1. What Is the 9-9-6 Work Culture?
Definition:
Work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
6 days a week,
Totaling 72 working hours.
Origin & Popularity:
Commonly seen in China’s tech and startup ecosystem.
Promoted by some influential tech leaders, including Jack Ma, as a sign of dedication and competitiveness.
Reality for Workers:
Long hours often lead to stress, burnout, and mental fatigue.
Many young professionals feel pressured to work overtime to keep their jobs or stay competitive.
2. Why Is 9-9-6 in Discussion Again?
Infosys founder N.R. narayana murthy referenced China’s 72-hour work model.
Said that life comes first, but the younger generation should also work hard to create better opportunities.
Mentioned that during the Catamaran team’s visit, they saw a saying in China: “9-9-6.”
Highlighted that even India’s prime minister reportedly works close to 100 hours a week, presenting an example of hard work.
3. government Crackdown on 9-9-6
Chinese law mandates:
8-hour workday,
44-hour workweek.
In 2021, China’s Supreme Court declared overly long schedules like 9-9-6 illegal and exploitative.
Despite rules, the culture still exists informally in some companies.
4. Salaries Under 9-9-6: How Much Do workers Earn?
Salaries vary widely depending on city, company, and skill level.
Some social media users argue that high pay compensates for long hours.
Entry-level software engineers:
Earn around 8,000–15,000 yuan/month (₹93,000–₹1.75 lakh).
Another estimate (Glassdoor):
Average annual salary for junior engineers: ~332,000 yuan
Equals ~45,000 USD or ₹37–40 lakh in India.
Higher-level engineers and top tech firms may pay significantly more, making 9-9-6 financially attractive despite the workload.
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