Psychologist reveals how young professionals can avoid early-career burnout

Clinical psychologist Elena Kondratyeva delivered a lecture on early-career burnout as part of Russia’s Youth Day festival. The talk, titled How Not to Burn Out at the Start of Your Career, was hosted on the House of Knowledge platform. It formed part of the nationwide event under the theme Dream. Pride. Unity. Kondratyeva opened her session by identifying key risk factors for burnout among young workers. Unrealistic expectations and weak work-life boundaries were highlighted as major contributors. She also cited research showing that 75% of young employees display burnout symptoms within their first four months on the job.

During the talk, she challenged the idea of effective multitasking. According to her, 99% of people only believe they are good at it. As a preventive measure, she suggested creating a ‘list of joys’ with at least 50 items spanning physical, psychological, and moral resources.

The lecture aligned with the Youth and Children national project, launched by President Vladimir Putin. The event was held online and attracted participants from across the Far Eastern Federal District. The Russian Society Znanie, a strategic partner of the festival, will livestream key moments, with Dmitry Kozhoma and Evgenia Iskandarova hosting interactions with attendees. The festival was organised by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, with Znanie supporting its delivery. Kondratyeva’s advice aimed to provide practical tools for young professionals facing early-career stress. Her recommendations focused on self-awareness and structured approaches to well-being.