-day weeks are necessary for success. They argue that there is no room for slippage in today’s fast-paced tech industry. Even CEOs admitted to working long hours beyond the traditional 40-hour benchmark.
For Guo, making time for life is about prioritizing it, not running from work. She says she squeezes in two hours a day with family and friends despite working “90-hour workweeks.” Her approach has sparked interest among young workers who are looking to climb the corporate ladder.
However, experts warn that 40-hour workweeks might not be enough for those who want to advance in their careers. A leaked memo from Google’s AI workers suggests that 60 hours a week could be the “sweet spot” for success.
Source: https://fortune.com/2025/06/22/scale-ai-millennial-billionaire-lucy-guo-warning-work-life-balance-gen-z-wrong-job-career