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SCHUMER ALLEGES SHUTDOWN 'BLACKMAIL'
DIFFERENT DAY, DIFFERENT VOTE, SAME RESULTS
Silicon Valley, long heralded as the birthplace of innovation and technological liberation, once sold the dream that artificial intelligence would help us work smarter—not harder. Yet, as the latest data and anecdotes from the startup world in San Francisco reveal, that promise is unraveling fast. Instead of ushering in a new age of efficiency and balance, the AI boom is coinciding with the return of a grueling work culture that resembles the infamous 996 schedule: working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. Once condemned and outlawed in China for its inhumane toll on workers, this brutal routine is quietly becoming normalized in the heart of America’s tech capital. This shift raises serious questions not only about worker well-being, but about the ethics and sustainability of innovation under pressure.
Recent economic data from Ramp, a corporate spending platform, shows a significant uptick in Saturday business spending in San Francisco—particularly on meals, office catering, and delivery services. This spending pattern suggests that many employees are working through the weekends, a marked departure from typical work habits seen in other major U.S. tech hubs like New York, Los Angeles, or Austin. Ara Kharazian, the economist behind Ramp’s analysis, emphasizes the uniqueness and suddenness of this trend, noting that it represents a measurable signature of Silicon Valley’s growing embrace of 996.
Originally popularized in China by tech titans like Jack Ma, the 996 schedule was once celebrated as a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success. However, the toll it took on workers—including widespread burnout, mental health issues, and even deaths—led to a legal crackdown in 2022 by China's top court, which declared such practices illegal. That same model, however, is now being repackaged and imported into the U.S. startup ecosystem, where labor protections are often weaker and enforcement looser.
Startups like LatchBio and Corgi are upfront about their expectations: long hours, six-day workweeks, and a company culture that prizes constant presence. Even seemingly innocuous perks like mattresses for new hires hint at a reality where employees are expected to live at the office, not just work there. The shift is evident in the attitudes of tech founders as well. Inaki Berenguer of LifeX Ventures recalls how Sunday work was once reserved for founders and senior employees; today, it's the norm for everyone at many AI startups.
This “all-in” culture might be palatable to some, especially those lured by the potential of equity, high salaries, or career growth. But as many critics point out, it’s a dangerous game. Dominic McGregor, a founder and investor, highlights the key question: are employees being fairly compensated for sacrificing their weekends and, potentially, their health? Without equitable reward, long hours quickly become exploitative. Even among founders, overwork is taking a heavy toll: 72% report negative mental health impacts, and a third suffer from outright burnout.
Moreover, the 996 model disproportionately affects women and caregivers, further entrenching existing inequalities in tech. With just 2% of venture capital in 2024 going to women-only-founded startups, it’s clear that the intense demands of startup life continue to reward a narrow archetype—often young, male, and unencumbered by caregiving responsibilities. Amelia Miller, co-founder of Ivee, succinctly describes the problem: success in Silicon Valley is still largely defined by a mold that excludes vast swaths of the population.
The irony in all this is stark. AI, a technology often touted as a tool to eliminate drudgery and free up human potential, seems instead to be fueling a race-to-the-bottom work ethic. One possible reason is that the technology isn’t yet living up to its transformative hype. Despite widespread adoption of generative AI tools, a McKinsey study found that 80% of companies saw no material impact on their earnings. As DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis noted, much of the industry’s excitement is “not real”—more hype than substance.
In this environment, startups are locked in intense competition to be first to market with products that are often nearly identical. For many founders, this speed-to-market mindset makes grueling hours feel justified—perhaps even necessary. In winner-take-most markets, every day matters, and that urgency gets passed down to every level of the company. Still, this does not explain why 996 culture is resurging now, almost two years after the AI boom began.
One contributing factor appears to be the return-to-office movement. As more companies end remote work policies, physical office culture is reviving in San Francisco—especially among AI startups, which now account for 15% of all commercial leases in the city. With desks filled and conference rooms booked, the symbolic and structural barriers to extended workweeks have all but disappeared.
The labor market may also be playing a role. Job opportunities for junior employees are shrinking, with postings down 7% in the last year, even as listings for senior roles increase. Unemployment among recent grads hovers at 4.8%, pushing many to accept harsh conditions just to secure a foothold in the industry. For these workers, saying “yes” to 996 might feel less like ambition and more like survival.
Ultimately, the reemergence of 996 in Silicon Valley reflects a deeper tension between the ideals of technology and the realities of capitalism. The tools may be smarter, but the system hasn’t changed. In fact, the race for innovation has only intensified the demands placed on human labor. What was once condemned in China as exploitative is now being reframed in the U.S. as dedication or grit. But without meaningful limits, safeguards, or compensation, this new normal risks becoming a burnout trap dressed up as ambition.
As Kharazian notes, the question of whether this new work culture is sustainable—or even healthy—is one that individuals will have to answer for themselves. Yet the broader industry must also take responsibility. If the future of work demands unrelenting sacrifice from the few to build products for the many, perhaps it’s time to rethink not just how we work—but why we work at all.
Announced job cut plans by U.S. employers fell 37% in September. For the year, totals remain the highest since 2020.
According to the latest Challenger Report, U.S. employers announced 54,064 cuts in September, down from 85,979 in August and 26% lower than September 2024.
🔹 946,426 job cuts so far in 2025, up 55% from the same point last year.
🔹 Government leads with nearly 300,000 cuts, most tied to DOGE actions.
🔹 7,000 cuts in September alone were attributed to AI, underscoring how technology is reshaping the workforce.
