Gen-Z Workers Reframe 9-5 Jobs on Social Media

A new trend of 'romanticizing' the workday reflects broader disillusionment about today's work culture

Mar. 10, 2026 at 4:24pm

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A growing trend on social media sees Gen-Z workers sharing videos that 'romanticize' their 9-5 jobs, transforming mundane work routines into something more soothing and gratifying. These videos, part of the broader '#romanticizemylife' trend, emphasize small rituals and feats rather than the work itself, as a way for creators to reclaim control and find meaning outside of their jobs. Experts say this content reflects a broader disillusionment about today's work culture, with many workers feeling uncertain about economic stability and uninspired by their jobs.

Why it matters

The popularity of these 'romanticizing 9-to-5' videos speaks to the many workers, especially younger generations, who feel disillusioned about the state of work in America today. With economic uncertainty, stagnant wages, and unfulfilling jobs, these videos allow workers to reframe their relationship to work, emphasizing small joys and rituals rather than the work itself. Experts say this content, along with the 'quiet quitting' trend, is about workers putting work in its place and finding meaning outside of their jobs.

The details

The videos typically feature creators giving 'tours' of their decorated office spaces and highlighting their daily work routines, from lunch breaks to coffee runs to even nap times. The structure of these videos, cut into different segments, emphasizes small rituals and feats rather than the work itself. For the creators, filming these mundane work activities becomes a way to reclaim sanity and control amidst the stresses of corporate life.

  • The 'romanticizing 9-to-5' trend has skyrocketed in recent years, especially in a post-pandemic world.

The players

Dr. Erin Hatton

A sociology professor at the University at Buffalo who believes the popularity of these videos reflects a broader disillusionment about today's work culture.

Andrea Lee Press

The Chair of Media Studies at the University of Virginia, who believes these videos can generate a sense of community for workers and may be a catalyst towards material change.

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What they’re saying

“This content is likely to speak to the many workers who feel uncertain about work and their prospects for economic stability–let alone success– in America today.”

— Dr. Erin Hatton, Sociology Professor, University at Buffalo

“Sharing experiences—and especially complaints—is a time-honored way for workers to come together. They learn strategies from each other, they may feel less alone, and sometimes they start organizing for change.”

— Dr. Erin Hatton, Sociology Professor, University at Buffalo

“I believe those who share their critiques of working conditions which are unfair or exploitative are in fact taking the first step towards actually doing something about this.”

— Andrea Lee Press, Chair of Media Studies, University of Virginia

The takeaway

These 'romanticizing 9-to-5' videos reflect a broader shift among younger workers who are reassessing their relationship to work, putting less emphasis on their jobs as the center of their lives and finding meaning outside of the corporate world. While these videos may not directly lead to material change, experts say they can foster a sense of community and be a first step towards workers organizing for better conditions.