9-9-6

9-9-6 Work Culture: A Recipe for Success, or a Path to Burnout?

In today's fast-paced world, the concept of a balanced work-life equation has become increasingly elusive for many. While most individuals cherish the idea of maintaining a healthy equilibrium between their professional and personal lives, there exists a unique breed of high achievers (tryhards) who seem to defy this norm. They are the ones who, when presented with a gift box that reads, "You have the right to work with work-life balance," nonchalantly toss it aside and continue their relentless pursuit of success. Meet the champions of the 9-9-6 work culture.

One prominent advocate of this work philosophy is none other than Mr. Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa, the visionary founder of BitKub, a company that has taken the tech industry by storm. He boldly declared in an interview, "Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I have never encountered a highly successful individual who casually dabbles in the realm of 'work-life balance'; Everyone, without exception, wholeheartedly dedicates themselves to their craft".

But what motivates these individuals to immerse themselves so completely in their work, often to the detriment of their personal lives? The answer lies in their unwavering commitment to their goals and a belief that true greatness is achieved through extreme dedication. It's a philosophy that champions "Great Players" over "Good Players".

To illustrate this point, consider the remarkable Cristiano Ronaldo. For over a decade, Ronaldo has reigned as one of the world's most exceptional athletes alongside Lionel Messi. During this time, he has accumulated wealth beyond imagination. Yet, even with his boundless riches, Ronaldo remains a paragon of dedication and discipline. His daily routine includes not just training but warm-up exercises before the actual practice with teammates begins. Even after the others have left, the "Great Player" Ronaldo continues to work on his craft, fine-tuning his skills. He abstains from any food or drink that could be detrimental to his body. In essence, he spares nothing in his relentless pursuit of becoming the best.

Now, if we shift our focus to the Thai business scene, we encounter another embodiment of this philosophy in the person of Khomsan Li, the CEO of Flash Express. Growing up in modest circumstances in Lamphun province, Khomsan's childhood was marked by adversity, including a lack of access to electricity. However, today, he is the founder and CEO of a company that has achieved unicorn status, valued at over 32 billion baht.

The culture at Flash Express is nothing short of relentless. Employees adhere to a 9-9-6 work schedule, meaning they work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. What's more, Khomsan himself goes a step further with a 9-9-7 schedule, working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. The ethos at Flash Express is unmistakable: to achieve excellence, one must go above and beyond expectations.

However, there's a darker side to this relentless work culture. Reports have emerged of a high turnover rate at Flash Express due to this 9-9-6 practice. Employees have found it challenging to maintain such demanding schedules, leading to burnout and ultimately resigning. As a result, the company has faced operational challenges, with customers experiencing package delays or even parcels getting stuck at distribution centers due to overloading and labor shortages. This has left many questioning whether the pursuit of "Great Player" status comes at the cost of overworking and overwhelming those at the operational level.

It becomes clear that in the quest to become "Great Players," there are trade-offs and sacrifices, and often it's the operational level employees who bear the brunt. The desire for brilliance might lead to the fumbling of work-life balance, affecting not just the high achievers themselves but also those who are at the frontline of their endeavors.

As we reflect on the choices made by individuals like Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa and Khomsan Li, we are reminded that the path to greatness is a road less traveled, one that requires a level of dedication and sacrifice that many may find difficult to comprehend. In the end, it is a choice that each person must make for themselves, weighing the desire for balance against the aspiration for brilliance.

Grease in the Machine

The Grease in the Machine: A Former 996 Employee's Reflections

Working under the infamous 996 schedule, a grueling workweek of 96 hours, I quickly realized that I wasn't just a cog in the machine; I was a speck of grease, destined to be used up and replaced. The company's relentless pursuit of productivity and efficiency had reduced its employees to mere expendable resources.

Each day felt like a marathon, with no finish line in sight. The constant pressure to deliver, to perform, to exceed expectations, was a relentless force that wore me down physically and emotionally. It was a constant battle against burnout, a never-ending struggle to keep my head above water.

I was a cog in the machine, but not in the way the company intended. I was not a vital part of the machinery, propelling it forward. Instead, I was a disposable component, easily replaced when I became worn out or obsolete. The company's focus on short-term gains and quarterly profits had created a culture of exploitation, where employees were treated as interchangeable parts.

It was a bleak realization, but one that I could no longer ignore. I had to make a choice: continue to be a speck of grease in the machine, or break free and find a more fulfilling path. In the end, I chose the latter.

Leaving the 996 environment was a difficult decision, but it was the right one. I found a job that valued my contributions, respected my time, and treated me as a human being. It was a reminder that there is more to life than work, and that our worth is not measured solely by our productivity.

So, to those who find themselves trapped in the 996 machine, remember: you are not just a cog. You are a human being, with your own dreams, aspirations, and worth. Don't let the company define your value. Break free from the cycle of exploitation and find a job that truly fulfills you.