Starting a 9 to 5 job can be a daunting experience, especially for recent graduates who have just bid farewell to the world of academia.1 Suddenly, the familiar structure of classes and exams is replaced by a world of cubicles, commutes, and the ceaseless tick of the office clock. The transition from student life to working professional can be unsettling, as we dedicate years to education only to find ourselves navigating the challenges of the corporate world with minimal guidance.
TikTok’s Tearful Revelation
Brielle (@brielleybelly123), a TikTok creator, recently shared her emotional journey as she embarked on her first 9 to 5 job after college.2 In a heartfelt video posted on October 19, 2023, she tearfully expressed her feelings about the lack of work-life balance that this new chapter in her life brought.
“I know I’m probably just being so dramatic and annoying, but this is my first job, like my first 9 to 5 job after college. I’m in person, and I’m commuting in the city, and it takes me f—— forever to get there,” Brielle explained to her followers.
Her video quickly went viral, striking a chord with viewers who empathized with her plight. In her emotional rant, Brielle shared her struggle to reconcile the demands of her daily commute with her personal life, leaving her with little time or energy for anything else.
A 9 to 5 Job is A Quest for Balance
For many young professionals like Brielle, the challenges of a 9 to 5 job extend beyond office hours. In Brielle’s case, her daily commute was a significant source of frustration, adding extra hours to her workday.
“I wanna shower, eat my dinner, and go to sleep. I don’t have time to do anything productive or fun,” Brielle lamented.
The stress of juggling a lengthy commute, demanding work hours, and personal life left Brielle feeling overwhelmed, even though she emphasized that her frustration wasn’t directed at her job.
Validating Feelings
Brielle’s video resonated with countless TikTok users, amassing over 1.1 million views and thousands of comments that empathized with her experience. This shared empathy highlighted the broader issue of work-life balance for those adapting to the 9 to 5 workweek.
“The 40-hour work week is beyond outdated, and your feelings are totally valid,” affirmed one top comment.
Other users echoed the sentiment, expressing the view that there must be more to life than an unending cycle of work and sleep. Many users shared their own challenges with the traditional work schedule and its impact on their lives.
The Strain of a 9 to 5 Job
The issue raised by Brielle on TikTok isn’t unique to her but reflects a growing debate about the structure of the 9 to 5 workweek itself. Critics argue that, in today’s world, the traditional workweek, which ties employees to their offices, may no longer be practical or even beneficial for both employees and businesses.
The advent of technology has made remote work and flexible hours more feasible. However, many organizations still cling to the 9 to 5 model, leaving employees like Brielle grappling with long commutes and limited personal time.
Entering the professional world can be a culture shock, as the academic routine gives way to the corporate structure. The experience can be overwhelming, and individuals may find themselves struggling to balance work with personal life.
The debate surrounding a 9 to 5 job workweek challenges conventional wisdom. In an age of advanced technology, it’s essential to reconsider whether this rigid structure aligns with the needs and aspirations of today’s workforce.
It’s clear that the transition from school to work can be an emotional rollercoaster, as individuals like Brielle confront the reality of long commutes and limited personal time. Reevaluating work schedules and promoting work-life balance are steps toward making the “real world” a more manageable place.