The Harsh Truth About Working in Cybersecurity

[@sfaaf05]

Nicole, I am going on two decades of being burnt out by being in IT. You touched on many points that are true about the IT field, people, and environment. I am happy that shed light on this! Also, you explaining what the root cause of burnt out is helps me pinpoint my own struggle as to what is causing the burnout. I am glad you found what you want to do to de-stress. Thank you for all your posts!

[@funktion_og]

probably the 5th youtuber I've come accross with a cyber secutiry IT channel that quit their cybersecurity job because of burnout.

[@malwareman9443]

The stress is real. I don't work in cyber but I am involved in IT. Cyber is way worse because you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.

[@Lovingdogsclub]

😂😂😂😂

[@ThisIsEduardo]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@stevendorsey4850]

I've got a bachelor's degree in CSC with a concentration in cyber security, and I can't even get a helpdesk job answering phones and shit, and people younger than me are out here working cyber security jobs, getting burnt out, and quitting?

[@mariejae]

Same!! I put so much time and effort into several certs too. I def feel like I was played in some way 🥲

[@sparklenebula6042]

Lot of this is simple ageism. Companies will tell you (lie) that it doesn't exist, but it does in droves. When you get on with a company, take stock in the median age of the employees, especially management. You simply will not get respect from having department heads that were floating sub atomic particles when you was watching the 3rd season of Spongebob.

[@raminbaghirov9998]

Bro, it is all who you know, not what you know. I don't have any certificates, but I work in Microsoft doing cybersecurity stuff. Believe me, I don't have any idea what I am doing, my uncle put me to this position.

[@danpeoples1000]

Hi Nicole, Speaking to my own journey. Finding out about "the who" and "how I got here" was pretty key for me in overcoming social pressures and finding personal fulfillment. Recognizing personal identity and desires kind of re-mapped my whole life really. I think People often feel unhappy under the pressure of societal norms or others expectations. Maybe some people really Shouldn't have children for example, but they have been told by society that happiness is having kids. Some might never find happiness and never realize why they are unhappy, I feel for them. Thankfully it sounds like you have a great outlook and can see your own path. Still love all your content - no matter what! Best of luck to you in whatever you end up doing in life.

[@mariejae]

I was burnt out just earning my cybersec degree... it took me longer because I have no experience and the college has certs as part of the curriculum. So sometimes that haulted my progress. I really struggled with Network+ Overall, cyber is a lot to keep up with, and I see now it's not a career for newer IT people. I get rejections, even for internships. I'm attempting to learn more QA tools and move on from cybersec but I'm still really interested in Digital Forensics. My learning is all over the place 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@yadigss]

Same here, I really hate the fact that I'm always studying. I have like no life.

[@malwareman9443]

You a WGU alum?

[@malwareman9443]

Honestly once you get the baseline certs like the comptia trifecta and maybe 1 or 2 others, and the degree it will get better, but the higher you try to move up the more demanding it is going to get. I'm still junior myself but I've gotten a lot of offers.@@yadigss

[@MocaJesus]

This was the realest video I've seen in a very long time. You deserve the world! Go follow your passion! Im soo proud of you for listening to your inner voice and pivoting out of something no longer serving you! Thank you so much for sharing this, as someone who has an immense following (on a completely different platform) I TOTALLY relate to the feeling of just posting to get likes and views.. and being so burnt out and frankly bored with it besides the slight ego stroke it gives you..but then you lose the passion to post what makes YOU smile as opposed to what makes algorithms smile. I purposely don't link to this account so I can have a space away from all the online noise and days I don't post are so blissful to me even tho I know it affects my analytics.. Consider taking a break to focus on your needs. Anyway, I'm definitely still following and rooting for your journey! I think its time I make a change myself tbh..

[@JeannieHart]

Hi Nicole, I met with you briefly with interest in your upskills program. I'm a nurse changing careers. This topic of burnout is one of the main reasons I chose not to move forward. I really want to discern what will be different from the burnout I have experienced as a nurse. I make a comfortable living. So that is not a huge concern. However, I don't want to leap into similar stress. I'm looking for better work life balance. That is most important for me and my family. Glad you have a plan moving forward. Best of luck, in your new role, and more importantly enjoy your upcoming travel!! Happy Holidays!!

[@BlackjackYak54]

There’s are soo many fields of cyber security and it’s different based on the company you work at. Don’t let potential burnout dissuade you from going into cyber. She was working a six figure job and could have found less demanding companies.

