High stakes, constant deadlines, and unrelenting pressure are among the qualities that have long defined journalism. The economic pressures faced by the industry have intensified these issues. Unfortunately, burnout is a pressing issue among journalists that affects the industry as a whole. This year alone, more than half of journalists report they think of quitting due to burnout. Alarmingly, 40% of journalists report leaving their previous job because of burnout, underscoring how deeply it affects retention. Muck Rack surveyed nearly 1,800 journalists about their stress levels, burnout, vacation habits, and salary to explore how journalists navigate this career path. The report offers an eye-opening glimpse into the realities of the profession and highlights the challenges journalists face. It also explores potential pathways media companies can take to help create a better balance.

High-stress levels, workload, and the “always-on” dilemma

Journalists report some of the highest stress levels among professionals. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most stressful, most journalists rated themselves at a 7. Only 20% of respondents described their stress levels below the midpoint, while 67% placed them above it. Several factors drive persistent tension, including a demanding workload and inadequate pay. They also emphasized the impact of modern media’s pervasive “always-on” culture. In other words, primary stressors contributing to burnout are overwhelming workloads, insufficient salaries, and the expectation of constant availability.

The workload for journalists is a significant contributor to their stress. The data reveals that most journalists work on more than four stories simultaneously, with a considerable number handling seven or more projects at once. Managing multiple stories demands high levels of organization and focus, leaving little room for rest or downtime.

The expectation of being “always on” compounds stress levels. Ninety-six percent of journalists report difficulty switching off after work, and about 64% work more than 40 hours weekly. Of these, 13% work over 51 hours weekly. Even when journalists aren’t officially on the clock, the nature of the job often pulls them back in—80% of journalists work outside regular business hours at least once a week.

With heavy workloads and constant pressure, it’s no surprise that many journalists find it difficult to take time off. The most common reasons for skipping vacations include overwhelming workloads, staffing shortages, and the expectation to remain connected.

Even when journalists manage to schedule vacation time, their ability to disconnect is limited. Nearly 70% of respondents said their vacations were interrupted by work. Fewer than one in three say they are able to keep work completely at bay while on paid time off (PTO).

Work environment

The working environment can significantly impact stress levels and overall work-life balance. Journalists are fairly split in their preferences for work arrangements, with many seeking hybrid or fully remote options. Over half of respondents reported that their current work setup positively contributes to their work-life balance. However, a considerable number expressed dissatisfaction with their current arrangements, indicating that improvements in flexibility could help ease stress.

Mental health is another critical aspect of balancing a demanding career with personal well-being. However, fewer than a quarter of journalists have access to mental health services at work. This lack of support is concerning, especially considering the field’s high-stress levels and burnout. While about half of the journalists we surveyed believe they would receive support from their coworkers during mental health struggles, only 42% expect the same from workplace leadership.

The salary gap

The financial realities of journalism also weigh heavily on the work-life balance of professionals. The typical salary for journalists is $67,000, though this figure varies significantly between freelancers and full-time staff. Freelancers, on average, earn $60,000, while non-freelancers earn about $70,000. Over a quarter of freelancers earn less than $40,000 annually, while none earn more than $250,000.

Journalists are the heart of the media business. Without their work, there is no content, no news, and, ultimately, no business model to sustain the industry. They generate stories that inform, educate, and engage audiences, providing the core product that media companies rely on. Yet, despite their essential role, journalists face mounting challenges threatening their ability to continue in the profession. The high stress, relentless deadlines, and mental health strains highlighted in this report are not just personal issues but systemic ones that risk undermining the very foundation of the media industry. If journalists cannot balance their workloads and personal well-being, the ripple effects will inevitably impact content quality and the media business’s sustainability.

To effectively support journalists and safeguard their well-being, media organizations must prioritize the establishment of clear boundaries for after-hours work. They should also create dedicated “focus hours” that are free from unnecessary disruptions. Encouraging uninterrupted paid time off (PTO) is equally crucial, allowing journalists to fully  recharge without the looming pressure of work.

Beyond these structural changes, fostering a culture rooted in empathy, open communication, and peer support can cultivate a healthier, more collaborative environment. By embracing these strategies, media companies will lessen the possibility of burnout. They will also help also ensure that journalists remain resilient, creative, and engage, which will help preserving the integrity and sustainability of the industry.