Many graduates dream of landing their perfect job and taking those precious first steps in their career.
Although many might think they’re ready for the world of work, there is one aspect that Maria Crowe was not prepared for when she started working full-time.
For much of her adolescence, Crowe, 21, has worked in the food and beverage industry and loved being around customers. She told Newsweek that “building those connections” was one of the highlights, but deep down, she was so excited to finally kickstart her career.
She graduated college in May 2025, and just one week later, landed her first professional role as a sales coordinator for a luxury hotel. It felt like such an exciting time as there was so much possibility at her fingertips—until reality set in.
As much as she enjoys her role, Crowe, who resides in South Carolina, had no idea just how different a desk job would be. It’s certainly been an adjustment, and it’s something that she thinks “nothing is going to prepare you for.”
Crowe said: “One of the biggest surprises when I started working full-time was the lack of human interaction and feeling chained to a desk.
“I quickly learned that my role looked very different from what I expected. Since it is an entry-level position, I don’t get the opportunity to sell directly; instead, I primarily take leads and manage data entry.”
The biggest shock for Crowe has been just how stationary her job is now. In her previous jobs, and even in college, everything was more flexible. Whereas the corporate world has proven to be far more scheduled, and it’s left Crowe feeling deflated.
She was so used to moving around, being on her feet, and managing an ever-changing schedule. Now, every day is regimented and tiring in a very different way.
Nonetheless, she’s determined to take the positives from the situation.
“It’s been one of the steepest learning curves I’ve faced. At the same time, it’s taught me how to adapt, persevere, and find growth in being uncomfortable, something that so many of us face when starting out,” Crowe said.
After making this realization, Crowe shared her thoughts on TikTok (@mariacharlottec) in which she explained that “the level of difficulty” going from school to full-time work is much harder than she imagined. The video has gone viral with over 218,400 views and 29,800 likes on TikTok at the time of writing.
this needs to be discussed more often. #postgrad #officelife #office #collegesenior
desk job easier, such as taking walks or screen breaks.
Crowe hopes the video can help other graduates feel less alone, and may even help future grads as they prepare to take that step.
“Not everything has to make sense right away, and it’s okay if your life feels uncertain at first,” Crowe said. “The key is becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable and staying grounded in the hobbies and routines that make you feel like yourself, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.”
Many social media users have taken to the comments to share their thoughts, leading to more than 800 responses on the video so far.
One comment reads: “Fully agree, and it feels like there’s not an alternative option that still pays & provides benefits.”
Another TikTok user wrote: “First week of work I was looking around wondering if everyone else was also mind numbingly bored.”
Another person added: “The worst is that you end up pushing all your errands to the weekend because you’re too tired after work.”
While one commenter replied: “I get up all the time. constantly. I get work done for a bit, get bored and go for a walk. I read on my lunch breaks, I walk my dog multiple times a day.”
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