[@SimplyCyber]

hey Nicole.. great video and congrats on the new job. def resonate on making content for 'the algorithm' vs. content thats enjoyable to make at the time you want to make a video. Appreciate the walkthrough of how you identified the burn out and what you're doing to address it. the trips and looking fwd to them is great. literally going to post this comment then go to vrbo and get a family trip on the calendar for the spring to get that same 'on the calendar, X days until a trip' vibe going. all the best and happy holidays.

[@nicoleenesse]

Thanks Gerald!!! Take that vacation

[@bjmc3020]

Thank you, Nicole, for sharing your knowledge and your life. I've enjoyed watching your videos Found your channel a couple of years ago, after my son began studying CS, now in his 3rd year of college. My prayer is that you keep listening to that voice to guide you. May you be blessed in your new endeavors. You have been a blessing to watch. Take care and have safe travels!

[@estradavanessa82]

Very cool to see you doing what makes you happy instead of what you think you have to do! Would love to see videos about AWS.

[@felixcalderon7258]

Honestly Nicole thank you so much for the videos you've made! Burnout is never fun and if you feel like you need a change of pace go for it! You should never feel guilt about putting yourself first. You've already made so many great contributions for those in cybersecurity and especially for those starting out! I hope that you keep on working towards the future that you wish to pursue and live a happy life :v

[@SupportSquirrel]

100% but I gotta say that while this is not specific to IT it is by far worse in IT and especially in Cyber. That is why so many people are needed in cyber: people get into the field and are so overwhelmed and pushed to learn and know EVERYTHING all the time that you get what I call "cert'd out". I have a bunch of certs in various things and it got to where I felt like I was being pushed to get 1 or 2 a year by my company. Sometimes, though, you get a good management team who understands this and if you find your voice and speak up like I did you can back down, re-focus and change gears into a different PART of the same field. But that's not always the case. Still - the skills you learned and used will always be usable and can be taken anywhere. Do what you want to do and, within reason of course, the money will follow. I have no doubt you'll land on your feet because you basically hit every single point that all of us at your level and beyond think and feel.

[@johannawood3302]

I totally get you!! So happy that you are stepping back and able to destress. Before I took up my cyber job, I did watercolor painting and hand lettering (which I do miss). Best of luck to you!

[@nicoleenesse]

Johanna!!

[@johannawood3302]

😢 I was just looking for your email the other day!

[@SavageScientist]

I just enrolled into a PHD program instead of getting my CISSP i think that certificate is great for management but i want to become an expert in application security. Having a PhD would not really open any doors but dammit the respect is all i want. LOL congratz sister.

[@Mr..Roboto]

Appreciate the videos you’ve been posting and totally understand what you went through regarding being burned out. It helps me understand that cybersecurity is huge and I need to pace myself. I need to find a role that fits my personal life where I can enjoy other things that are non-IT related.

[@nicoleenesse]

Yeah, it's a marathon and not a sprint

[@forteka81]

I would love to see more videos of implementing controls. It’s tough to see someone going through burnout. I hope you are able to revitalize your passion for CS.

[@nicoleenesse]

Noted!

[@GabrielYeager]

Thank you for posting this! You described my current situation and why I am changing careers into security awareness training. I hope your plans to focus on yourself are successful!

[@dreamjok]

I appreciate your content and the great thing is that those videos are still there for others to view. I wish you the best happiness and look forward to seeing what you are learning and are interested in. 🙏😊

[@nicoleenesse]

I appreciate that!

[@sheenaforero9975]

Nicole thanks for sharing! Love the honesty! Your AWS Cloud content I will be along for the ride! And I’ll give a thumbs up for that technical content! 😊

[@muratucak6689]

It is great to hear from you again Nicole. I hope you enjoy with aws cloud security. Do what you really like.

[@RunOs3]

Thank you, because You provided a lot of good information to think about. Most people get into a profession not knowing that they will have to be continously learning on their off hours to stay afloat in the careers and some people will not like that notion. The problem with Cyber is that you need to up to date on stuff and it's getting to the point where you have to be learning all the time, which is not feasable given that we are all human and need constant breaks. People see the six figure salary and think that all they have to do is get a job in the industry and they are set, but they don't know what the expecations are thereafter. I should have become a a blacksmith.

[@monkeyseemonkeydo432]

Isn't there some way of sharing the load by paying someone to help with the constant sturdy?

[@RunOs3]

@@monkeyseemonkeydo432 No, your load is your load.

[@fade2black244]

You do you. What you said really resonated with me about not having mental barriers so you're constantly thinking about work even when you aren't working. You don't have to do this if you don't find it interesting/fulfilling. Hobbies really help in order to separate work and life. Balance is key.

