The difficult relationship between hard work & success

Silicon Valley billionaire Vinod Khosla ignited controversy with an X post seeking a new Chief of Staff. Khosla, an early investor in OpenAI and DoorDash, is known for his ability to spot opportunities, making his executive assistants valuable assets. However, Khosla's demands for his CoS candidates are strict: in-person work, 12 hours daily, and some weekends.

This grueling schedule has sparked backlash over the always-on work culture and bosses who expect constant availability. The tradeoff is clear: the position offers a chance to learn from a seasoned entrepreneur and work on unfamiliar technologies, but it comes at the cost of personal time. In today's job market, filled with uncertainty and dwindling opportunities, many young people feel the pressure to work tirelessly to succeed.

While some argue that hard work is essential for achieving greatness, the reality is more complex. Luck and timing also play significant roles, and the idea that success comes from burning the midnight oil is a romanticized notion. As Malcolm Gladwell noted, becoming an expert requires 10,000 hours of practice, which may not always be in a field dominated by AI.

The author, a director for Hutkay Films, suggests that the path to success is finding something you enjoy and are naturally suited for, while accepting the unpredictability of life.