From 996 to jobless as AI shockwave hits China’s tech sector workers

China's tech sector is undergoing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence threatens to dismantle the once-cherished "996" work culture of labor-intensive programming. Official figures reveal a workforce of 8.09 million employed in the software and IT services industry, with developers in cities like Beijing and Shanghai earning monthly salaries averaging $2,200–$2,700.

This prosperity, however, came at a steep price, with programmers sacrificing their health and social lives to the grueling 9 am to 9 pm, six-day workweek.

The rise of AI coding tools has begun to dismantle the foundations of this high-pressure lifestyle. GitHub reports a workforce of 7.55 million developers, yet the very tools designed to enhance productivity are now replacing human coders. Major tech giants such as Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance have laid off over 130,000 employees in recent months, with job insecurity looming over the remaining workforce.

The 996 culture has exacted a heavy human toll, with workers suffering from relentless stress and burnout. One programmer collapsed at the age of 32 after years of excessive hours, a stark reminder of the health risks associated with this demanding work environment. Younger employees are often described as "sugarcane chewed up and spat out," with older workers with families finding themselves increasingly marginalized.

The effects of AI are particularly acutely felt among those over 35, many of whom face financial ruin due to mortgages, children's education expenses, and falling housing prices. As China's tech sector grapples with the impact of AI, the once-proud careers of thousands of programmers hang in the balance, leaving an entire generation of workers to question the future of their livelihoods.