Why I Don’t Sugarcoat Your Career Reality (And Why You’ll Thank Me For It)

I don’t sugarcoat. Not in life, not in careers, not in job searches.

Because here’s the thing: what feels like a “harmless platitude” to one person can feel like gaslighting to someone else who’s right in the middle of the struggle. “Keep your chin up” or “it’ll all work out” might sound supportive, but when you’re staring down months of job rejections, it just minimizes the reality of your situation.

On the flip side, I can’t stand constant negativity either: the mum making digs about your parenting, or the people who are just never satisfied with anything. That drains the room, and honestly, I don’t want to hang out with them.

So where do I land? I don’t sugarcoat. If the market’s tough, I’ll tell you: the market’s tough. But I’ll also tell you what you can actually do about it.

The “end on a high note” myth

I saw a comment on someone else’s post recently where the person suggested, “you might want to end on a high note.”

I completely disagree. Ending on a high note just for the sake of positivity doesn’t solve anything.

If you’re struggling, you don’t need false optimism, you need clarity. You need to understand the current situation and have a strategy.

And honestly, if you’re someone who needs empty platitudes to feel better, it might be time for a reality check. Sugarcoating won’t get you hired. Strategy will.

Control vs. Out of Control: The Real Framework

What actually helps is knowing the difference between what’s in your control and what’s not. That’s how you stay sane and make progress.

What you can control:

• How you show up online (your personal brand).

• Your job search strategy: networking, outreach, not just cold-applying.

• The quality and clarity of your CV.

• Exploring alternative paths: CROs, agencies, medcomms, parallel industries, freelancing.

• The training and self-improvement you choose to invest in.

• How you position yourself for the opportunities you want.

What you can’t control:

• How people perceive you.

• The number of jobs being advertised right now.

• How recruiters interpret your CV compared to other candidates.

• The wording of job descriptions.

Knowing these boundaries is powerful. It gives you focus: double down on what you can do, and stop spiralling about what you can’t.

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This market is difficult. That’s reality. Pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone.

But “difficult” doesn’t mean “impossible.” It means you need a strategy that acknowledges the challenge and focuses your energy where you actually have control.

That’s not negativity. That’s not toxic positivity. That’s just honesty, and honesty is what helps you move forward.