The intense work culture known as "996"—where employees work six days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.—is increasingly taking root in Silicon Valley, raising concerns among AI researchers about employee burnout. While the schedule has long been associated with China’s tech industry, it’s now emerging in the San Francisco Bay Area as the race to lead in artificial intelligence intensifies. Nathan Lambert, a senior research scientist at the Allen Institute for AI, and Sebastian Raschka, founder of an AI research lab, discussed the growing trend in a recent episode of Lex Fridman’s podcast. Raschka noted that while the 996 model in Silicon Valley isn’t identical to its Chinese counterpart, the culture is moving in that direction. He attributed the shift to the relentless pace of innovation in AI, where companies must constantly deliver new breakthroughs to stay competitive. “The pressure to keep up is immense,” Raschka said. “You have to deliver constantly.” He added that both passion for the work and fierce competition are fueling a mindset where long hours are seen as necessary for success. Raschka, who previously worked in academia, said he wasn’t forced to overwork—rather, he chose to, driven by the same drive he sees in today’s AI professionals. Lambert echoed these concerns, pointing to top AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic as examples of companies where the 996 culture is prevalent. He explained that many employees embrace the demanding schedule not because they’re compelled to, but because they deeply care about advancing AI. “They want to do the work,” he said. However, Lambert warned that this dedication comes at a cost. The relentless pace can lead to strained relationships, isolation from the wider world, and serious health issues. “You can only push yourself so far,” he said. “People are definitely burning out.” Raschka shared his own experience, describing chronic back and neck pain he developed from skipping breaks and working through physical strain. He emphasized that the lack of downtime isn’t just a productivity issue—it’s a human one. For young developers and researchers eager to make a mark in AI, the trade-off is stark. “If you’re really passionate about having an impact in AI, being physically in San Francisco is the most likely place to do it,” Lambert said. “But it comes with real trade-offs.” OpenAI and Anthropic did not respond to requests for comment. As the AI race accelerates, the industry faces a growing challenge: how to sustain innovation without sacrificing the well-being of the people driving it.