[@ClosingBook]

OMG! halfway through the video I was going to comment that you should read "The Artist's Way"! And there it is. Anywho, this is actually the most valuable vid I've seen on the topic of Cyber Security career. Go travel. Good luck.

[@acidpoptartz1232]

I been seeing this a lot. A bunch of people are getting burned out in cyber.

[@SharronV]

Wow! I don’t know which is worse- tech support, nursing, cybersecurity, or a classroom teacher in a public school.

[@granddeception4290]

You have clearly and succintly stated my own frustrations with IT and Cybersecurity field. For example the learning treadmill that l feel people aren't meant to constantly be on. I hope things change in the tech field so that more positions can be filled without weeding good people out.

[@monkeyseemonkeydo432]

❤ thanks for this its so helpful ..was thinking about trying to change career at 50 And it seems like the more i learn the more there is to learn. ..you know like if you go down one branch of study it turns into 5 similar branches that needs to be studied...then each one of those has another 5 etc. Although i am slowly getting better It seems just that some people are naturally better

[@solideroftheapocalypse4955]

Thank you for all your content you've done helped MANY ppl ...post What you FEEL.. be happy

[@JohnJLillie]

I wish you well with your recovery and future. Take it from an old man. Changes can be and often are good.

[@monkeyseemonkeydo432]

I'm Hoping so...I was trying to study something else to get out of my driving job Then recently some girl took my car for a joy ride and crashed it ... now I'm chucked in the deep end of the pool of change and gotta figure something asap

[@urdynamix]

Cyber Security is so hyped up as on-demand skills, that literally everyone I've met in these positions are all burnt out, that cannot be a coincidence. "Don't Believe the Hype".

[@trentkillingsworth]

Yo MA!!!! Come to the Computer!!!! New Nicole video just dropped!!!!

[@indexcards9414]

I have seen studies that women often have more interdisciplinary interests and skills, and heard that a lot more women would be interested in STEM if it integrated the arts and humanities too. Best of luck to you as you explore new hobbies.

[@jankins1]

Best of luck with your recovery. Would love more videos on AWS as I am struggling to understand how it works

[@madgamejeff]

I'm glad because I am tried of seeing the how to.... for everyone

[@tester0083]

idea for a video, just make a "day in the life" video, show us what type of problems you deal with, what is your daily routine.

[@malwareman9443]

Been watching for a while now Nicole, I am a WGU alumnus. I did the BSIT degree. I wanted to do cyber in the past, but the more I look at cyber and realize: "Hey, I won't have time for jack outside of this." really made me reconsider. It has nothing to do with the viruses or any of that, it's the fact that you're constantly expected to do certs every month practically. I'm now doing the MSITM degree and possibly going to pivot to management later in my career, but that's a different story. I personally will always love cybersecurity, but as a career with incident response and having to babysit everyone? Not sure if I want to do that. I can see myself doing cyber training however, but we will see what the future hold as I'm still really junior even in terms of IT.

[@tazbaloch2418]

See what you have done here Nicole ? See that’s exactly what I was talking about ! Now he’s discouraged

[@daindigokid]

@@tazbaloch2418Then the industry needs to fix it. Too many people are saying this.

[@thelandoftwitchclips]

I quit cybersecurity because of the massive gatekeeping and toxicity.. I moved on.

[@kekef3620]

What are you doing now?

[@davidprice6994]

Hi Nicole been a while since I last left you a message.christmas comes too fast again lol well I'm glad you have moved on in your job and not burnt out too much. I am still looking at an entry level IT job merry Xmas to you x

[@Tightlines_and_blueskys]

I feel this after 20 years in the trades, I'm looking into moving into a new field completely different from what I'm doing

[@shibbujoseph]

good to know that u were able to get off the algorithm chase.

[@hardlessons9732]

Perhaps the lack of social activities or relevance outside the job. Balance is the key

[@shrutishovandas5883]

Thank you for sharing this with all of us Mam🙏🏽. It's really great that you were able to find the root causes of your burnout and accept them to ultimately overcome them in the future 😊. If you have your own roadmap ahead, I believe you'll enjoy the upcoming times in your life and career. It's okay to burnout and fail if we could implement the lessons they taught us in the future 😊

[@malwareman9443]

I really look forward to the technical topics by the way. I really look forward to learning more.

[@nicoleenesse]

Thanks!

