9 to 5ish with theSkimm CNN’s Abby Phillip on Breaking Through Burnout
Jul 2, 2025
Abby Phillip, a journalist and author at CNN, reflects on her journey from aspiring doctor to leading media figure. She shares how being a first-generation American shaped her career and the importance of embracing failure during her time at Harvard. Abby candidly discusses the continual pressure of rejection in journalism and how she personally navigated the chaos surrounding major events, like the 2020 debates. Her secrets to combating burnout reveal a refreshing perspective on self-care amidst the frenzy of political reporting.
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Rejection Fuels Career Growth
- Abby learned the value of resilience by embracing rejection during college as vital preparation for her career.
- Failure led her to pivot, self-reflect, and discover her true passion in journalism.
Early Breakthrough with Schumer Story
- Abby Phillip found a story about Chuck Schumer's private jet spending from a pile of congressional expenditure disclosures.
- Despite being yelled at by Schumer's office, the story made Politico's front page and launched her career.
Skill Building for Career Survival
- Abby navigated her journalism career by continuously acquiring new skills like video and audio to adapt and survive.
- Her varied experiences taught her what she loved and prepared her for a TV hosting role at CNN.
