Is India's startup culture harming work-life balance?

I can say that the startup culture in India is too toxic and is definitely impacting work-life balance, and not always in a good way. I asked this question because I've seen both sides of the coin and wanted to share my perspective.

On one hand, the energy and innovation in the startup ecosystem are absolutely electrifying. There's a sense of purpose and urgency that you don't often find in more traditional workplaces. But this comes at a cost. The long hours, the constant pressure to perform, and the expectation to be available around the clock can be overwhelming. I've seen colleagues burn out, relationships strain, and health deteriorate because of the relentless pace.

In my own experience, I've had days where I barely saw my family, missed out on social events, and even neglected my own well-being just to meet deadlines or push a product out the door. The hustle culture is glorified to the point where taking a break feels like a weakness. It's almost like if you're not working 12-14 hours a day, you're not contributing enough.

But it's not all bad imo. There are startups that are trying to change this narrative by promoting a healthier work-life balance, offering flexible hours, and encouraging employees to take time off. However, these are still in the minority. The prevailing mindset is still very much "work hard, play hard," but the "play" part often gets sidelined.

So, in my opinion, while the startup culture in India is driving incredible innovation and growth, it's also creating an environment where work-life balance is often sacrificed. It's a double-edged sword, and finding that balance is something that both employers and employees need to work on actively.