Starting a full-time job after college can be a tough transition — and for one young woman, it led to tears.
Brielle, a recent graduate, shared an emotional video on TikTok after completing her first 9-to-5 in-person job. In the clip, she expressed how overwhelmed she felt by the long hours, the commute, and the loss of personal time. “I get on the train at 7:30 and don’t get home until after 6,” she said. “I barely have time to eat, shower, and sleep.”
Her video quickly went viral, resonating with thousands who remembered similar struggles. Many users supported her, calling for 4-day workweeks and modern labor reform. Others, however, were less sympathetic, saying it’s just part of “growing up.”
Brielle later revealed she had been laid off from the job that took her five months to secure. Despite building a strong resume with internships, freelance work, and a degree, she said she still felt like she wasn’t “enough.”
Fortunately, she has since landed a new position, and continues to speak out about how outdated the 40-hour workweek feels for many in her generation. Her story has sparked widespread conversation about work-life balance in today’s world.