Gen Z Graduate Reveals Unexpected Challenges in Desk Jobs
Recent discussions regarding the transition from college to the workforce have gained traction, especially among Generation Z graduates. Maria Crowe, a 21-year-old who graduated in May 2025, shared her experiences on TikTok, shedding light on an aspect of full-time work that many young professionals might not anticipate.
After completing her degree, Crowe quickly secured a position as a sales coordinator for a luxury hotel. Although she was thrilled to embark on her career, the reality of a desk job proved to be a stark contrast to her previous experiences in the food and beverage industry. Crowe, who has spent much of her adolescence engaging with customers, found herself facing a significant adjustment.
Adjusting to the Corporate Environment
Crowe expressed her surprise at the lack of human interaction and the feeling of being “chained to a desk.” She explained, “One of the biggest surprises when I started working full-time was the lack of human interaction and feeling chained to a desk.” Her role, primarily focused on data entry and lead management, deviated from her expectations of an interactive work environment.
This shift from a dynamic, service-oriented role to a sedentary desk position has left her feeling deflated. “I quickly learned that my role looked very different from what I expected,” she noted. The regimented nature of corporate life has been a challenge, especially after experiencing the flexibility of her previous jobs.
Crowe emphasized her determination to adapt to these new circumstances. “It’s been one of the steepest learning curves I’ve faced,” she stated. Her reflections resonated with many young professionals navigating similar transitions from school to full-time employment.
Viral Insights on TikTok
In a TikTok video that has garnered over 218,400 views and 29,800 likes, Crowe articulated her thoughts on the challenges of entering the workforce. She highlighted that the “level of difficulty” in transitioning to full-time work is often underestimated. Her candid sharing has sparked a conversation among other young workers who relate to her experience.
Crowe suggested that colleges could better prepare graduates for office life by offering courses that outline the realities of day-to-day work, including the structure and pace of a typical desk job. “The transition into an office is something you don’t fully understand until you’ve experienced it,” she remarked.
Despite the challenges, Crowe’s message encourages resilience. She urged her peers to embrace discomfort and maintain routines that foster their identity. “Not everything has to make sense right away, and it’s okay if your life feels uncertain at first,” she advised.
The response to her video has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many users sharing their own experiences. Comments reveal a widespread acknowledgment of the difficulties faced in transitioning to desk jobs. One user wrote, “First week of work I was looking around wondering if everyone else was also mind-numbingly bored.” Another noted the struggle of managing personal tasks outside of work hours, stating, “The worst is that you end up pushing all your errands to the weekend because you’re too tired after work.”
Crowe’s insights serve as a valuable reminder for both current students and recent graduates. By addressing the realities of entering the workforce, she aims to foster a sense of community and understanding among her peers.
Her experience illustrates that while the shift to full-time employment can be daunting, the journey is a shared one, and finding ways to adapt is crucial for success.
