As ‘996’ culture spreads, New Mexico entrepreneurs take a measured approach
As ‘996’ culture spreads, New Mexico entrepreneurs take a measured approach
By Hannah Garcia | ABQ Journal | October 19, 2025
John Cousins often asks himself: “Is what you’re doing every minute the most productive thing you could be doing?”
Founder of MBA ASAP, an online business education community with students worldwide, Cousins said many people mistake busywork for productivity. This can contribute to burnout, he said, especially when focused on menial tasks rather than those that “move the needle.”
“Hustle culture,” “rise-and-grind,” and “grindset mindset” are common phrases encouraging employees to put work before anything else — and they have seen a resurgence in recent years.
The newest trend? The “996” mindset.
“I’m not convinced that we want a 996,” said Drew Tulchin, president of the New Mexico Angels organization, whose members invest in local startups. “I care about an innovation mindset, a place where entrepreneurs can get the resources they want to be able to grow their ideas, and a place where the private sector can operate effectively — those are different from what a 996 provides.”
