A New Grad’s First 9-5 Job: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Starting your first full-time job after college can stir up a whirlwind of feelings, no matter what the job entails.
For some, it’s a thrilling milestone, the first step toward independence and financial stability. For others, it’s a source of anxiety, filled with uncertainty about what lies ahead.
Brielle, a former college student who shares her experiences on TikTok under the handle @brielleybelly123, went viral for expressing her feelings about her first 9-5 job. In a video she posted, she asked her followers a poignant question: “How do you manage to balance your life with a 9-5 job?”
Her video’s caption read: “I’m feeling sick and emotional, like I’m 12 years old. I’m worried about finding time to live my life.”
Many viewers sympathized with Brielle, with comments like: “The traditional 40-hour work week is so outdated. Your feelings are completely valid.” Another supporter wrote: “You’re not alone in feeling this way. This is why we need to rethink the standard work week.” A third comment echoed this sentiment: “I completely understand. It can be so monotonous and disheartening.”
One person even shared a personal reflection: “I felt the same way at 22 after graduating. I’m 28 now, and you will adjust. Finding a job you’re passionate about can make a big difference.”
However, not everyone was supportive. Some comments offered less empathy, such as: “Welcome to the real world of adulthood.” Another person remarked: “I guess my generation saw it differently. This is just how life is.” Another commenter added: “I work long hours too but still manage to do other things.”
In her original video, Brielle expressed frustration about her long commute, which she said was making it hard to balance her new job with her personal life. She was visibly distressed, noting that the daily grind of commuting and working left her with barely enough time for basic necessities.
Brielle explained, “If I could walk to work, it wouldn’t be such an issue. But I leave for the train at 7:30 AM and don’t get home until around 6:15 PM. I hardly have time for anything else.”
She elaborated that the traditional 9-5 schedule, especially with a lengthy commute, was overwhelming and left her yearning for a better work-life balance. “If the job were remote, it would be different. But with my current setup, the long commute makes everything feel difficult,” she said.
Following the video’s success, Brielle spoke to The Independent, expressing her hope that her experience would spark a conversation about the need for modernizing work structures. “I want to advocate for a future where the 40-hour work week and lengthy commutes are no longer the norm,” she said.
Months later, Brielle faced another challenge when she revealed she had been laid off from her job. In a follow-up video, she shared her emotional response to the news, captioning it: “Can someone reassure me that everything will be okay? I’m feeling lost and desperate for a new job after moving to New York City for this position.”
Brielle described her disappointment, saying: “I’m trying to stay positive, but being laid off from the job I worked so hard to get is really tough. I did everything right—internships, building a portfolio, and freelancing—yet it still wasn’t enough.”
Despite her setback, Brielle remains hopeful for the future and continues to advocate for a more balanced and supportive work environment.
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