Careering

By: Daisy Buchanan

Narrated by: Celine Buckens, Jo Hartley

Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

'So perceptive and wise about the media, privilege, the differing but equally troubling pressures that women of all ages face, while still being moving, laugh out loud funny, and inspiring. I loved it.' Louise O'Neill, author of Idol

'As she did with sex in her first novel, Insatiable, now Daisy Buchanan holds up a mirror to the changing way we work in the raw and relatable Careering' Red

'This thought-provoking, emotionally intelligent, hilarious, sexy and always sharp novel is a fabulous ride.' Daily Mail

'A witty tale of the toxic world of modern work' Independent

careering (verb)
1. working endlessly for a job you used to love and now resent entirely
2. moving in a way that feels out of control

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Imogen has always dreamed of writing for a magazine. Infinite internships later, Imogen dreams of any job. Writing her blog around double shifts at the pub is neither fulfilling her creatively nor paying the bills.

Harri might just be Imogen's fairy godmother. She's moving from the glossy pages of Panache magazine to launch a fierce feminist site, The Know. And she thinks Imogen's most outrageous sexual content will help generate the clicks she needs.

But neither woman is aware of the crucial thing they have in common. Harri, at the other end of her career, has also been bitten and betrayed by the industry she has given herself to. Will she wake up to the way she's being exploited before her protégé realises that not everything is copy? Can either woman reconcile their love for work with the fact that work will never love them back? Or is a chaotic rebellion calling...

Hilarious and unflinchingly honest, Careering takes a hard look at the often toxic relationship working women have with their dream jobs.

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'The zeitgeisty read tackles the myth of the girl boss, with feelings of imposter syndrome, burnout and comparison rife throughout. Though entertaining - you can't help but cringe at some of the situations Imogen finds herself in - the novel takes a hard look at the very real challenges women still face in the workplace today. With the events of the last two years making many question what really matters in life, Buchanan leaves you with the reminder that whether you love or loathe your job, it doesn't define who you are or put a value on your self-worth.' Stylist

'A great great book. Daisy Buchanan has that special something that makes a wonderful popular fiction writer - acute observational skills, huge empathy and a perfect balance of light and shade. I loved loved loved Careering.' Marian Keyes, author of Again, Rachel

'Funny and warm but also so sharp on the struggles of women who want it all. Daisy's insight about being a woman trying to navigate life and desire is brilliant.' Ayisha Malik, author of Sofia Khan is not Obliged

'A love story about work, self-worth and modern womanhood, Careering is, quite simply, the funniest novel I've read all year.' Nell Frizzell, author of The Panic Years

'Full of brilliant characters, loveable chaos and a world of magazine nostalgia. If you've ever had a job suck your soul, even slightly, you'll love it.' Emma Gannon, author of Olive

'Blisteringly funny and painfully perceptive. Daisy has that magic gift, of capturing the nuance and detail of a very specific world in such a way that it feels universally, eternally relatable.' Lauren Bravo, author of How To Break Up With Fast Fashion

'Careering is instantly addictive. It's fresh and raw and mesmerising, filled with humour and heart. Without a doubt, this is the book I'll be shouting about to everyone this year as a must-read.' Beth Reekles, author of The Kissing Booth

'This novel should be a must-read for everybody who has ever thought life will be better once their work rewards them. Spoiler: it won't, and this novel makes it feel ok. Unmissable.' Laura Jane Williams, author of Our Stop

'Appallingly funny and ruthlessly honest, Careering shines a deeply human light on the exhausting highs and lows of life as a modern working woman. I loved it and related to just about every word.' Rosie Walsh, author of The Man Who Didn't Call

©2022 Daisy Buchanan (P)2022 Hachette Audio UK

2.5 stars maybe

The tale of two women, struggling through their very stressful writing career and to live a life. Imogen is a writer, she has a personal sex blog and then is hired to write unrealistic attractive sex content for a magazine. She works under Harri. The dual POVs were interesting. I do see the need for adult content but the orgy in it was a huge put off for me.

Sans the sexual content the book conveyed excellent idea around the 'grinding' work culture and burn out. Though landing in the dream job, the reality of the stress along with the 'dream job' was very much portrayed and I loved it.