How to Cope with Burnout in PR as a Recent Graduate

The best piece of advice that I’d give to someone looking to avoid burnout in the early stages of their PR career would be to ask all of the questions (!!!) 

Starting out in PR is exciting, fast-paced, and often a little overwhelming, and the pressure to prove yourself can feel somewhat intense. You want to keep up, show ambition and demonstrate that you’re someone that ‘get’s it’ from the off. That was definitely how I felt starting my first PR role.  

In those early days I thought that asking questions, or admitting a little confusion, could reflect badly on me, but I couldn’t have been more wrong! Whilst it’s important to show engagement and initiative, letting go of that pressure is what really helped me grow. 

Starting out is all about being ‘a sponge’: being enthusiastic, absorbing as much as you can, and making the most from all of the people around you. PR is an industry where no two days look the same, and there is so much to take in – from the way teams collaborate to client expectations, or even how a campaign actually comes together. Asking questions is not a weakness, it’s actually a sign of curiosity and enthusiasm, and as every campaign is different, you’ll probably never stop asking them! 

One of the most powerful benefits of asking questions is clarity, which, rather than second-guessing instructions or quietly worrying that you’re ‘getting it wrong’, gives you the tools to approach tasks with confidence. Clarity not only improves your quality of work, but also saves you a load of time, and mental energy. 

Clarity over your workload, and processes, is also the first step toward healthy professional boundaries. When you understand what’s being asked of you, and why, it is often so much easier to prioritise tasks, manage your workload and expectations, whilst avoiding the trap of saying ‘yes’ to everything (one I’m certainly a victim to!). In a fast-paced environment, where demands can feel constant, that ability to manage your capacity is vital in protecting your energy and wellbeing. 

Burnout often comes when we push ourselves a bit too hard, without taking the time to pause, but rest is truly part of the job. Asking questions helps you work smarter, rather than harder, so you can deliver fantastic results whilst taking the time to reset and recharge, making it more sustainable long term.