"9 AM Start, 5 PM Finish... When Do You Date?" Shocked American 20s 'Tears Streaming'

"40-Hour Workweek Is Crazy," Netizens Agree

A so-called '9 to 5' work schedule, working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is causing a stir as American MZ generation workers cry their eyes out, saying it is tough.

Recently, Brielle, an American influencer in her 20s who graduated from college and got a job in the U.S., shared her complaints on the video streaming platform TikTok on the 19th (local time).

She experienced the 9 to 5 work schedule for the first time after graduating from college. She worked a total of 8 hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. In the U.S., the 9 to 5 work schedule is established as a typical office work time.

Impressions of an American in their 20s experiencing a 40-hour workweek for the first time [Image source=TikTok]

Regarding this, Brielle said, "I know I am being extreme and annoying," but added, "I got a job working from 9 to 5 for the first time after graduating from college."

She also added, "I commute directly to downtown, so it really takes a long time to get to the company." Brielle leaves her house at 7:30 a.m. to go to the office and returns home around 6:15 p.m. after work.

She said, "I have no time to do anything. I want to shower, eat dinner, and sleep. I don’t even have the time or energy to cook dinner," adding, "I am really angry."

She continued, "The 9 to 5 work schedule is crazy," and tearfully said, "How can I meet friends or go on dates? I have no time to do anything and I am so stressed."

The video received a lot of sympathy from American netizens after being posted. In just a few days, it surpassed 124,000 likes. Some netizens expressed dissatisfaction in the comments, saying, "I dream of a four-day workweek," "The 9 to 5 work schedule is too hard," and "Did I study so hard to live this kind of life?"

Recently, many videos expressing 'culture shock' after getting their first job have been posted on TikTok in the U.S. One influencer posted a video titled "Life of a 28-year-old with a normal job after college graduation," which only showed a man working in front of a laptop.

The video, which recorded over 76 million views, drew reactions from netizens such as "It brings tears to my eyes" and "It’s depressing."