[@MrBoydgo]

@nicoleenesse Going to Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹 is a great idea. You will enjoy not only the tiles, but a lot more namely the food, the hospitality, the people and the weather. For instance, you don't need a vehicle to move around. There is a modern, reliable and affordable public transit system in place. The internet is fast and cheap. There's plenty to do and see. As for cyber, I think that you should aim for a consulting or training role. You have enough experience and certs under your belt already. Correct me if am wrong. Very interesting and informative video, by the way. ❤🎉 Happy New Year.

[@nicoleenesse]

Yes! Training

[@Chris-tq1jy]

Sounds like you went from a System Administrator to an ISSO. Im an ISSO and I enjoy it.

[@nicoleenesse]

great to hear

[@MrLebohangk]

Definitely security of aws cloud is interesting already , can’t wait. Love n light to you Nics .

[@thesunbeamin4304]

Make videos that make you happy! Also as a 25B that may get out soon. I worry about how In a Cybersecurity, you can’t really move up without certain certifications at some points like you mentioned.

[@buf0rd]

6:10 facts! Solving a work problem 'subconsciously' while playing legos with the kids made me have to fix things. Well done!.

[@nicoleenesse]

[@TheSauuron]

I'm burnt out too, gonna take a break from IT.

[@zacpdx]

Well-I emailed you and I am sure you are busy=but I'd love to know if you had it ALL to do it over again, what would you do? What field?

[@nicoleenesse]

I never got an email

[@jeffkan1]

Hey Nicole! Can you describe what your job was that you quit, and how your new job is different from your old job? Thanks!

[@nicoleenesse]

Last was Technical, This one is More GRC/ Information Assurance

[@ultravioletiris6241]

Im glad to see you back! I love your videos

[@nicoleenesse]

Yay! Thank you!

[@ultravioletiris6241]

@@nicoleenesse I do hope you decide to make videos that speak to you on a personal level! You certainly deserve a few that aren’t exclusively for the algo

[@CenturionKenshin]

Ahoj Nicole, great to hear you again!

[@user-rp4om8cr3n]

I am debating if In should do Cyber security or Cloud computing

[@michaellerch]

Do you play video games and have a insatiable desire to ruthlessly dominate your opponents? If so I think you'd like Cyber Security better. If not... you might like Cloud computing better. I think of Cyber Security as more of a PvP and Cloud Computing like a PvE. Just my opinion.

[@nicoleenesse]

I would define what each of those means to you... they are buzzwords

[@DagnirRen]

Your videos have helped me in making decisions in my career choices, so I appreciate that! Good luck with what ever you do :)

[@nicoleenesse]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@DARMARICH]

Can you comment on the gatekeeping/negativity of cybersecurity? In conversations with professionals in the field, I have had people be super stoked, and others say people like me should "jump off a cliff" for not having experience and only having a cert and a home lab. I know not everyone is like the last person, but it seems a lot of OG cybersecurity people think like this. What was your experience and is my perception only seeing the negative people?

[@nicoleenesse]

It's relative. Super dependent on company/industry. Startups are a lot easier than say getting into the government

[@piergiulianonioi8691]

relax, take your time and enjoy it. and come to italy! all the best!

[@DSS-jj2cw]

Changing careers and revaluating your values and interests is a normal part of life. Working in the same job for ten years is a long time and it is common to want to do something else. I have been teaching for 13 years and am considering of retiring and changing careers myself.

[@SymetricRaven]

From the people I’ve talked to I the industry, they keep their performance to meet expectations and nothing further. They have intentionally picked something that they are overly qualified for and give a piece of what they can actually do. Be careful though. Your resume and references can give your employer a heightened sense of expectation.

[@michaelbrown7142]

Wish you all the best in your next adventure.

[@michaellerch]

Same here. I chased certs for years, got to the top, and now I'm like... hmmm... this is all boring. There's no challenge or meaning to it. I do it for money at this point. Just burnt out "learning" for the sake of learning and not learning AND doing what I want to do. I'm jumping into AI stuff now. Also want to do a youtube channel. Maybe I'll do it on my AI Adventures and showing off my creations :)

[@nicoleenesse]

hahah, great idea! Do the KZbin channel

[@JasonO-we3qt]

I totally understand how you feel.

[@mariatoscano8219]

Thank you for sharing your story

[@donnieb390]

appreciate your insights.

[@KellyOhara]

Thanks for the "Honesty!"

[@DonS-xm2sy]

All the best wishes on your next adventure!

[@nicoleenesse]

Thank you! You too!

[@nickcarnevalino7462]

I am now JUST getting into cyber-sec because im burnt out from Linux engineering.

