The transition from university to full time work can be difficult to navigate as you adjust to a new schedule and less free time.
A college graduate, who recently began her first job, cried on TikTok as she vented about her struggles since starting the new job.
Brielle, who goes by the username @briellybelly123, posted a video with text across the screen that read: “QOTD (question of the day) in a 9-5 how do u have time for ur life”.
She had tears in her eyes as she explained that she just started her first 9 to 5 job after graduating from university. With her job being located on-site, she has to commute “into the city” daily which take her “forever”.
Brielle went on to say there was “no way” she could afford to move to the city on her new wage so she has to spend her time commuting.
Brielle typically takes the train at around 7.30am and doesn’t get home until 6.15pm at the earliest – making it a long day for the graduate.
She said in the video: “I don’t have time to do anything. I want to shower, eat my dinner and go to sleep. I don’t have time or energy to cook my dinner either. I don’t have energy to work out, like, that’s out the window.”
She went on to say she enjoyed her job and that wasn’t the problem but the lifestyle of working eight hour days didn’t work for her.
Brielle said: “If it was remote you get off at 5 and you’re home, and everything’s fine.”
But for Brielle, the work day doesn’t end at 5pm as she has to spend just over an hour commuting back home.
In the video, she said she doesn’t understand how full time workers make time for friends or dating.
“I don’t have time for anything and I’m like so stressed out,” she said.
And it appears a lot of people agree with her, with one person calling the traditional 9 to 5 “old fashioned” and “outdated”.
Another commenter agreed, writing: “40-hour work week was designed with a homemaker to take care of house tasks. We need dual incomes now, so that’s not possible. No time for anything.”
Other commenters suggested that her time management skills might be the problem, and she just needed to make a better schedule that works for her.
“You will find your schedule that works for you girly! Make your dinner for the WEEK! That helps me a lot!” one person commented.
Some people mentioned that working from home helped them make time for themselves, but Brielle mentioned that she tried to get a remote job and never heard back from them. “If I didn’t WFH [work from home] I don’t know how I would manage tbh,” one person said.
