TikToker struggles with an 8‑hour workday. "How do you have time for your life"
Recent graduate Brielle, a TikTok user, is finding her first job more challenging than expected. Her daily 8-hour workload is overwhelming her. Can Generation Z change the current work system?
Oct 27, 2023 | updated: 2:06 AM EDT, October 28, 2023
The step into the workforce, the next level of reality after graduation, may be daunting for some. A TikTok user, Brielle, expressed her struggle with this new phase on her profile. She found that working 8 hours a day has left her with minimal personal time.
Brielle's Tearful Admission Regarding Her 8-Hour Job
In a video on TikTok, Brielle shares her story, tearfully confessing the reality of her new job since finishing college. The amount of time her commute takes was an unexpected stressor. The commute requires over an hour each way, causing her to need to leave her house at 7 a.m.
This is my first full-time job after college, and I feel overwhelmed. My commute is lengthy as I live outside the city. Relocating isn't an option right now due to my financial situation - she shared.
Work Leaves Brielle No Time to Dine
A conventional "9-5" job entails an 8-hour workday. Depending on the profession, this can be very taxing. Brielle disclosed that her job left little time for other activities.
I hardly have personal time. I find myself merely wanting to shower, eat dinner, and go to bed. There is no time or energy for cooking, maintaining a workout routine, or engaging in social activities - she lamented.
Discussion Emerges Around the 8-Hour Work Day
Brielle's disclosure sparked an intriguing discussion among comments. Many respondents agreed with her perspective, advocating for a four-day workweek and arguing that the existing system is outdated. Generation Z is seen as the hope for effecting this change.
The 40-hour work week was engineered with the assumption that there would be a dedicated homemaker. Dual incomes are now the norm, leaving little time for other tasks - one TikTok user noted.
Everyone shares this sentiment, yet nothing has been done about it; High school prepared us for a 9-to-5 job, but college shattered that illusion; It's up to Generation Z to rise to management roles and institute a 4-day work week, - stated a user in the comments.
Other users showed their support for Brielle, echoing her sentiments and sharing their own experiences of feeling time-poor after a long workday.