[@jacrispy219r5]

Love the honesty.

[@HelloThere-xs8ss]

Working in a SOC sucks after a while. It's so fkn boring

[@TheReal_FJB]

Excellent video!

[@nicoleenesse]

Thank you very much!

[@LoveFactorySweatShop]

hey, your back!

[@Gamer930-m6u]

I did the same thing because my previous job was very stressful in technical support.

[@nicoleenesse]

Ya, tech support is super stressful

[@thePrinceOfPurpose]

That’s why I created a priority planning system. Do you plan your priorities? (I shared this with 5 friends)

[@nicoleenesse]

Oh Hey Evan! I use a Kanban board . The work just became repulsive to me

[@gmontenegro9711]

… In the STEM fields, you have to continuously learn. Literally. If that’s a barricade in your success, you should definitely avoid STEM. Anyway, good luck in your future endeavors.

[@KellyOhara]

Make content on your hobbies, (e.g. ceramics, etc that you mentioned) and film on you travels. Maybe you can incorporate cybersecurity with travels Perhaps show different entities that use cybersecurity. Mix it up like " Lead Tech"- Good luck!

[@tyrojames9937]

GOOD insight!😀👍🏾

[@Mbro-dq2do]

Spend 29 years in the physical Construction industry. Mental and physical burnout and Im not even 50 years old

[@SportChannel-dh8tg]

You live life one time. Just work what you love even if the pay is less.

[@MaisonNdukong]

Sending you virtual hugs 🫂 Stay Strong .

[@SB-eu6fr]

Shoot for the stars!!

[@danielgx83]

she knows exacly whats the problem , and thats the fucking constant learning i fucking hate it broo

[@Jeffway24]

Awesome video.

[@nicoleenesse]

Thanks

[@christophermoreira6198]

Someone going from role to role so much is concerning. Most folks find a niche and stay on into senior level or management. A master's degree is a must.

[@nicoleenesse]

Eh, not really. I spent 3 years in at my last company. Just changed positions to a higher level

[@Jupiterxice]

Right now, I look at Cybersecurity as a job/profession and I will work for free or over stress myself for sake of them company. I will work my next cyber job just as a mercenary I will not have loyalty I will work for highest bidder. Also, I will get penetration testing certs but also, I will give all my knowledge and insight for free. Companies want all the information or work from you for free. I am also picking another profession and will not let Cybersecurity be my main profession.

[@nicoleenesse]

that works for awhile lol

[@johnnyvonline1862]

This is the best tech video I’ve seen in a long while. I believe in you. Thank you for uploading this type of content.

[@nicoleenesse]

I appreciate that!

[@trblmkr5139]

I dont think she realizes how much of a bomb drop this is for her subscribers. I also found her dialog to be a bit vague. For a channel that was a source of motivation this kind of demotivates me a bit. I also might not maintain my subscription to this channel as the content will probably change. Good luck in your future endeavors and thanks for the videos, we appreciate the effort for sure.

[@Kahooni]

I agree this feels very contrarian to her entire channel

[@Fonsworld]

​@Kahooni so you rather her be fAke???

[@Fonsworld]

GOD FORBID ANY INFLUENCER SHOW SOME REALNESS

[@Samsons121]

❤😊

[@tazbaloch2418]

Don’t listen to her people!

[@nicoleenesse]

:(

[@tazbaloch2418]

That’s how every job is ! But people might listen to you and excited to join this environment! But I’ve. Noticed you’re always pushing people away from cyber security! Not a good character !

[@real_nocturnivore]

🙏💓

[@Mbro-dq2do]

Everything you said about being expected to know things at the drop of a pin. Same in the Construction industry when you have important roles. Mixed with thre male ego macho bullshit stuff

[@Proxyone444]

❤

[@HelloThere-xs8ss]

That was quick lol

[@ellina9816]

Did she really work as cybersecurity?…I somehow never beloved she did..

[@donnieb390]

lol why. Shes been so informative and open / honest.

[@cypress637]

I was thinking same thing for a little bit lol

[@tazbaloch2418]

You’re always discouraging people ! Why ?

[@user-eh1vi3jz1c]

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mark 8:36

[@WmJamesWofford]

Xoxoxo

[@Lovingdogsclub]

Burned out is on all working life, even making KZbin videos 😂😂😂

[@Insertwittypunchlinehere]

Classic ADHD, respectfully.

[@user-pj6bp6np8t]

Absolutely

[@hellobro9280]

Nobody Cares😄😄

[@Fonsworld]

Yet here you are