Techie defends 72 hour work weeks viral post sparks debate online

Pranav Mehta, a software engineer from Himachal Pradesh, recently sparked debate on the internet after commenting on the demanding work hours at his employer, US-based tech company Mercor. His remarks were prompted by a post from Mercor’s CEO, Brendan, who announced that the company had achieved a revenue run rate of $500 million in just 17 months, marking itself as one of the fastest-growing companies.

In his response, Mehta shared that while the 72-hour work week can be challenging and occasionally extends to 100 hours, he believes the experience offers significant growth and rewards. He contrasted this with a standard 40-hour work week, stating that it does not provide the same level of experience or opportunities.

Mehta’s statements led to mixed reactions on social media. Some users expressed concern about the sustainability of such long hours, questioning the implications for work-life balance. Conversely, others supported Mehta’s perspective, highlighting their willingness to work hard in the early stages of their careers.

Discussions around work hours and company culture have intensified, raising questions about the balance between dedication and potential burnout.