I drank vodka at my desk starting around noon most days when I was still working as an accountant. The pressure of maintaining appearances while drowning internally made alcohol seem like the only way to function. I'd meet clients at pubs in the afternoon because I couldn't face appointments sober anymore--eventually I just stopped working past 12:30pm entirely. Here's what I learned after nine years sober: the rigid schedule isn't actually what drives the drinking--it's using substances to cope with feelings you don't want to face. I was drinking a bottle of vodka or two bottles of wine daily, but I told myself I was "high-functioning" because I hadn't lost everything yet. That's the trap. The 996 schedule creates the perfect storm because you're exhausted, stressed, and have zero time for genuine self-care or connection. Alcohol or THC become your only "me time." But you're not actually relaxing--you're just adding another demanding routine on top of your work schedule. I thought drinking was my form of relaxation until I got sober and realized it had me locked into an even more rigid routine: work, drink, sleep, repeat. If you're using substances to survive your schedule, that's your sign the schedule isn't sustainable. I ended up borrowing £11,000 to go to rehab because I waited until I had no other option. The pressure doesn't get better--you just get better at lying to yourself about how bad it's gotten.
I've experienced periods in my career, especially in the early stages of building AIScreen, that felt very close to the "996" schedule. The intensity of long hours and constant deadlines can blur the line between drive and burnout. For me, the biggest challenge wasn't just the workload—it was learning to manage the mental exhaustion that came with it. I never turned to alcohol or drugs to cope, but I understand why some might. The temptation often comes from wanting to escape constant pressure. My way of managing it was through structure and visualization—literally using our digital signage dashboards to map out priorities, rest periods, and small wins. Seeing progress in real time helped me detach from the endless to-do list mindset. The truth is, you can't sustain creativity or leadership without balance. The grind may build companies, but discipline and self-awareness are what keep them alive.
I've worked 12-hour days, six days a week. I don't use drugs and I'll have a drink once or twice a month—max. What keeps me steady is a hard cutoff at night, a 20-30 minute workout most days, and simple rules: no weekday booze, caffeine before 2 p.m., and lights-out at a set time. I cope with a "996-ish" grind by making rules, not guesses—and it keeps alcohol rare. Clear boundaries. Work stops when the timer hits; I write tomorrow's top 3 and shut the laptop. No "one more email" that pushes me to drink. Daily state change. 20-30 minutes of lifting (ramped 5x5), a run, or pickleball. Sweat drops stress enough that I don't chase a nightcap. Sleep protection. Same bedtime, room dark/cool, and I cut caffeine after 2 p.m. Better sleep = fewer cravings. Social script. I keep non-alcohol go-tos—sparkling water with lime or NA beer—and say, "Early day tomorrow." It ends the pressure. If I drink: Max 2, only with food, water between rounds, and never on back-to-back nights. Once or twice a month is my line. Other resets: 2 minutes of physiological sighs + 10-minute walk after work; protein-forward dinner so I'm not drinking on an empty stomach. As a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach and ISSA Nutritionist, I've seen simple guardrails beat willpower. I feel better, train better, and still show up at 9 a.m.
Running an events business means long days and unpredictable schedules. Some mornings start before sunrise, and it's late at night by the time everything is packed up and the trucks roll out. Over the years, I've learned that the only way to stay grounded in that kind of routine is to build structure where you can. I make time for simple things like a morning workout or breakfast with my family before the day gets going. Those moments remind me why I work as hard as I do. In this line of work, it's common to see people lean on quick fixes to handle the pressure. I've made a conscious effort to avoid that path. Fresh air, exercise, and time with people who make me laugh help me recharge in a way that lasts. I've found that real rest comes from doing things that clear your head, not numb it. The pace can be demanding, but stepping back for even a few minutes helps me stay focused. I try to keep clear boundaries between work and personal time, even if that just means putting the phone away for a while. That small reset keeps me sharp and present, both at work and at home. Staying balanced in this business isn't easy, but with discipline and the right habits, it's possible to keep your energy and your mindset steady all year long.
When I first built SourcingXpro in Shenzhen I was basically living a 996 rhythm without calling it that. Wake at 8, factory calls by 9, supplier quotes until night, then emails with U.S. clients past midnight. The pressure didn't push me toward alcohol or weed, it pushed me toward numb habits like energy drinks and eating late which wrecked my sleep and mood. The real coping wasn't substances, it was structure. I set a hard cut-off at 11 pm and forced a daily walk after dinner to clear my head. The work didn't get lighter, but my reactions did. Once I created non-negotiable breaks, I stopped looking for escape valves.
As someone who runs multiple companies on what resembles a '996' schedule, I made the decision to stop drinking alcohol entirely to maintain the clarity and focus needed at this level of leadership. The intense workload requires me to be at my best, so I've replaced evening drinks with dedicated time for physical training, quality sleep, and reflection. I've found that staying completely clear-headed not only helps manage the demanding schedule but reinforces the same discipline that drives business success.