Admit it, working overtime is never fun. Actually, it might be a little fun if it happens only once in a while, and we are adequately compensated for it too. But then, many would say it's too much of wishful thinking because obviously, such a thing does not really exist.

As it gets more and more difficult for new-age employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, owing to the ever-rising demands on their professional front, even a stray comment in encouragement of working overtime can be a pretty huge buzzkill.

(c) Reuters

Something similar happened very recently when China's richest man and one of the world's largest e-commerce companies Alibaba's founder Jack Ma spoke up in defence of the laborious overtime work culture in Chinese tech companies. What's even saddening is his belief that working overtime is nothing less than a “huge blessing” for young workers.

All of this transpired during a speech that Jack Ma delivered to Alibaba employees encouraging the “996” work schedule, which basically refers to the 9 am to 9 pm daily work timings, for six days a week.

(c) Reuters

Insane, right? We agree! But if you are wondering where this logic stems from for the e-commerce magnate, read this, “I personally think that being able to work 996 is a huge blessing. Many companies and many people don't have the opportunity to work 996, if you don't work 996 when you are young, when can you ever work 996?”

How about “never”, Mr Jack? Never at the cost of our physical and mental well-being at least.

(c) Reuters

But in his defence, Jack Ma thought the following excuse might be a valid justification. “In this world, everyone wants success, wants a nice life, wants to be respected. Let me ask everyone, if you don't put out more time and energy than others, how can you achieve the success you want?”

We are all for working hard, and going that extra mile to get the job done to perfection, but what Jack Ma seems to have ignored in this entire monologue is that, there is a difference between working to achieve our dreams, and slogging to get to the nearest grave sooner.

(c) Reuters

Working overtime is by no means to be encouraged, especially at a time when millions around the world are struggling to maintain their mental well being, due to constant pressure and stress at work. Aspiring for a nice life might mean surviving through some sleepless nights along the way, but that surely doesn't mean giving up the peace and very life in order to live it.

So, thank you for the suggestion Mr Jack, but we think we'll pass.