Dhawan, founder of Delhi-based consultancy firm UAbility, recounted his interaction with his 24-year-old nephew, a remote developer at a Y Combinator-backed AI startup, who earns an impressive ₹40 lakh per annum. Despite his success at a young age, his parents remain deeply concerned—not about his income, but about how little he appears to work.
“Kuch karta hi nahi”
According to Dhawan, the concern stems from the nephew’s short work hours. The young developer reportedly spends only three to four hours a day working, which has left his parents uneasy.
Sharing their worries, they confided in Dhawan, saying, “He barely does anything. He opens his laptop for a couple of hours and then shuts it. Is he doing something illegal?”
Their anxiety reflects a traditional belief that long hours are directly linked to productivity and success.
Changing Nature of Work
Dhawan used this example to underline a broader shift in modern workplaces driven by AI. He explained that with the rise of advanced tools and automation, tasks that once required eight or more hours can now be completed in just a few focused hours.
“We are in an era where AI has genuinely compressed eight hours of work into three to four hours of focused effort,” he noted. “A skilled developer today can outperform someone working 12-hour days using traditional methods.”
Generational Mindset Clash
The consultant pointed out that the parents’ concerns might have been replaced with pride if their son had followed a more conventional path—such as working long hours at established IT firms like Infosys or TCS, even at a lower salary.
This contrast highlights a deep-rooted mindset where visible effort and long working hours are valued more than efficiency and results.
Output Over Optics
Dhawan concluded by emphasizing the need to redefine how productivity is measured in today’s world. He observed that many young professionals feel pressured to appear busy, even when their work is already complete.
“The younger generation often feels embarrassed about finishing work early and pretends to stay busy,” he said.
He urged families and society at large to shift their perspective: “Output should matter more than optics. Results should matter more than hours. Instead of doubting your children, perhaps it’s time to question how we measure productivity.”
