Elon Musk's return to an extreme, “wartime” work schedule marks a continuation of a long-standing pattern in his career—one where personal sacrifice, intensity, and an almost militaristic devotion to work define his leadership style. His latest announcement that he’s again working seven days a week and sleeping in the office if his children are away, underscores just how high the stakes have become across his companies.
This resurgence of the "Wartime CEO" persona comes amid mounting pressure at several of his ventures: X (formerly Twitter) is still undergoing a turbulent transition; Tesla faces challenges in hitting ambitious production and autonomy milestones; SpaceX continues pushing boundaries in space travel; and his new push into AI and governmental reform through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) adds yet another layer of urgency.
The video Musk reshared, in which he visibly struggles with the toll of his earlier efforts to save Tesla, serves as a haunting reminder of the personal cost of his drive. His own words from the video—"This is very painful. It hurts my brain and my heart"—reflect both the emotional and physical exhaustion he often experiences, yet continues to accept as necessary.
Historically, Musk has set the bar brutally high for himself and expects others to follow. From sleeping on the Tesla factory floor during the Model 3 crisis, to turning Twitter's offices into de facto dorms post-acquisition, Musk views relentless commitment as the price of innovation. He often frames this in moral terms, insisting that leadership means not asking more of others than one is willing to do oneself.
But this ethic has also drawn criticism. Former Twitter staffers, for instance, cited unrealistic demands and illegal workplace changes. City officials even launched investigations after Musk reportedly turned Twitter's San Francisco HQ into a makeshift dormitory. Musk, in characteristic fashion, deflected the criticism back onto the city, accusing officials of focusing on the wrong problems.
In February 2025, his comment that DOGE staff work 120 hours a week while “bureaucratic opponents” work only 40 is classic Musk—equal parts bravado and strategic PR. It paints a clear “us vs them” narrative that appeals to those who admire speed and disruption over red tape and status quo.
Ultimately, Musk's work ethic remains as polarizing as ever. Admirers see it as heroic, even necessary to solve grand challenges like sustainable energy or interplanetary life. Critics argue it normalizes burnout and creates toxic expectations for employees. What’s clear is that Musk is once again bracing for battle—against regulators, timelines, critics, or perhaps time itself—and expects to win by sheer willpower and stamina.
