AI Gold Rush is Resurrecting China's Infamous 72-hour Work Week - in US

The AI industry's rapid growth is fostering a return to the grueling 72-hour work week, mirroring previously condemned practices in China. US startups, fueled by substantial funding, are embracing this extreme work schedule as a competitive advantage. Companies like Rilla, an AI sales monitoring firm, explicitly mention long hours in their job postings. Smaller startups like Browser-Use blur the lines between living and working to maintain constant productivity. Founders believe extended work hours are crucial in the competitive AI market, prioritizing speed to market. However, research suggests that the benefits of such intense schedules are questionable. Studies have linked excessive work hours to serious health risks, including increased risks of stroke and heart disease. One analysis by the WHO and ILO showed hundreds of thousands of deaths were connected to long work hours. Another study indicated diminishing returns in output as hours increase beyond a certain point.