Viral LinkedIn post highlights struggles of post-college work life

A Virginia-based assistant store manager has gone viral on LinkedIn after opening up about the harsh realities of transitioning from college to full-time work. Gaurav Chintamneedi, a graduate of Chapman University, candidly shared how his first year in the workforce took a significant emotional and physical toll, describing it as one of the “most challenging” times of his life.

In his widely shared post, Chintamneedi detailed the stark contrast between his expectations and the actual demands of corporate life. “I imagined living the dream early-20s life—like the ones we see on TV or romanticise on social media,” he wrote, expecting 9–5 workdays and social weekends. Instead, he found himself working 50–60 hours a week, often waking at 3 a.m. for opening shifts and spending nearly every weekend on the job.

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On his rare days off, exhaustion left him unable to enjoy the free time. “I found myself lying in bed doomscrolling… using my limited free time to catch up with friends and family thousands of miles away,” he shared, adding that forming new connections was far harder than he’d imagined.

Clarifying that his post wasn’t a complaint, Chintamneedi said he wanted to “show solidarity” with others adjusting to post-grad life. The post struck a chord online, resonating with thousands and sparking a larger conversation about early career burnout and unmet expectations.