🔹 Retail, instead of adding staff ahead of the holidays, has cut 86,233 jobs so far this year, up 203% from last year.
➡️ September also marks the lowest year-to-date hiring plans since 2009, signaling continued caution from employers.
MUSK AND TESLA
CHEAPER MODELS
The Declining Value of College Degrees in an AI-Driven Job Market
The traditional promise of a college degree as a guaranteed pathway to a lucrative career is unraveling, particularly for Generation Z graduates. As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the job market, automating roles from computer programming to financial analysis, entry-level opportunities are shrinking. This shift has sparked a broader conversation about the relevance of higher education, with industry leaders like LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, and billionaire investor Warren Buffett questioning the value of prestigious degrees. Instead, adaptability, AI proficiency, and practical skills are emerging as the new currency for success in an increasingly tech-driven world. This essay explores the diminishing returns of college degrees, the growing emphasis on skills over credentials, and the implications for Gen Z navigating this evolving landscape.
The Erosion of the College Degree’s Value
For decades, a college degree was seen as a golden ticket to financial stability and social mobility. However, the rise of AI and automation is disrupting this narrative. As AI tools become more sophisticated, they are replacing tasks traditionally performed by entry-level professionals. Roles such as junior financial analysts, data entry specialists, and even software developers are increasingly automated, reducing the demand for traditional skill sets taught in universities. This technological shift coincides with a dwindling job market for recent graduates, who face fierce competition for fewer opportunities.
Moreover, the skyrocketing cost of higher education has exacerbated the issue. In the United States, the average student loan debt for a bachelor’s degree holder is approximately $30,000, with many graduates from elite institutions facing even higher burdens. Mark Zuckerberg, a Harvard dropout, highlighted this concern on the This Past Weekend podcast, noting that college graduates are often left in a “big financial hole” due to tuition costs. He questioned whether pursuing a degree remains a worthwhile investment, especially as the job market evolves to prioritize skills over academic credentials.
The sentiment is echoed by other prominent figures. Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered, described his Wharton MBA as a “waste of time,” arguing that the skills he acquired have “degraded” in relevance due to AI’s impact. Similarly, Warren Buffett, in his 2025 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, emphasized that he places no value on where a candidate studied, citing the success of leaders like Pete Leigl, who thrived without an elite education. These perspectives signal a broader reckoning in how society views higher education’s role in career success.
The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring
As the value of traditional degrees wanes, employers are shifting their focus to skills-based hiring. LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, speaking at a fireside chat in San Francisco, predicted that the future of work belongs to those who are “adaptable, forward-thinking, ready to learn, and ready to embrace” AI tools. This shift levels the playing field, allowing individuals without prestigious degrees to compete based on their ability to adapt to new technologies and work environments.
The tech industry, in particular, exemplifies this trend. Leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Jack Dorsey of Twitter and Block—all of whom achieved success without completing college—demonstrate that practical skills and innovative thinking often outweigh formal education. Companies are increasingly seeking candidates who can navigate AI-driven workflows, whether that involves leveraging machine learning tools, analyzing data with AI platforms, or adapting to new software ecosystems. This demand for adaptability is reshaping hiring practices, with employers prioritizing portfolios, certifications, and real-world experience over Ivy League credentials.
For Gen Z, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While they face a competitive job market, they also have access to unprecedented resources for self-directed learning. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in AI, coding, and other in-demand skills, often at a fraction of the cost of a college degree. Coding bootcamps, micro-credentials, and open-source projects further enable young professionals to build practical expertise and demonstrate their value to employers.
The Broader Implications for Gen Z
The changing landscape has profound implications for Gen Z, who must navigate a world where traditional pathways to success are no longer guaranteed. The pressure to attend college remains strong, driven by societal expectations and the prestige associated with elite institutions. Yet, as Zuckerberg noted, there is a growing acceptance that “maybe not everyone needs to go to college.” This cultural shift encourages young people to explore alternative paths, such as vocational training, apprenticeships, or entrepreneurial ventures, which can offer faster and more cost-effective routes to career success.
However, this transition is not without challenges. The emphasis on adaptability and AI proficiency requires continuous learning, which can be daunting in a fast-paced, tech-driven world. Gen Z must cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning, staying abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends. Additionally, the shift away from degrees raises questions about equity and access. While online learning platforms are widely available, not all individuals have the resources or time to pursue self-directed education, particularly those from marginalized or low-income backgrounds.
To address these challenges, educational institutions and policymakers must adapt. Universities should rethink their curricula to prioritize practical, AI-relevant skills, such as data science, machine learning, and critical thinking, over outdated or theoretical coursework. Partnerships between academia and industry could facilitate internships and apprenticeships, bridging the gap between education and employment. Meanwhile, governments and organizations should invest in accessible training programs to ensure that all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, can acquire the skills needed to thrive.
The notion that a college degree guarantees a six-figure job is becoming a relic of the past. As AI transforms the job market and employers prioritize adaptability and technical proficiency, Gen Z graduates face a new reality where skills trump credentials. Industry leaders like Ryan Roslansky, Mark Zuckerberg, and Warren Buffett underscore this shift, highlighting the success of those who prioritize practical expertise over formal education. While this presents challenges for young professionals, it also opens opportunities for those willing to embrace change and invest in their own learning. As the world of work evolves, Gen Z must adapt, leveraging new tools and pathways to carve out their place in an AI-driven future. The reckoning Zuckerberg spoke of is already underway, and it is up to this generation to redefine what success looks like in a rapidly changing landscape.