From College Freedom to Corporate Chains: Surviving My 9-5 Shock

Honestly, I thought juggling university deadlines was tough—until I started my corporate internship in downtown Chicago. Three days a week, I’m clocking in at 9, pretending to know what I’m doing, and by 5, I’m wiped out. It’s like my first day of school all over again, except everyone expects me to be a grown-up. The pressure to join wild after-work parties is real, but clubbing isn’t my thing. I barely know anyone, and every little mistake at work feels like a disaster. How do people just switch from the freedom of campus life to this office routine without losing their minds? If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it till you make it, trust me, you’re not alone. I’m still figuring it out—maybe we all are. 😅 #CareerTransition #InternLife #WorkplaceStruggles #JobCareer