At work, there are good days and bad days. But if you were to ask users on TikTok, every day at a 9-to-5 job is a battleground.
From deciding what recipe or restaurant to try next, to what fragrance or pair of jeans to purchase for the season, in this day and age, many of us get advice about all avenues of life through social media—particularly Gen Z.
In fact, data shows that nearly 41% of Gen Zers turn to social media first when doing research, so it’s unsurprising that they would also turn to TikTok for advice when starting a new chapter in life.
“Tomorrow is my first day ever working a corporate 9-5, pls tell me everything I need to prepare for,” a user shared on TikTok in a video that has since garnered 910,000 views.
According to the video’s caption, the video was supposed to invite users to share more practical advice, such as “what do i need in an emergency toiletry kit and what snacks are best that aren’t smelly and crunchy.”
And users were happy to chip in.
“Always bring a cardigan/sweater. No matter how hot it is, it will be freezing in the office,” a user offered.
Another added: “Organize your inbox right away. Folders for everything. Read it and put it in a coordinated folder. Don’t delete anything. Start now or it’ll be too far gone.”
Others went beyond practical tips and went straight to breaking down the effects of the lifestyle changes that come with corporate jobs, particularly in relation to health.
“Weight gain CAN sneeak up on u!! It’s hard to stay active when u start a full time job tbh and it’s very easy to overeat when ur not doing a lot of activity,” a user commented.
Another added: “Do squats every time you go to the bathroom so you don’t get office butt.”
“They’re not your friends”
But most of the responses painted the workplace as an isolating Big Brother-like world lacking trust and human connection.
“Don’t trust anyone, document everything. they’re not your friends. that’s my advice unfortunately,” one user said.
Another shared similar thoughts on not mixing personal life and work, saying, “Do not ever befriend your coworkers or date your coworkers. Please, for your own sake.”
The lack of trust also trickles down to the dynamics between younger and older colleagues, people shared.
“You’re about to become enemies with an older white woman for no reason,” a user said. Another added: “Be prepared for the old miserable lady that hates u for no reason.”
“Never do your best”
It’s not just relationships that are threatened due to toxic workplace dynamics, but also productivity among employees who feel discontented and unrecognized in the workplace.
“Only give 20% of your actual effort or they will get used to your 100%, and that will be your new baseline,” one user added. Another commenter echoed that sentiment: “Never do your best, ever. your best doesn’t get you recognized, it gets you more work.”
The comments mirror what past data has revealed. According to a report from Workday, around 32% of Gen Z employees say they don’t have an older employee they trust, with that isolation taking a toll on their mental health.
For instance, according to the same report, 20% of Gen Z employees have taken a day off from work due to challenges related to isolation.
Unsurprisingly, the comment section also became its own sort of therapy session, with users speaking on the hardships of adjusting to the 9-to-5.
“You’ll probably cry after. I felt like Tinkerbell when they trapped her in the jar :’),” a user commented.
Many replied to her comment with similar sentiments. “This is such a valid comparison. I personally use “abused lab rat” (fluorescent lights are the devil and I didn’t fully understand that until I started office life),” a user added. And another noted: “Same. I asked my mom if my life was over.”
