https://theprpost.com/post/8461/

Journalists face high stress levels and burnout: Muck Rack study

A recent survey of nearly 1,800 journalists highlights the significant stress and burnout impacting professionals in the journalism industry. Conducted by Muck Rack, the study explored topics such as stress, burnout, work hours, and salaries, providing insight into the challenges faced by journalists in balancing demanding work with personal well-being.<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\84f4400c2164ec0d231f6a52a562d370.jpeg' class='content_image'>Key Findings:High Stress Levels: The majority of journalists (67%) rated their stress level above the midpoint on a 10-point scale, with many citing workload, salary, and the pressure of being ?Ç£always on?Ç¥ as primary stressors.Burnout: More than half of journalists (56%) reported considering quitting their jobs in the past year due to burnout, while 40% have previously left positions for similar reasons.Work-Life Imbalance: A staggering 96% of journalists struggle to fully "switch off" after work, with 64% working more than 40 hours a week and 80% frequently working outside regular business hours.Mental Health and Support:Fewer than 25% of journalists have access to workplace mental health services, and only 42% feel they would receive support from leadership during mental health struggles. A higher percentage (52%) believe their coworkers would offer support.Salary Overview:Journalists earn an average of $67,000 annually, with freelancers averaging $60,000 and non-freelancers making around $70,000. Salaries varied, with non-freelancers generally earning more than freelancers, though over a quarter of freelancers earned less than $40,000 per year.Vacation and Overwork:Vacation days are often interrupted, with 69% of journalists experiencing work disruptions while on leave. The main barriers to taking time off include workload and performance expectations.This comprehensive report sheds light on the ongoing struggles within the journalism profession, emphasizing the urgent need for improved work-life balance, mental health support, and sustainable workloads.