A British man has captured attention on Chinese social media after sharing the harsh realities of a demanding work schedule at a major tech firm, spotlighting the controversial “996 work culture” prevalent in China’s technology sector. Jack Forsdike, a 28-year-old from Yorkshire, joined NetEase in Guangzhou in 2022, initially taking on a translation role with manageable hours. However, after transitioning to game design in January 2024, his workload drastically increased, culminating in grueling weeks often extending to 80 hours as he and his team rushed to meet tight deadlines.
Forsdike chronicled his experience, stating, “We started work at 10am every day… in April, my standard leaving time must have been after 10pm, sometimes up to midnight.” The pressure was palpable, as Forsdike noted that during intense periods, he worked up to three consecutive Saturdays, illustrating the relentless pace expected in the industry.
Despite not being mandated to work overtime, there was an unspoken expectation among team members to maintain productivity, which left Forsdike feeling obligated to support his colleagues and avoid project delays. In late April, he posted a candid photo of himself appearing exhausted on Xiaohongshu, a popular Chinese social media platform. His post, which questioned his decision to take the job, quickly went viral, garnering over 265,000 views and resonating with many who empathized with his struggles.
In a follow-up post in June, he shared the same photo with an added caption that simply read, “Why not just quit? I’m too tired.” This resonated further, attracting more than 383,000 views. Forsdike’s experiences reflect a broader culture, where discussions about workload norms often remain hushed, particularly among expatriates.
While he found aspects of his job fulfilling, including higher pay compared to equivalent roles in the UK, Forsdike lost his position during company-wide layoffs in June. He expressed concerns about the long-term implications of the 996 culture, stating, “It will lead to burnout and result in the loss of talent.” This sentiment echoes widespread critiques of the intense work environment, linked to a growing awareness of mental health issues within demanding industries.
Forsdike’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges facing many in the fast-paced world of technology, where burnout looms large amidst fierce competition and demanding deadlines. Following his redundancy, he relocated to Harbin, his wife’s hometown, and is currently focusing on creating content for social media rather than diving back into the high-pressure tech job landscape.
As conversations around work-life balance gain traction, Forsdike’s journey highlights the need for greater transparency and healthier work practices in tech industries across the globe. For many, his narrative resonates not just as an individual struggle but as a critical reflection on a culture that often prioritizes productivity over well-being.