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🍿 Her boss said, “Did you even take writing?”

🍿 Her boss said, “Did you even take writing?”

She’s a journalism grad working in PR, but her boss tears her down over every tiny mistake. We break down how to handle toxic feedback, build a portfolio, and take back control.

CareerSnacks Team
June 16, 2025

🥒 Today’s pickle

I (22F) just graduated with my BA in Journalism and Media Studies, and I’ve been accepted into an MA program starting in the fall. I mainly focus on social media and writing. Last September, I took an internship at a local PR firm. I still work there part time, but it feels like I’m still an intern.

I write press releases and create social posts for clients. Lately my boss has been making me feel bad about myself and my work. I’ll have 6 great days in a row, but if I make one mistake, she acts like I’m terrible at my job. She even asked if I “took writing classes in college” and constantly makes comments about my posts.

The last two weeks have been hell. Constant side chats, call outs in front of others, and now she says I can’t ask anyone for help. My work is supposed to be perfect the first time. I know I’m not perfect, but I love writing and content, and I know I’m good at it. I’m just looking for direction or advice from anyone who’s been through something like this.

Link to post

🧀 Here’s the cheese

1. Your boss is not a reflection of your skill.

Bad managers weaponize “feedback” to control, not improve. That’s what’s happening here.
If you were really bad, she’d replace you. She doesn’t. That’s the tell.
Stop overvaluing her opinion. She’s not the target audience for your next job.

2. You need a portfolio and a plan.

Pull 3–5 of your best press releases or social posts and clean them up for a portfolio.
Include context: who the client was, what the goal was, what results (if any) you saw.
This gives you leverage if you want to leave or freelance on the side.

3. Decide if this MA is for you or for avoidance.

If it’s to delay job hunting or escape a toxic boss, pause and reassess.
If it deepens skills you actually want to use (e.g. strategy, content, research), maybe it’s worth it.
No shame either way but don’t spend money to run from something.

4. Start job hunting quietly.

Don’t wait to “feel ready.” You already have experience and proof of work.
Look for roles with titles like “Content Coordinator,” “Social Media Associate,” or “Digital Comms Assistant.”
Small agencies and nonprofits often take chances on newer grads who can write and ship content.

5. Keep receipts, in case this gets worse.

Document specific incidents or messages that cross the line.
If it turns into full-on harassment, you’ll want this if you escalate or need to explain a short exit.

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