MCSI #029 - Finding purpose and meaning in cybersecurity
Is working in cybersecurity really worth it?
Cybersecurity professionals can face significant mental health challenges, including burnout, depression, and imposter syndrome. Despite the field's potential to be highly rewarding, many find it detrimental to their health and wellbeing.
While I'm not a psychologist, my 20 years of experience in cybersecurity have given me a deep understanding of its highs and lows. In this week's newsletter, I will highlight some of the industry's key issues and offer practical solutions to help foster a healthier work environment.
Perverse Incentives
Cybersecurity is an intensely competitive field, often driven by superficial metrics like the number of certifications, CVEs, conference talks, or unique knowledge. However, these benchmarks fail to reflect the true value of your life or your progress toward meaningful personal goals.
If you take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you, you'll likely find that your most cherished goals have little to do with the industry's ranking metrics. My advice is to live by your own standards. Although it may be challenging at first, it requires a deep conviction in your values and the courage to prioritize your own growth and wellbeing.
Pointless Work
The unfortunate reality is that many cybersecurity professionals spend their days on seemingly pointless tasks. They are often expected to monitor screens and triage trivial alerts, attend unproductive meetings, navigate office politics, or conduct repetitive security assessments of the same applications year after year. Even when they do accomplish something tangible, they rarely witness the positive human impact of their efforts. Few leave work feeling fulfilled. This lack of visible progress towards meaningful goals is psychologically draining, as human flourishing relies on perceivable advancement toward personal values.
Ryan Ettridge conducted a survey and found that only 13% of cybersecurity professionals feel they are on track to reach their career potential.
Limited Career Opportunities
There’s a high demand for cybersecurity professionals, but much of the work involves repetitive tasks. This is beneficial early in your career, as a few years of experience can make you employable by numerous organizations with similar needs. However, if your aspirations are bigger, opportunities are limited.
Most countries lack ecosystems that effectively support start-ups, and many organizations are slow to adopt new ideas. This environment stifles true innovators and inventors, making it difficult for them to succeed. Additionally, it deters potential entrepreneurs who recognize that few clients see fostering new products and companies as their responsibility to advance the industry.
Consequently, even if you reach the pinnacle of the industry in your region, you may find very few opportunities to engage in something new and innovative.
So What Should You Do?
“Learn to value yourself, which means: fight for your happiness.” - Ayn Rand
My first piece of advice is to fight for your freedom. This means developing skills and building business relationships that allow you to be self-reliant. When you achieve this level of independence, you are no longer bound by metrics imposed by others or compelled to work for organizations that don't align with your values. The cybersecurity market offers the potential for such freedom. You can choose the people you work with and the problems you tackle based on what you truly value.
Focusing solely on certifications without developing real skills is self-sabotaging. While certifications may seem to increase employability, they don't provide the freedom that genuine skills, abilities, and connections offer. True freedom comes from mastery and self-sufficiency, not from external validation.
Secondly, it's crucial to live by a philosophy that prioritizes your own life and flourishing, as this is essential for achieving true happiness. Many workplaces will pressure you to sacrifice your values for their needs. They might require you to perform tasks that don't align with your aspirations or conform culturally at the expense of your individuality. These compromises may seem necessary in the short term, but life is a long-term journey, and consistently sacrificing your values will not help you achieve your goals.
My advice is to live by a philosophy of self-esteem. Clearly define what you want from your work life. Don't compromise on your core values. In the short term, you may need to trade your time and skills for get your foot in the door or pay the rent, but don't settle for a path that doesn't align with your true aspirations. Focus on maintaining your integrity and working towards a career that genuinely fulfills you.
How Can MCSI Help You?
At first glance, MCSI might appear to be just another cyber training institute. However, our mission is much more nuanced. We aim to empower individuals like you by teaching practical, in-demand skills, helping you achieve the freedom necessary for personal and professional flourishing.
If you haven't already, give our free version a try. Additionally, consider purchasing one of our courses with our May 2024 discount code: MCSI-MAY-2024-PQV
We’ve helped thousands of individuals achieve their career goals in cybersecurity, and we’d love to help you too.
