Chasing Dreams or Counting Hours: The Polarising Truth About 70-Hour Workweeks

The 70-hour workweek debate isn’t just about how many hours you spend at work—it reflects personal ambition, societal values, and the cost of pursuing success in an increasingly competitive world. At its core, this polarising topic boils down to a fundamental question: What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your dreams?

The answer, like the journey to success itself, is far from straightforward. It hinges on individual aspirations, the pace at which one wants to progress, and, critically, the definition of success. Let’s dive deeper into this often contentious conversation and unpack its complexities.

The Case for the 70-Hour Workweek: Success Demands Relentless Focus

For some, the 70-hour work week is not just a choice but a necessity. Take the archetype of the first-generation entrepreneur—someone with no safety net, no inherited wealth, and everything to prove. In their world, time isn’t just money; it’s survival. Sacrificing weekends, sleep, and social life becomes a small price to pay for building something extraordinary from scratch.

Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com, described this mindset succinctly: “Extraordinary success demands extraordinary effort.” He challenges the notion of work-life balance, arguing that true greatness requires going beyond counting hours. For those pursuing transformative achievements—be it creating a billion-dollar startup or climbing to the top of an elite profession—the journey often demands more than average effort.

Historically, some of the greatest innovations and successes were birthed by individuals who embraced imbalance. Elon Musk famously slept on Tesla’s factory floors during production crises, while Steve Jobs was known for his obsessive attention to detail at Apple. These leaders didn’t count hours; they chased vision. The message is clear: for those seeking to build legacies, the 70-hour work week isn’t a hindrance—it’s a feature.

The Counterargument: The Human Cost of Relentless Hustle

However, not everyone agrees that the relentless grind is the path to success. Namita Thapar, CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, argues that while founders may willingly sacrifice work-life balance, it’s unfair to impose similar expectations on employees. Her critique of the hustle culture stems from a growing recognition of its detrimental effects on mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Burnout is real, and it’s pervasive. According to global studies, employees who consistently work long hours are at a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and chronic health problems. Moreover, while hustling harder may produce short-term gains, it often leads to diminishing returns in productivity over time. Innovation, creativity, and problem-solving—qualities essential for long-term success—suffer when individuals are stretched too thin.

Critically, there’s also a question of inclusivity. The 70-hour workweek assumes a level playing field, but the reality is different. Working parents, caregivers, or individuals with health conditions may find such demands unrealistic or even discriminatory. The narrative of “working harder” doesn’t account for systemic barriers or individual circumstances, which makes it essential to question whether the relentless hustle truly leads to equitable success.

A Complex Reality: Beyond Binary Choices

The truth about the 70-hour workweek lies somewhere in between. Success is not a one-size-fits-all equation. While some thrive under relentless pressure, others achieve extraordinary outcomes through smarter strategies and balanced lives. The dichotomy of "work-life balance" versus "hustle culture" oversimplifies a nuanced reality.

1. Work-Life Harmony, Not Balance: Success doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning all aspects of life outside work. Leaders like Mittal advocate for “work-life harmony” over rigid balance. The idea is not to count hours but to integrate work and life in a way that aligns with your priorities.
2. Quality Over Quantity: Working 70 hours doesn’t automatically equate to productivity. The ability to focus deeply, make strategic decisions, and work efficiently often outweighs the sheer number of hours spent at a desk. Many successful individuals attribute their achievements not to long hours but to maximising the value of each hour worked.
3. Flexible Models Are Changing the Game: The advent of remote work and hybrid models has shown that productivity is no longer tied to clock-in office hours. It is important to note that a hybrid work model increased productivity by 30%. This highlights how flexibility and autonomy can often outperform rigidity.

Personal Ambition and the Price of Success

At its heart, the debate isn’t really about hours—it’s about trade-offs. Success, no matter how you define it, demands a price. The key question is: What are you willing to pay?

• If You Want to Be Extraordinary: There’s no escaping the grind. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional athlete, or a political leader, achieving greatness demands relentless focus and effort. The journey will test your limits, and balance will often take a back seat.
• If You Value Balance Over Ambition: For those who prioritise relationships, health, and personal time, a balanced life may take precedence over high-risk, high-reward pursuits. This choice isn’t inferior—it’s simply different. Success is subjective, and choosing a slower, steadier path is equally valid.
• If You’re in the Middle: Many people fall somewhere in between these extremes. They aspire to achieve ambitious goals without entirely sacrificing their personal lives. For them, finding harmony, leveraging flexibility, and maximising efficiency are the keys to sustainable success.

The Final Verdict: Define Success on Your Own Terms

The polarising truth about the 70-hour workweek is that it isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s contextual. For some, it’s a necessary stepping stone to greatness; for others, it’s a trap that erodes health and happiness. The real question isn’t whether long hours are worth it, but whether they align with your values and vision.

• Do you want to build a billion-dollar empire, even if it costs you personal time and relationships?
• Do you want a steady career that allows you to prioritise family and hobbies?
• Are you willing to sacrifice balance temporarily to achieve long-term goals?

These questions have no universal answers. What matters is understanding your aspirations and choosing a path that reflects your priorities. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about whether you worked 70 hours or 40—it’s about the life you created with the hours you invested.