Before Narayana Murthy’s ‘70-Hour’ Advice, It Was Elon Musk Who Rallied For 100-hour Work Week

Last year in October, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy stirred a storm when he spoke about how the youth should work 70 hours per week. This was to achieve being ‘very productive’. Despite debates around work-life balance in the wake of his statement, Murthy stood by what he said and further added that India’s work culture needs to change.?

However, it may come as a surprise but before him it was tech magnate Elon Musk who said that to achieve success, one must ‘work like hell’.?

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Elon Musk, the visionary behind X, Tesla, and SpaceX, is renowned for his tireless dedication and unorthodox path to achievement. Despite overseeing multiple major enterprises and actively participating in public disputes with other business figures on his social media platform, Musk maintains a hectic schedule that leaves little room for the concept of "work-life balance."

Musk Rallied For 80 To 100-hour Work Weeks In Order To Compete With Those Who Work Fewer Hours

In a 2010 interview, Musk provided guidance to entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of unwavering perseverance and a rigorous work regimen in achieving success. He recommended committing to 80 to 100-hour workweeks consistently, asserting that this level of dedication could condense a year's worth of progress into just four months compared to those working fewer hours.

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In a 2013 interview at South by Southwest, Musk acknowledged that while he does allocate time for his family, he disclosed that he maintains his intense work schedule by continuing to work even during these moments. He explained that because his family does not require constant engagement, except during direct conversations, he perceives this as a way to achieve a semblance of work-life balance.

Musk Even Admitted That Working Nonstop Does Take A Toll On You

While the ethos of pushing boundaries with 80-100 hour workweeks may appear synonymous with the habits of successful individuals, Elon Musk himself acknowledges the considerable toll such a relentless schedule can exact. Musk candidly addressed the wearing nature and the significant pain associated with maintaining such intense work hours over time. Even the ostensibly reduced 80-hour threshold, he admitted, is unsustainable for long-term well-being. In an interview with Recode's Kara Swisher at Tesla's Palo Alto headquarters, Musk cautioned that working 120 hours a week could lead one to "go a little bonkers."

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Despite the acknowledged challenges, Musk remains steadfast in his belief that his unwavering work ethic has played a pivotal role in his success. His groundbreaking accomplishments with Tesla and SpaceX have revolutionized technology and innovation, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures globally. Even amid discussions surrounding emerging work paradigms such as remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, Musk maintains skepticism, suggesting it may not always be morally sound. Nevertheless, his unyielding approach to work has ignited debates among analysts regarding the potential ramifications of overworking and its impact on personal well-being.