Working your first job out of college will undoubtedly bring a mixed bag of emotions, regardless of what it is.
You may be excited to take the next step in your life and finally earn some money, or you may be really anxious, having no idea what to expect.
For one former student, it was undoubtedly an overwhelming experience.
Brielle, who goes by the username @brielleybelly123 on TikTok, went viral after uploading a video about her first day at her new job.
The video’s overlay text read: “QOTD (question of the day) in a 9-5 how do you have time for your life.”
It was captioned: “I’m also getting sick, leave me alone. I’m emotional, OK, I feel 12 and I’m scared of not having time to live.”
Many people have taken to the comments and defended Brielle, with one writing: “The 40-hour work week is beyond outdated and your feelings are totally valid.”
Another adds: “You’re not alone. It’s insane how legit your entire day is gone. This is why we need 4-day work weeks.”
In agreement, a third says: “It’s so repetitive and depressing, I feel you, girl.”
“This is exactly how I felt when I was 22 after I graduated college,” shares a fourth. “I’m 28 now. You will adjust. Also, having a job you are passionate about helps.”
But others have taken to the comments and shared a not-so-sympathetic outlook on Brielle’s video.
One person patronizingly writes: “Aww, welcome to adulthood.”
“I guess I was brought up in a different generation. That is life,” remarks a second.
While another adds: “I work 4 am to 7 pm or longer. Still make dinner, run and gym.”
In the video which started it all, Brielle was visibly upset as she explained that her job was ‘in person’, which meant she had to commute to the city which would take her ‘f***ing forever to get there’.
She immediately shut down any possibility of moving to the city, explaining that it is unaffordable.
Brielle said: “If I was able to walk to work it wouldn’t be an issue. I get on the train at 7:30 and don’t get home until 6:15 [at the] earliest.”
The TikToker explained that she does not have the ‘time to do anything’ anymore, as her job is leaving her with just enough time to shower, eat her dinner, and sleep.
As she continued to hold back the tears, Brielle told her viewers that she was so upset – not at the job itself but the 9-5 working lifestyle.
“Like if it was remote, you get off at five and you’re home and everything is fine. But I’m not home like it takes me long to get home,” she added.
After the clip went viral, Brielle spoketo The Independent and said her video highlights the need for change in society.
She told the publication: “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.”
Brielle added that she hopes ‘more companies consider following in other countries’ footsteps in regards to the work week’.
In a shocking update months later, the TikToker revealed that she had actually been let go from her job.
She captioned a video: “Can someone tell me I’m going to be OK!!!! Feels like the world is ending, I need a job immediately. I am feeling so lost right, like I moved for this…?!”
Brielle would then reveal: “I’m not going to sit here and cry, but I got laid off from my first post-grad job and the one that took me five months to find and I moved to New York City for.”
She continued: “It’s so disappointing. It makes you feel like you’re not good enough, and I know that I am.
“I’m a hard worker and my boss said I’m one of the smartest people he’s ever had working under him, and he knows I’m going to land on my feet.
“I have a degree – I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do: I did two internships, I built a portfolio, I worked freelance out of school because I was building my portfolio. I did things for free.
“I have done everything I possibly could have and it’s still not enough.”
Fortunately, Brielle has since found a new job, which she shared with her followers in an update.
