TikTok ‘5 to 9' Trend Shows Quiet Quitting Hasn’t Killed Hustle Culture

tech.hindustantimes.com:

For all the social-media posts and ink spilled on quiet quitting, hustle culture is alive and well on TikTok.

One trend with proven staying power is “5 to 9 before 9 to 5,” documenting impressive morning routines. The videos, mostly from women, show a raft of accomplishments — make the bed, go to the gym, shower, get dressed, cook breakfast, journal, meditate, read a book — all completed before the traditional workday begins. Another version of the trend shows after-work evening routines, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Many of the TikToks are produced by professional influencers, featuring luxury apartments, gyms and skincare brands. The hashtag #5to9 has almost 50 million views, and the trend's popularity has inspired countless parodies — as well as critiques for promoting difficult-to-attain ideals.

In one TikTok, fashion writer Mandy Lee draws parallels between the “5 to 9” trend and the “girlboss” era of the 2010s. “Glamorizing being busy was really really prominent during that time,” she said. “Watching this 5 to 9 trend really evolve, it feels like relaxation — and just not being productive at all — is still something that people see as weakness.”

@oldloserinbrooklyn

Thinking about the aesthetics of productivity, 5-9 routine and the girlboss era. #5to9 #my5to9 #girlbossmoment #analysis #thatgirl

♬ Blue Blood - Heinz Kiessling & Various Artists

Artist Tyla Maiden pokes fun in another video, highlighting how unlikely it is many people will adopt the concept. “Let's be for real: You're getting an 8:45 to 9 from me, maybe an 8:30 if I'm feeling like it,” she said. “Either way, you know I'm making myself a full breakfast, that's non-negotiable. And I'm not putting on real pants.”

Maiden said the video, made about a week