When Brielle lost her temper, she had only been employed for three months. After yet another exhausting day, she came home, lay down on her bed, and opened TikTok.
She angrily moaned into the camera, “I really don’t understand how anyone lives like this.” For example, who determined that 40 hours a week was the norm? I’m meant to have a life after leaving my apartment at 7:30 AM, spending the entire day in a depressing cubicle, and arriving home at 6:30? When?
Her tone sharpened. Boomers claim that millennials are lazy, but you all purchased homes with just one source of income. You weren’t drowning in debt from school. Rent didn’t have to take up half of your income. So, yes, I am having difficulties. I’m also over it.
After posting it, she fainted. Her phone was blowing up by dawn.
The comments were utterly disorganized.
“I don’t whine because I work two jobs. Get over yourself.
“Gen Z is so weak, lol.”
She is correct. This is not how we should have to live.
“We are no longer able to find employees because of this girl.”
The news headlines followed.
📢 “Gen Z Employee Says 40-Hour Workweek Is ‘Unfair’—Reality Check or Entitlement?”
📢 “Cry Me a River: A Young Employee Expresses Dissatisfaction With Their Job.”
People were making fun of her, analyzing her life, her income, and even the design of her residence. She was referred to as brave by some. Some referred to her as America’s problem.
The footage was then discovered by her boss. HR also sent an email.
The subject line, URGENT: TIKTOK POST, made her stomach plummet.
At 2:00 PM, the meeting was scheduled. In order to prevent her fingers from shaking, Brielle sat rigidly in the meeting room. The faces of Greg, the HR representative, and Sheila, her manager, were unreadable across from her.
Sheila let out a breath. “Brielle, do you know why this meeting was called?”
She gave a nod. “The TikTok?”
Greg put his hands on the table and folded them. Indeed. When you criticized your employment in addition to the 40-hour workweek, you went viral. And that’s where the complications arise.
Brielle’s heart began to race. “I didn’t bring up the business.”
Sheila raised her eyebrows. “You actually recorded it in your work uniform, Brielle.”
Oh. Correct. That was an issue.
“Now, we’re not saying you don’t have the right to express yourself,” Greg went on. However, calling your job “torture” and “miserable” in public has an impact on employee morale. Your coworkers are offended. It presents a negative image of the business. It puts us in a difficult situation.
Brielle took a deep breath. “Am I going to lose my job?”
Sheila let out a sigh. “You must serve a probationary period, but we won’t fire you. You must take down the video, and any future public grievances over your employment could result in your dismissal.
Brielle felt a knot in her stomach. People had warned her about this very thing in the comments. She was being penalized for merely expressing her opinions.
Sheila then added something, though, that totally confused her.
Sheila said, bending forward, “Look.” “I understand. The shift to the labor is harsh. When I first started, I had the same feelings. However, I’ll give you some advise that worked for me: Quit viewing your work as a life sentence. Consider it a stepping stone.
Brielle blinked. “What do you mean?”
Sheila reclined in her seat. Do you really believe I wanted to spend the rest of my life in a cubicle? No. However, I made use of my first job to learn, network, and discover my true passion. Then I took action. Those who don’t plan their escape and only moan are the ones who end up stranded.
It was a little painful. Brielle hadn’t really considered her next course of action because she had been so preoccupied with feeling stuck.
Greg gave a nod. “Wishing for better is OK. In actuality, though, every generation has faced difficulties. Whether you let that fight to define or inspire you makes a difference.
Brielle was silent for a while. At last, she gave a nod. “I get it.”
That evening, she erased the footage.
She wanted to be resentful at first. She wanted to vent once more about how businesses were stifling young employees. Then she recalled what Sheila had said: was she standing motionless or actually trapped?
So, for the first time, she began to plan instead of whine.
In her spare time, she picked up new abilities. made connections with people in her field. investigated employment options she had not before thought of. She used that time to plan her escape rather than doom-scrolling every night.
Then a remarkable event occurred.
She got a new job after four months. a remote job that offers real growth prospects, flexible scheduling, and higher compensation.
Sheila visited her workstation on her last day. She teased, “Are you leaving us already?”
Brielle smiled. Yes. As it happens, you were correct. All I required was a stepping stone.
Sheila laughed. “I’m glad for you. Just make me a promise.
“What is that?”
“The next time, make sure you have a plan before venting online.”
Brielle chuckled. “Agree.”
She recorded a new TikTok that evening. This time, it was a lesson rather than a tirade.
“Hey everyone, do you recall when I went viral for griping about my 9 to 5 job? So, here is what I discovered. You are not unique if you despise your work. Determining the level-up process does. Instead of merely venting, come up with a plan if you’re stuck. Learn, make connections, develop your abilities, and open doors for yourself. You get out that way. And believe me, it is effective.
She pressed the post button.
Her phone was exploding once more by morning. However, the remarks were different this time.
“A Gen Z take that I respect at last.”
“This is the guidance I required.”
She discovered the solution. Make notes, everyone.
Brielle suddenly became aware of something. While complaining may draw attention, acting on it? You get outcomes from that.
In order to level up, what are you doing? If this spoke to you, please share your opinions in the comments section and remember to like and share!
Watch the video here:
@omnihr Girl went viral for ranting on TikTok about how draining it is to commute to work at her first 9-5 job #genznews #genzlife #genzemployee #genzworker #genz #worklifebelike #worklifestruggle #worklifeproblems #worklifebalance #9to5life #9to5problems #9to5isnotforme
