On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video showed a woman breaking down in tears after working her first 9-to-5 shift.
Transitioning from college life to a full-time job is challenging, especially when adapting to a strict nine-to-five work schedule.
Brielle, a recent graduate from New Jersey, took to TikTok to share her struggles, sparking conversations about work-life balance and the need for change.
A woman struggles with a new work routine
Brielle recently started her first nine-to-five job in marketing after months of searching and sending out hundreds of applications daily.
She relocated to New Jersey for her New York-based job, unable to afford the city’s soaring rent prices.
Her commute takes four hours round trip, leaving her exhausted and with little time for herself.
Brielle faces daily challenges of nine-to-five life
Brielle’s typical day starts with catching the train at 7:30 a.m. and returning home by 6:15 p.m. at the earliest.
Sometimes, she doesn’t get home until 7:30 p.m., feeling too drained to cook, work out, or socialize.
In her viral TikTok, Brielle said, “I want to shower, eat dinner, and sleep. I don’t even have time to cook.”
Adjusting to her new schedule has left Brielle feeling overwhelmed and emotional.
She admitted feeling guilty for worrying about her social life, dating, and friendships amid her busy routine.
“Balancing work and personal life would be easier if I worked from home,” she reflected.
Despite the challenges, Brielle acknowledged her privilege, stating, “It could be worse. I know others work longer hours.”
Social media reaction
Brielle’s story resonated with many viewers, who shared their own struggles with work-life balance.
Others called for systemic changes, advocating for a four-day workweek.
However, not everyone was sympathetic. Some dismissed her concerns, saying, “Welcome to the real world.”
One person said: Lol I remember that age. I once worked 63 days in a row so I could take off for two weeks for a trip to Detroit to visit my parents.
A second wrote: This is what happens when kids are spoiled and don’t learn how to work at a younger age.
While a third commented: She doesn’t understand that your work IS your life until you retire. Make the best of it. Make some friends and find happy.
Someone else said: Cry baby. I’ve been working in some way or another since I wa 14 or 15. I’ve worked 12 to 14 hrs days and still had time for a social life. Still cook dinner every night and get together with friends often. Grow up spoilt girl. And I’ve also been working almost 50 years. It’s called life.
Another added: OMG , I am so sorry that you had to work 9-5. You poor thing. The drive up window was probably starting to get heavy from sliding back and forth. Maybe you should discuss with your parents and tell them you will be living with them a little longer. Young lady, I think its time to get a life!
Someone user added: She is lucky she is working 9 to 5 ‘some of us we work from 8 to 5 ‘then from 8 we go to another job till 2 am.
The broader view on work-life balance
Brielle’s experience sheds light on the growing discontent with traditional work schedules.
Many noted that the nine-to-five structure, designed when one partner managed household duties, feels outdated.
Remote work advocates highlighted the benefits of working from home, with one saying, “Life is so much better now.”
In a later video, Brielle expressed gratitude for her job but criticized the demanding schedule.
She commended working parents, saying, “I give so much grace to them. It’s incredibly hard in America to stay emotionally stable.”
Having studied remotely during the pandemic, she felt unprepared for the rigid structure of her new routine.
Brielle ended her video with a call for reform, saying, “The current nine-to-five schedule isn’t fair.”
She argued that only the wealthy or influencers benefit from this system.
Her emotional story has sparked important conversations about work-life balance and the need for a more compassionate approach to modern employment.