“Everyone’s replaceable.” It’s something I’ve heard more than once in the PR world, but the truth is, keeping your job isn’t always about being irreplaceable—it’s about being smart. When you’re dealing with unclear goals, conflicting feedback, or bosses who seem to thrive on chaos, survival can feel like its own full-time gig.
The first rule of staying employed in a messy workplace? Don’t take the chaos personally. I’ve worked in places where direction is vague, expectations are constantly shifting, and no one seems willing to make decisions. In situations like that, it’s easy to feel like you’re always failing. But often, it’s not you. It’s the system.
So how do you keep your job when everything around you is in shambles? One of the biggest things you can do is manage expectations—both yours and your boss’s. If your manager doesn’t provide clear goals, take the initiative to create your own. Don’t wait for someone to tell you what success looks like. Define it yourself, then get their buy-in. This doesn’t have to be formal or intimidating. A quick, “Just so I’m clear, the main thing we’re aiming for is X, right?” can work wonders. It puts the ball in their court and gives you something to work towards.
Another key is to focus on the work that actually matters. In PR, that’s often not what you think it is. Of course, creativity and strategy are important, but when everything is a mess, clients (or management) care most about one thing: results. You don’t have to knock every project out of the park. You just have to keep the deliverables flowing. Stay visible. Keep pushing out the work. Even if it feels like you’re running in circles, steady output is often enough to keep your name off the chopping block.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming your hard work speaks for itself. It doesn’t. You need to build relationships—across the board. Talk to everyone from senior execs to the intern. Make sure people know who you are, what you’re doing, and why it matters. It’s not about being political; it’s about being known. If people know you and trust you, they’re more likely to back you when things get tough.
But what if your boss is the real problem? Maybe they’re impossible to please, or worse, refuse to give you any meaningful feedback. In those cases, you’ve got two options: you can either ride it out or try to change the dynamic. Start by asking direct questions about their expectations. If you’re getting vague answers, push for specifics. “What would make this project a success for you?” That’s a question that’s hard for even the most evasive managers to dodge.
Even in a dysfunctional environment, you can still create systems for yourself. If you’re dealing with mixed signals or contradictory feedback, set up a simple approval process that clarifies who has the final say. You don’t need permission to implement structure in your own workflow. You’d be surprised how many problems can be avoided just by keeping everyone on the same page.
In PR, there’s no such thing as a dry spell. If you’re not getting media coverage, find other ways to create value. Introduce your client to an industry expert. Set up a meeting with a trade association. Offer to work on something that’s outside your usual scope. Even when things are slow, keep generating opportunities. It shows you’re resourceful, proactive, and adaptable—all things that make you indispensable, especially in a chaotic environment.
The truth is, sometimes the only way to stay sane in a dysfunctional workplace is to shift your perspective. Stop expecting the place to get better. Instead, focus on what you can control. Create your own goals, keep delivering work, and build a network of allies inside the company. You can still thrive, even if the situation around you doesn’t.
And when all else fails? Start planning your exit. Not every job is worth saving, and not every boss deserves your loyalty. But while you’re still there, make sure you’re doing enough to protect yourself. Sometimes, just keeping the wheels turning is enough to keep you in the game—until you’re ready to make the next move.
