14 Hour Workday: 23-Year-Old Indian-Origin Entrepreneur Sparks Debate Advocating 9-9-6 Culture With ‘No Drinking, No Drugs’

The resurgence of extreme work culture has been reignited by Daksh Gupta, a 23-year-old entrepreneur from India, who leads the AI startup Greptile in San Francisco. Advocating for grueling 12-to-14-hour workdays, Gupta promotes a lifestyle devoid of distractions, emphasizing discipline among young professionals.

Gupta, who relocated to San Francisco in 2023, recently described the “current vibe” of young and ambitious workers in the Bay Area as one marked by extreme discipline.

The global debate on extreme work culture has resurfaced with fresh intensity, this time driven by a 23-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur who has made Silicon Valley sit up and take notice. Daksh Gupta, the founder and CEO of San Francisco-based AI startup Greptile, has become the latest tech leader to advocate relentless work schedules, urging young professionals to embrace 12-to-14-hour workdays, six days a week, while giving up drinking, drugs, and what he describes as “distractions.”

A Strict Blueprint for Success
Gupta, who relocated to San Francisco in 2023, recently described the “current vibe” of young and ambitious workers in the Bay Area as one marked by extreme discipline. Speaking to The San Francisco Standard, he said:
“The current vibe is no drinking, no drugs, 9-9-6 [work from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week], lift heavy, run far, marry early, track sleep, eat steak and eggs.”

His outlook echoes calls made in the past by influential figures such as Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who in 2023 controversially suggested Indian youth should dedicate 70 hours a week to nation-building, and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who has long promoted 80-hour workweeks as a baseline for building revolutionary companies.

Work Over Leisure: Burning Man ‘No Longer in the Zeitgeist’
Interestingly, Gupta also tied this lifestyle shift to broader cultural changes among young professionals. He argued that the rise of work-centric lives has reshaped how millennials and Gen Z approach festivals and social gatherings. Citing Burning Man—a week-long desert festival in Nevada known for its countercultural ethos—he remarked that the event “hasn’t really been part of the zeitgeist” since his move to San Francisco, reflecting how younger workers are increasingly prioritising grind over recreation.
Divided Reactions on Social Media
Gupta’s remarks have ignited a storm of reactions online. A screenshot of his interview, captioned “so true Daksh Gupta,” was shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), quickly surpassing one million views. While some hailed his comments as evidence of strong work ethic and personal discipline, many criticised the mindset as exploitative and mentally harmful.
One user commented: “Sounds like literally the most miserable existence ever. One day you’ll retire with plenty of money and realise you have no friends, and you’re too old to properly enjoy the money you’ve earned.”
Another questioned the practicality of his lifestyle, asking, “How does he find someone to marry if he’s working all the time and the rare time he isn’t, is working out?” Several others argued that such an approach risks burnout, depression, and alienation from social life.
High Pay, High Pressure
Despite criticism, Gupta stands by his philosophy, highlighting the rewards of long-hour culture. Greptile, his AI startup, has recently opened job listings with eye-catching salary ranges. A junior hire can expect a base pay between $140,000 and $180,000 (Rs 1.2–1.5 crore), alongside equity worth $130,000–$180,000. For professionals with seven or more years of experience, the packages climb even higher—between $240,000 (Rs 2.1 crore) and $270,000 (Rs 2.3 crore) annually.
However, the lucrative salaries come with non-negotiable conditions. Employees must work from Greptile’s San Francisco office, with no option for remote or hybrid roles. At the same time, Gupta ensures competitive perks, including free meals, transport, healthcare, and a 401k match, making it clear that the company expects nothing short of total commitment.
Broader Debate on Work-Life Balance
Gupta’s remarks feed into a larger, long-running debate on work-life balance in the global tech industry. In India, Murthy’s “70-hour” call sparked widespread criticism from younger generations, who argued for mental health, innovation through leisure, and personal freedom. In Silicon Valley, Musk’s celebration of marathon workweeks continues to polarise opinion, with some crediting him for setting high standards while others point to toxic workplace cultures and sky-high burnout rates.
Gupta’s comments, therefore, highlight a growing ideological divide: should work be life’s centrepiece in pursuit of success, or should innovation flourish within balanced lifestyles? His rise as a 23-year-old founder makes his perspective noteworthy, but whether such a culture is sustainable remains a critical question.
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