In October, Brielle Asero, a 21-year-old recent college graduate, shared her feelings on TikTok about her first day at a 9-to-5 job, and it quickly went viral, gathering 3.4 million views. The video struck a chord with many, serving as a modern-day Rorschach test for viewers. Some labeled Asero as entitled, seeing her reaction as a reflection of what they perceive as the younger generation’s poor work ethic. Others, however, felt empathy towards her, understanding the difficulty of achieving a work-life balance in today’s America.
“I’m so upset,” Asero expressed in her video. She detailed her long day, starting with a train ride at 7:30 a.m. and not returning home until 6:15 p.m. at the earliest. “I don’t have time to do anything!” she lamented. Her frustration was palpable as she talked about lacking the time and energy for basic activities after work, such as cooking dinner or exercising.
Unfortunately, Asero’s situation worsened. On December 16, she updated her followers that she had been laid off just two months into her job. It had taken her five months to secure this position, and she had moved to New York City to be closer to the office. She revealed that the startup she worked for didn’t have enough work or resources to properly train her or keep her busy. Being laid off during the holiday season added to the challenge, as job opportunities were scarce.
Despite the setback, Asero remained resilient. She defended her work ethic, sharing that her boss had praised her intelligence and assured her that she would find her footing soon. He even offered to provide a glowing reference for her.
Feeling lost and in need of support, Asero turned to TikTok once again. She shared her fears and anxieties about the future, asking for reassurance. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing their own stories of layoffs and encouraging her to stay strong. Some advised that there’s no shame in taking a service job while searching for the next opportunity.
This journey, shared openly by Asero, highlights the challenges many young professionals face in the modern workforce. It’s a reminder of the importance of resilience, community support, and the ongoing struggle to find balance in our lives.