Choosing a Saner Lifestyle: Behind the Lies of ‘Lying Flat’
The Price of Success in China’s 996 Culture
“I need to find a new job!” My best friend Rebeca exclaimed, desperation creeping into her voice. As a dedicated employee at the Singapore branch of a prominent Chinese tech giant, she received a competitive salary—30% higher than at her previous position with a Fortune 500 American company. Yet, the trade-off was immense: her personal life had all but vanished under the weight of relentless business trips and late-night online meetings.
“They have no sense of boundaries whatsoever!” she lamented about her higher-ups, echoing the frustrations of many caught in the clutches of the infamous 996 culture, a grueling work schedule that demands employees to toil from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week.
A Culture That Oversteps
Our mutual friend Max, who recently quit another Chinese tech company, experienced the unsustainable demands firsthand. He was reprimanded for not responding to WeChat messages in the work group chat after midnight! This level of expectation is staggering, and Max had to escape the suffocating environment before it drained him completely.
As I consoled Rebeca, nostalgia washed over me, drawing me back to my own life in China a decade ago.
Reflecting on My Past: The Price of Fame
I had what many would consider a dream job—I hosted a weekly television interview show that bore my name. It was glamorous from the outside, promising fame and career satisfaction. However, behind the scenes, I was constantly on the move, pursuing guests and stories while also buried in an editing room, racing against tight deadlines.
My mornings often began with anxiety as I awoke in a panic, fearing potential errors that might go live on air. At that point in my life, work reigned supreme; motherhood became a distant notion, postponed indefinitely. It wasn’t until I stepped away from both my job and country that my perspective began to shift.
Embracing a New Lifestyle: The Choice to "Lie Flat"
In this era of rapid change, opting for a lifestyle defined by balance over the excessive demands of 996 culture feels both revolutionary and necessary. “Lying flat”—a term coined by those who resist the relentless grind—has become a movement emphasizing self-care and personal fulfillment over societal expectations.
I no longer see my life as a series of achievements lined up for validation. Instead, I prioritize experiences, relationships, and mental well-being. The truth is, success doesn’t have to come at the expense of happiness.
Building a Healthier Work-Life Balance
Recognizing the Signs of Burnout
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial. If you feel:
- Exhausted despite adequate sleep
- Irritable and fed up with work commitments
- That work consumes all your thoughts
Then it might be time to reevaluate your priorities.
Steps Towards a Healthier Lifestyle
- Set Boundaries: Clearly delineate work hours and personal time.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate activities into your daily routine that bring you joy and relaxation.
- Seek Flexibility: Look for job opportunities emphasizing work-life balance—companies that encourage productivity over presenteeism.
Final Thoughts: A New Path Forward
As Rebeca contemplates leaving her job, I urge her to embrace the idea that there’s more to life than the relentless pursuits dictated by societal norms. By prioritizing mental well-being and personal fulfillment, she, along with countless others, can find a way to live sanely amidst the noise. In a fast-paced world, choosing peace over pressure is not just a lifestyle; it’s a declaration of self-worth.
Through this journey, I invite you to reflect on your own lifestyle choices. Are you truly thriving, or merely surviving? Take charge of your narrative—it’s time to chart a path that enriches your life, rather than depletes it.
