Billionaire Lucy Guo advocates for 996 work culture, prioritizing passion over balance

Lucy Guo, the 30-year-old billionaire cofounder of Scale AI, has a stark message for those seeking work-life balance: perhaps they are in the wrong job. Guo, who dropped out of college and built her fortune in the tech industry, follows a rigorous daily schedule that begins at 5:30 a.m. and often extends until midnight. This intense work ethic is becoming increasingly common among founders who openly embrace the 996 work culture, which involves working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week.

Guo's philosophy challenges the modern employment trend where work-life balance is considered a non-negotiable perk. She argues that the need for a strict work schedule might indicate that an individual is in the wrong profession. Guo's own experience reflects this belief; she finds her work so fulfilling that it doesn't feel like a chore. "I probably don’t have work-life balance," she admits. "For me, work doesn’t really feel like work. I love doing my job."

Despite her demanding schedule, Guo emphasizes the importance of making time for family and friends, even if it means squeezing in just one to two hours a day. She believes that this approach is about prioritizing life rather than escaping work. Guo's success is evident; she recently dethroned Taylor Swift as the youngest self-made woman on the planet, with her 5% stake in Scale AI now valued at an estimated $1.2 billion. She is currently focused on running Passes, a creator community platform.

Guo's daily routine is meticulously planned. She wakes up at 5:30 a.m. and engages in high-intensity workouts. Her workday starts around 9 a.m. and can involve various tasks, from marketing pushes to product development. She often has her coffee and lunch at her desk and continues working until midnight, monitoring customer support and ensuring top-notch service. This level of dedication, she believes, is crucial for startups to stand out from larger tech companies.

Guo's work ethic is not an isolated phenomenon. Many founders and CEOs are adopting the 996 model, believing it is necessary to compete in the current market. Harry Stebbings, founder of the 20VC fund, and Martin Mignot, partner at Index Ventures, have both advocated for this intense work schedule, suggesting that it has become the new standard in the tech industry. CEOs from various sectors have also admitted to working well beyond the traditional 40-hour week, driven by their passion for their work rather than market conditions.

This trend highlights a shift in the mindset of modern workers, particularly those in leadership positions. While the 996 model may seem extreme to some, it reflects a growing belief that success in today's competitive environment requires an unwavering commitment to one's work. Guo's message serves as a reminder that for those who are truly passionate about their jobs, the concept of work-life balance may be less relevant. Instead, it is about finding fulfillment in one's work and making time for the things that matter most.