The internet never forgets—especially when it comes to political irony. Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who once suggested that young people should work 70-hour weeks to boost productivity, is now making headlines for joining Goldman Sachs in an advisory role. Unsurprisingly, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) exploded with memes, sarcastic remarks, and sharp commentary on the hypocrisy of his career move. Read More
Why the Memes? A Quick Recap
In late 2023, Rishi Sunak sparked outrage when he endorsed a 70-hour workweek, citing the example of hardworking cultures like India’s. His comments were met with backlash from workers, unions, and mental health advocates who argued that such expectations are unrealistic and harmful.
Fast forward to 2024, and Rishi Sunak—after losing the UK general election—has now taken up a role at Goldman Sachs, a firm notorious for its grueling work culture. Reports suggest that junior bankers at Goldman often work 80-100 hours per week, making Sunak’s new job the perfect fodder for online ridicule.
Social Media Reacts: Best Memes & Reactions
X users didn’t hold back, flooding the platform with hilarious and scathing takes:
- *”Rishi Sunak after telling Brits to work 70-hour weeks, then joining Goldman Sachs where they work 100-hour weeks.”* (Accompanied by a meme of a sweating man trying to keep up.)
- “Rishi Sunak: ‘Work 70 hours a week!’ Also Rishi Sunak: Joins a bank where analysts sleep under their desks.”
- “From ‘hustle culture’ PM to Goldman Sachs advisor—the ultimate ‘Do as I say, not as I do.’”
The irony was too rich to ignore, especially since Rishi Sunak own political career didn’t require him to pull 70-hour weeks in Parliament.
Goldman Sachs’ Infamous Work Culture
If there’s one company synonymous with brutal hours, it’s Goldman Sachs. Multiple reports and employee testimonies reveal:
Goldman Sachs Work Hours: A Snapshot
| Position | Average Weekly Hours | Key Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst | 80-100 hrs | All-nighters, high burnout rates |
| Associate | 70-90 hrs | Extreme pressure, weekend work |
| VP & Above | 50-70 hrs | Still demanding but slightly better |
A 2021 survey of Goldman Sachs analysts revealed:
- 77% felt they were victims of workplace abuse.
- 75% reported worsening mental health.
- Many admitted to sleeping in the office to meet deadlines.
Rishi Sunak move to Goldman Sachs, therefore, feels like a punchline to his own “work harder” rhetoric.
Rishi Sunak Career Shift: What’s the Deal?
After his electoral defeat, Sunak was expected to return to finance—his pre-politics background was in hedge funds and banking. His new role at Goldman Sachs is reportedly in an advisory capacity, meaning he may not be subjected to the same brutal hours as junior employees.
But that hasn’t stopped critics from calling out the double standard:
- Work-life balance for me, not for thee?
- “The phrase “rules for thee, but not for me”—is frequently used to criticize powerful politicians.
Public & Expert Reactions
1. Worker Rights Advocates
- “Rishi Sunak Goldman job proves how out of touch he was with average workers.”
- “Telling people to grind 70 hours while securing a cushy bank role is peak hypocrisy.”
2. Financial Analysts
- “Goldman Sachs is the last place you go if you believe in work-life balance.”
- “If Sunak really believed in 70-hour weeks, he should start as an analyst there.”
3. Social Media Satirists
- Memes comparing Rishi Sunak to “corporate Patrick Bateman” (from American Psycho) trended.
- Jokes about “Rishi Sunak internship at Goldman” went viral.
Featured Table: Goldman Sachs vs. Rishi Sunak Work Ethic
| Aspect | Sunak’s Suggestion | Goldman Sachs Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Work Hours | 70-hour weeks | 80-100 hrs for juniors |
| Work-Life Balance | “Sacrifice for success” | Frequent burnout |
| Who Does It? | “Young people” | Junior bankers (mostly in 20s) |
| Sunak’s Role | Advocate | Advisor (likely flexible hours) |
Final Thought
The 70-hour workweek debate isn’t going away, but Rishi Sunak Goldman Sachs move has given it a fresh—and meme-worthy—twist. Whether he’ll address the irony remains to be seen, but for now, X is having a field day.
Would you work 70 hours a week? Let us know in the comments!
Conclusion: A Lesson in Irony
Rishi Sunak move to Goldman Sachs has turned into a case study in elite hypocrisy. While he preached “hard work” to the public, his career choices suggest a different standard for himself. The memes, while funny, highlight a deeper frustration with leaders who advocate extreme work culture while enjoying far more flexible, high-paying roles.
As the internet continues to roast Rishi Sunak Goldman gig, one thing is clear: If you’re going to preach 70-hour workweeks, you’d better be ready to live by them.
