'80-hour work weeks aren’t extreme. It's baseline': Indian founder sparks outrage over work-life balance

An Indian founder in the United States has drawn sharp criticism online after suggesting that 80-hour work weeks should be considered the “baseline” for building world-changing products.

Advertisment

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Neha Suresh wrote: “If you’re not spending 14+ hours a day working on your dream you’re ngmi. You can’t build a world-changing product on 9–5 energy. 80-hour weeks aren’t extreme. It’s baseline.”

If you're not spending 14+ hours a day working on your dream you're ngmi.

You can’t build a world-changing product on 9–5 energy.

80-hour weeks aren’t extreme. It's baseline. pic.twitter.com/6lTxrqUxJZ

— Neha (@Neha_Suresh_M) July 31, 2025

The post, which has received more than 85,000 views, quickly triggered a wave of debate on sustainability and workplace culture. Many users criticised the remarks as unhealthy and unrealistic.

“And extremely unsustainable. Please get some sun, exercise and sleep as well :) You will be surprised how productive that makes you.” a user wrote.

“I burned out chasing 80-hour weeks. Found I actually build better products when I’m rested and thinking clearly,” another said.

Simply not sustainable! Plus your employees will not be paid enough to work 80+ hours per week! If this applies only to you founders then it's ok. At the end of the day you will take the majority of money ! Doing a venture is your choice and I respect that but do not generalize…

— RaidenCage (@RaidenCage007) August 2, 2025

Others defended the founder’s perspective. One user wrote: “I love the passion and dedication you bring to your dreams, Neha, though I’m not sure 14 hours a day is sustainable for everyone and maybe world-changing products can be built on different types of energy not just the 9–5 or 80-hour kind.”

i love the passion and dedication you bring to your dreams neha though i'm not sure 14 hours a day is sustainable for everyone and maybe world changing products can be built on different types of energy not just the 9-5 or 80 hour kind

— c: (@charmcrushed) August 1, 2025

Another added: “Congrats on the YC poster! Well deserved.”

The debate also drew sarcastic responses. a user wrote, “Why just 14 hours, make it 24.”

Another said: “Okay so imma assume you live in a rent-free house, eat free food and someone is paying your bills.”