'9 to 6 took my whole life': Noida employee’s viral video hits hard

A young professional in Noida just summed up “adulting” so perfectly that the internet can’t stop talking about it.

In a now-viral Instagram video, Aditya Srivastav, a 21-year-old consultant who moved to Noida for his first job, opened up about what life actually looks like once you start working - and it’s not as simple as a “9 to 6” schedule.

Six months into living alone, Aditya shared a brutally honest take on how work quietly takes over your entire day.

“Your day doesn’t start when you wake up,” he says in the video. “It starts when you check the time and realise you’re already late.”

And honestly, that one line hit home for a lot of people.

He goes on to explain how a typical office job may look manageable on paper, but in reality, it stretches way beyond those hours. Between commuting, cooking, and just trying to function like a normal human, the day disappears before you even realise it.

And the exhaustion? It’s not always physical.

“You’re not tired in your body,” he explains, “you’re just mentally drained.”

That kind of tired hits differently - and if you know, you know.

But what really got people talking was the shift in his mindset. Instead of just accepting the routine, Aditya spoke about trying to take back control of his time.

He admitted that in the beginning, most of his energy went straight into work, leaving nothing for himself. And that’s when it hit him - if you don’t consciously make space for your own life, it just… doesn’t happen.

Now, he’s trying to build a life after 6 pm too. Even if it’s small things - health, hobbies, learning something new - anything that reminds him he’s more than just his job.

That part struck a nerve.

Because for a lot of young people living away from home, this is the reality no one really prepares you for. The independence sounds exciting, but it also comes with quiet loneliness, responsibility, and a constant juggle between survival and self-growth.

The internet clearly felt it too.

The comments section quickly filled up with people saying the same thing - this is exactly what no one tells you. Others pointed out how a “9 to 6” is never really just that once you factor in travel, chores, and everything in between.

Some even admitted that things like health, fitness, and personal growth are usually the first to get pushed aside once work begins.

And maybe that’s why this video is blowing up.

It’s not dramatic. It’s not exaggerated. It’s just real.

It’s that quiet, everyday struggle of trying to figure life out - balancing work, taking care of yourself, and not losing who you are in the process.

Because somewhere between deadlines and dinner plans, a lot of people are asking the same question:

Is this all there is… or can we build something more after 6 pm?
Disclaimer: This story is based on a viral social media video and reflects the personal experiences and opinions of the individual featured. Experiences may vary from person to person. The content is intended for general discussion and does not represent the views of all professionals or workplaces.