996

What does 996 mean?

996 is shorthand for a work schedule of 9am to 9pm, six days a week — about 72 hours. It is used to criticize overwork culture, especially in tech companies. Related jokes include 007 (midnight to midnight, 7 days a week, i.e. always on) and 955 (9 to 5, five days, the dream).

Where does 996 come from?

The term existed in the tech industry for years but became a national debate in 2019, when a GitHub repository called "996.ICU" ("work 996, end up in the ICU") collected complaints from developers and became one of the most-starred projects on the site.

How to use 996

• 这家公司是996，工资再高我也不去。
  Zhè jiā gōngsī shì jiǔ jiǔ liù, gōngzī zài gāo wǒ yě bú qù.
  That company is 996 — I wouldn't go no matter how high the pay.
• 996是福报？我不同意。
  Jiǔ jiǔ liù shì fúbào? Wǒ bù tóngyì.
  996 is a blessing? I disagree.