As a hiring manager, I _vastly_ prefer hiring someone that values work-life balance over this grind culture bullshit. YMMV, but in my experience, the folks that care about balance tend to be more focused and productive during the hours they are working.
Of course, exceptional circumstances exist where long hours are required. Not disputing that. But making that the default for the company culture is insane.
That’s where the whole always being prepared for the shit to hit the fan comes in - having a strong network, enough liquid savings to cover a gap of unemployment, a resume that’s updated at least quarterly, a longer form career document, up to date skillset…
I have never once in 27 years (3 years after my first job) been stressed enough about losing my job to overwork myself and I’ve worked at the shittiest BigTech company (you know the one based in Seattle) where they love to overwork you.
That’s not to mention the subset who do receive equity that are working at startups whose equity is statistically worthless.
And if someone’s identity is tied up in thier jobs, their an idiot.
I’ve worked at 10 jobs in my career of over 30 years everything from startups, boring enterprise, BigTech to now working full time for a consulting company. I’m always prepared to jump ship when facts on the ground change. I need a job - not the current job I have.
Working more hours wouldn't make the situation any better. In that case it would decrease quality of life.
If you're in that position you should still work your 40, but you need to just get better.
Sorry, but despite your best intentions, even those long hours are wrong and unnecessary. It's the leadership's planning skills and inability to take responsibility of the exceptional circumstances. In such a situation good leadership just cuts scope without flinching and reflects to avoid a repeat.
edit: typo