Stepping into adulthood and starting a 9-to-5 job can evoke a whirlwind of emotions. For Brielle, a young woman fresh out of college, this transition was not just challenging but overwhelming enough to bring her to tears. Her candid TikTok video about the struggles of balancing life and work resonated with many but also sparked a heated online debate.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of the First Job
Graduating college and starting a full-time job is a milestone marked by mixed feelings. On one hand, there’s the excitement of financial independence and stepping into a professional career. On the other, the uncertainty of adapting to an entirely new lifestyle can feel daunting. Brielle, who posts under the username @brielleybelly123 on TikTok, encapsulated these emotions perfectly in her viral video. She expressed the weight of her first day in a 9-to-5 role with visible distress, sharing her fears about losing time for herself.
The overlay text in her video posed a heartfelt question: “In a 9-to-5, how do you have time for your life?” Brielle’s caption further revealed her feelings of being overwhelmed and unprepared for the rigid structure of this work lifestyle. Her words struck a chord with many, reflecting a shared sentiment about the modern work culture.
A Flood of Reactions and Support
The video quickly garnered attention, sparking a wave of empathetic and supportive comments. Many viewers agreed that the traditional 40-hour work week feels outdated and unnecessarily rigid. Some suggested a move towards more flexible four-day work weeks, citing their own frustrations with the current system.
One comment read, “The 40-hour work week is beyond outdated, and your feelings are totally valid.” Another viewer echoed Brielle’s sentiments, lamenting how a full-time job consumes almost the entire day: “It’s insane how legit your entire day is gone.”
Others shared personal anecdotes to reassure Brielle. One user reflected on their own post-graduate experience, writing, “This is exactly how I felt when I was 22 after graduating college. I’m 28 now. You will adjust.” Despite the outpouring of encouragement, some comments were less sympathetic. Remarks like, “Aww, welcome to adulthood,” reflected a more traditional mindset about work-life balance.
The Reality of Commuting and Time Constraints
In her video, Brielle delved deeper into the challenges she faced, including the long commute to her in-person job. Starting her day at 7:30 a.m. and not returning home until after 6 p.m. left her with barely any time to unwind. She lamented how the commute stole valuable hours she could have used for personal activities, such as exercising or spending time with loved ones.
She expressed that the issue wasn’t the job itself but the rigidity of the 9-to-5 structure. “If it was remote, you get off at five and you’re home, and everything is fine,” she explained. But her situation required her to juggle commuting costs, time, and the emotional toll of adjusting to this demanding schedule.
A Call for Change
After her video went viral, Brielle took the opportunity to advocate for a societal shift in work culture. Speaking to The Independent, she highlighted the inefficiency of the current 40-hour work week, especially when coupled with long commutes. “I want to be able to talk for this next generation and explain that a 40-hour work week plus commute is not necessary for productivity,” she stated. Brielle also emphasized the need for companies to follow the example of countries that have adopted more flexible workweek structures.
A Disheartening Setback
Months later, Brielle faced yet another challenge when she was unexpectedly let go from her first post-graduate job. She shared her feelings of disappointment and frustration in an emotional update, confessing that the setback made her question her abilities despite her accomplishments.
In a heartfelt video, she explained, “I did everything I was supposed to do: internships, freelance work, building my portfolio. And it’s still not enough.” While the experience shook her confidence, Brielle’s resilience shone through. She reassured her followers that she would persevere and eventually find another opportunity.
A New Beginning
Fortunately, Brielle’s story didn’t end there. In a later update, she announced that she had secured a new job, signaling a fresh start. Her journey, marked by struggles and small victories, resonated deeply with young professionals navigating similar challenges in the modern workforce.