Navigating the shift from education to a full-time job may be a difficult affair, filled with both enthusiasm and fear.
One young woman’s first 9-to-5 work proved to be more difficult than anticipated, prompting her to share an emotional confession online.
Brielle, a recent college graduate and TikTok user known as @brielleybelly123, recently shared an honest video about her challenges transitioning to her new work.
The video, which rapidly went viral, shows her emotionally detailing the emotional toll her full-time, in-person employment has had on her.
With the overlay text stating, “QOTD in a 9-5 how do you have time for your life,” the video has sparked great controversy among viewers.
Brielle outlines her daily schedule in the video, indicating that she must leave her house at 7:30 a.m. to commute to her office work, with a return home time of no later than 6:15 p.m.
Her commute, which she claims takes “forever,” leaves her with little time to herself. “I don’t have time to do anything,” she says, explaining that her schedule barely allows for a shower, food, and sleep.
Brielle notes that it is not the job itself that troubles her, but rather the lengthy commute and a lack of inexpensive housing options closer to her employment.
“If I was able to walk to work, it wouldn’t be an issue,” she says. The alternative of moving to the city, however, is out of reach due to the expensive expenditures, leaving her with no choice but to endure the long daily journey.
Her emotional collapse generated a rush of comments on TikTok. While many sympathized with her position, others ridiculed her behavior, claiming that it was merely a natural part of adulthood.
Supporters claimed that the “40-hour work week is beyond outdated,” with some pushing for more flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or a four-day work week.
One commenter said, “I remember having this same realization… like this is what I couldn’t wait to grow up for? To live like this?”
However, the reception was not all positive. Critics criticized Brielle of being unnecessarily emotional, with some trolls labeling her as “privileged” and “lazy.”
One especially scathing remark read, “Welcome to life, poor privileged baby.” The rest of us do it. “Get used to it.” Despite the reaction, Brielle stayed steady, stating in her follow-up that her frustration was due to the rigid framework of in-person employment rather than the job itself.
Brielle responded to the situation by speaking with “The Independent” and declaring her willingness to advocate for improvements in workplace norms.
She emphasized the necessity for businesses to reconsider the standard 40-hour work week, especially in light of the trend toward remote labor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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 told me.
Brielle believes that firms in the United States may consider following the example of other countries that have adopted flexible work practices.
Months later, in an unexpected update, Brielle revealed that she had been fired from her job. She shared another emotional video, expressing her disappointment and perplexity at being laid off from a job she had relocated to New York City for.
“I’m not going to sit here and cry, but I got laid off from my first post-grad job, and it’s so disappointing,” said the student.
“It makes you feel like you’re not good enough, and I know that I am.” Brielle informed her followers that, despite the setback, she was optimistic about obtaining a new job, citing her qualifications and previous experience.
Fortunately, her efforts paid off, and she later disclosed that she had found another job. Her trip has sparked an important discussion about work-life balance, expectations for young professionals, and the changing norms of modern businesses.
Featured Image Credit: (TikTok/@brielleybelly123)
