Watch: Gen Z Woman Cribbing About 9-5 Job Sparks Divided Opinions

A video featuring a woman named Brielle Asero expressing her dissatisfaction and frustration with a 9 to 5 job has gone viral on social media, sparking a division of opinions across the internet. Initially shared on TikTok, a nearly minute-and-a-half-long video features Asero. In the video, she expresses her challenges in adapting to her initial post-university job as an adult and how she's struggling to balance her life beyond her work commitments.

Asero says, "I board the train at 7:30 am, and I don't return home until at least 6:15 pm. I have no time for anything!" She proceeds to describe the 9 am to 5 pm work schedule as "challenging" and concludes with a couple of crucial inquiries.

About The Video

"How do you manage to maintain friendships? How do you find the time to meet someone?"

As reported by Cosmopolitan, her video has amassed more than 2.3 million views on the platform and received over 200,000 likes.

"I'm really distressed," she exclaims with tears in her eyes. "The typical nine-to-five work schedule is incredibly demanding. Staying in the office until five, if your job is remote, you finish work at five. That's acceptable."

Netizens Remain Divided

The video that was reshared on X, formerly Twitter garnered divided views on the social media platform. One user calling her out, advised her to grow up. She wrote, "Welcome to the real world. Life is not a party contrary to what you have learned in college.  Life is hard. Time to grow up."

Welcome to the real world. Life is not a party contrary to what you have learned in college. Life is hard. Time to grow up.

— R Neidermyer (@neidermyer_r) October 25, 2023

Several advised her to become a stay-at-home wife. One commented, "Move out of the city where commutes are brutal, parking is too expensive, and meet a traditional man who puts God first. You do that, too. Have a family and kiss corporate America goodbye. You'll be much happier."

Move out of the city where commutes are brutal, parking is too expensive, and meet a traditional man who puts God first. You do that, too. Have a family and kiss corporate America goodbye. You'll be much happier.

— All is Not Well in Zion (@NotWellInZion) October 25, 2023

While another pointing out the fault in the education system wrote, "This isn't her fault, it's the fault of her parents and teachers for not telling her what the real world is like and you need to get a man early. It is also the boomers fault for destroying the economy with deficit spending and taxes."

This isn't her fault, it's the fault of her parents and teachers for not telling her what the real world is like and that you need to get a man early. It is also the boomers fault for destroying the economy with deficit spending and taxes.

— Joshua Done (@JoshuaDone) October 25, 2023

9 To 5: Boon Or Bane?

In a world where the lines between work and personal life are increasingly blurred, Asero's video has ignited a spirited debate about the traditional 9-to-5 work schedule and its impact on our daily lives.

Asero's poignant outburst underscores the challenges many individuals face when trying to navigate a typical 9-to-5 workday. Her emotional plea raises important questions about the toll this schedule can take on individuals, both personally and socially.

For generations, the 9-to-5 work schedule has been the standard, shaping the lives of countless employees. It's a schedule that aligns with the rhythm of the industrial age when a structured day was essential for factories and offices to function efficiently.

Drawbacks Of 9-5 Job

In today's digital age, where remote work and flexible schedules are increasingly prevalent, Asero's frustration with the rigidity of a 9-to-5 job resonates with many who seek a more balanced lifestyle.

The lack of personal time can take a toll on one's mental and emotional well-being, potentially causing stress and burnout. The pressure to meet work demands while sacrificing personal time is a recipe for dissatisfaction.

Secondly, the 9-to-5 schedule may not be conducive to modern work efficiency. With advancements in technology and the ability to work remotely, the concept of working fixed hours in a designated office seems increasingly obsolete.

It fails to acknowledge that work can often be more about achieving tasks and goals rather than punching a time clock. A flexible approach to work hours can boost productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.

The Conclusion

The solution is not to abandon the 9-to-5 schedule altogether but to adapt it to meet the needs of modern workers. Employers should consider implementing flexible work hours and remote work options where feasible. This approach not only benefits employees but can also lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

It's also essential for individuals to prioritise their work-life balance and communicate their needs with their employers. Open dialogue between employees and employers can lead to a win-win situation, where both work responsibilities and personal life are given due attention.

Finding a healthy balance between our professional and personal responsibilities should be a collective effort, where both employers and employees work together to create a more harmonious and fulfilling work environment. It's a step toward ensuring that individuals like Asero no longer need to shed tears of frustration in their quest for a better work-life balance.

Suggested Reading: Flexibility Beyond Convenience: Women In Hybrid & Remote Work Era