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Netizen shares grueling 17-hour workday at TSMC, sparking debate

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A Taiwanese netizen shared their demanding 17-hour workday at TSMC, sparking online discussion.
  • The daily routine included early mornings, back-to-back meetings, and late-night work, finishing around 9:30 PM.
  • The post prompted comments ranging from admiration for the salary to comparisons with other demanding professions like medicine.

The intense work culture at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), often dubbed the 'guardian mountain' of Taiwan's economy, has been laid bare by a netizen's viral social media post. The user detailed a grueling 17-hour workday, starting at 7:30 AM and concluding around 9:30 PM, filled with meetings, calls, and project tasks. This demanding schedule, which includes a late bedtime, has ignited a fervent discussion online. Many commenters expressed shock at the workload, with some admitting they could not handle such pressure, even for the high compensation TSMC is known to offer. "This money is not for me," one user commented, reflecting a common sentiment. Others offered words of encouragement, suggesting that the long hours could lead to financial freedom after a few years. The post also drew comparisons to other high-stress professions. An intern doctor shared their own demanding schedule, highlighting the intense hours required in the medical field. "I feel like he won," another user remarked, referring to a friend who chose TSMC over medicine.

This money is not for me

โ€” netizencommenting on the demanding work schedule at TSMC
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.