The Cult of Exhaustion: Why Silicon Valley’s 100-Hour Workweeks Won’t Die

The notion that one can have a fulfilling career, a happy family life, and enough time for hobbies is a staple of modern Western mythology. But in the rarefied world of Silicon Valley, where billion-dollar companies are born and die with alarming regularity, this idea has been systematically debunked by some of the industry’s most influential leaders.

Andrew Feldman, cofounder and CEO of Cerebras, the $49.5 billion AI chip company, recently declared that “you can’t build something new out of nothing” by working 38 hours a week with a decent work-life balance. This statement is not just about productivity; it’s a clarion call to arms for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Feldman’s comments are part of a larger trend in Silicon Valley, where leaders like Google cofounder Sergey Brin and Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary have also emphasized the importance of putting in long hours. However, what does this really mean? Is it just a case of “grindset” culture being perpetuated by those at the top, or is there something more profound at play?

The history of Silicon Valley itself provides some insight into Feldman’s perspective. The companies that have truly disrupted industries – Google, Facebook, Apple – emerged from an era when the boundaries between work and personal life were blurring rapidly. Founders like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg were notorious for their workaholic tendencies, often putting in 100-hour weeks or more to bring their visions to life.

This emphasis on long hours is not just about working hard; it’s also about being consumed by the work. Feldman’s passion and drive are crucial here. In an era where remote work has made it easier than ever to blur the lines between personal and professional life, the cult of exhaustion in Silicon Valley serves as a warning: don’t get too comfortable.

The idea that one can have a fulfilling career and a happy family life is still deeply ingrained in our culture. However, what happens when reality clashes with this ideal? Twilio CEO Khozema Shipchandler revealed in an interview with Fortune that he only gives himself eight hours on Saturdays to not think about work. This statement reflects the broader cultural pressure to constantly be “on.”

Shipchandler’s comments are echoed by other Silicon Valley leaders, including Tennis champion Serena Williams and Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary. The message is clear: if you want to succeed in business, you need to be willing to put in long hours.

Some argue that a more moderate approach is possible. Google cofounder Sergey Brin has suggested that 60 hours a week is the sweet spot of productivity. However, Dan Kaplan, co-head of the CHRO practice at ZRG Partners, notes that “part of the danger of the comment [about] the 60-hour workweek is it’s actually not about 60. It’s about working extra until the work is done.”

In other words, the cult of exhaustion in Silicon Valley is less about hours worked and more about being consumed by the work.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Feldman’s warning that “you can’t build something new out of nothing” by working 38 hours a week with a decent work-life balance serves as a stark reminder of the reality of building a successful business. It’s not about logging hours; it’s about being passionate, driven, and consumed by the work.

As we look to the future of Silicon Valley, one thing is clear: the cult of exhaustion will continue to thrive as long as there are leaders willing to put in the long hours. Whether or not this is a sustainable model for success remains to be seen – but one thing’s for sure: it won’t die anytime soon.

And that’s precisely the problem. In an era where burnout and exhaustion are increasingly recognized as major health issues, the cult of exhaustion in Silicon Valley serves as a stark reminder of our cultural priorities. Do we really want to perpetuate a system that values hustle over happiness? It’s time for a rethink – before it’s too late.