Is Cybersecurity the Right Career for You? | EP 12

Top Reasons Why Cybersecurity Might Not Be For You

In this episode of Cybersecurity Diaries, Nathan from StationX discusses the critical aspects of cybersecurity careers that newcomers should be aware of. He dives into why constant learning, lack of public recognition, unpredictability, and external pressures might make cybersecurity an unsuitable career choice for some. Furthermore, Nathan provides practical tips on self-assessment, mentorship, research, and aligning personal values to help you find a career that ensures long-term satisfaction and aligns with your strengths and goals. If you're considering a career in cybersecurity or exploring other paths, this episode offers valuable insights to make an informed decision.

00:00 Introduction: Is Cybersecurity Right for You?

00:42 The Need for Continuous Learning

01:52 The Invisible Work of Cybersecurity

02:44 Handling Chaos and Unpredictability

03:43 The Reality of Financial Rewards

04:28 Misconceptions About Cybersecurity Roles

05:42 External Pressures and Personal Values

07:36 Finding a Career That Aligns with Your Strengths

08:52 Conclusion: Finding Your Path

SHOW NOTES & RESOURCES

https://www.stationx.net/podcast/is-cybersecurity-the-right-career


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Transcript

Are you thinking about getting into cyber security? Before you make the leap, there are some important things you need to know. While this is a booming field with great opportunities, it’s not the right fit for everyone.

Today, I’ll be covering the top reasons why cyber security might not be the best career for you—and, most importantly, how to find a career that truly aligns with your strengths and goals.

I’m Nathan from StationX, where we help you build your cyber skills and land the career you want. In this episode of Cyber Security Diaries, we’re going beyond the hype and looking at what really matters when it comes to choosing the right career.

Whether you’re considering cyber security or exploring other paths, stick around because I’m also sharing practical tips on finding a career that gives you long-term satisfaction. Let’s get into it!

The first reason you might want to rethink cyber security is if you’re not a fan of ongoing learning. In this field, the pace of change is relentless—new technologies, new threats, AI, and new solutions are emerging all the time.

Let me give you an example: I’ve seen people enter cyber security thinking that after a year or so, they would have all the knowledge they needed. But what they quickly realized is that the landscape shifts so dramatically that they were constantly playing catch-up. In the more technical roles within cyber security, learning never stops. You need to stay sharp, continuously update your skills, and adapt to new challenges.

That said, if you’re considering a less technical role—like risk management, compliance, or governance—there’s still learning involved, but it’s not as intense as in technical roles like penetration testing or incident response.

If constant self-learning doesn’t excite you, the more technical side of cyber security could become more of a chore than a passion. Have you ever been in a job where you felt like you were always trying to catch up? If that sounds exhausting to you, this field might not be the best fit.

The second reason is recognition. In cyber security, a lot of your work is invisible. If you’re doing your job well, attacks are stopped before anyone even knows they’re happening—and that often means no one acknowledges the work you put in.

I remember working with a team that saved a company from a massive breach, but guess what? Hardly anyone knew about it because it was handled behind the scenes. No one’s throwing a parade for what didn’t happen.

So, if public praise is something you thrive on, cyber security could feel frustrating. Have you ever worked hard on something, only to feel like no one noticed? If that sounds familiar, the quiet success of cyber security might not be satisfying enough for you.

The third reason: chaos. Cyber security isn’t a field where things stay the same. One day, you’re fine-tuning a firewall, and the next, you’re in full-on crisis mode, responding to a cyber attack. If you’re someone who needs stability and predictability in your workday, certain roles in cyber security may not be for you.

I’ve been there—3 AM calls, rushing to prevent a breach. Some roles, especially in incident response or SOC teams, can feel like constant firefighting. If that sounds overwhelming, these high-pressure roles might not be a good fit.

That said, it’s important to note that not every role in cyber security is like this. Many positions, especially in risk management, compliance, or governance, have more structure and routine. But if you’re seeking total predictability in your workday, you’ll want to be mindful of which path you choose within the field.

Yes, cyber security can be financially rewarding, but if you’re only in it for the money, you might find yourself miserable. The job can be stressful, with long hours and constant challenges. And if you don’t enjoy the core tasks, the paycheck won’t make up for the dissatisfaction.

One of my former colleagues chased a higher salary in cyber security, but a year in, he hated every minute of it. He was good at his job, but the stress and tasks wore him down. Have you ever taken a job just because it paid well, only to regret it later? Money is important, but it’s not enough to sustain a fulfilling career if you don’t enjoy the work.

Another big misconception is that cyber security is all action-packed hacking and cyber battles. While there are exciting moments, much of the work involves more routine tasks like monitoring logs, analyzing data, or writing reports.

I’ve had people tell me they got into cyber security expecting something straight out of Mr. Robot, only to be surprised at the amount of admin work involved. But here’s the key: it’s all about picking the right role. Some roles, like Incident Response or Red Team, can be more exciting, with high-stakes situations and hands-on work. These positions often involve diving into the action when incidents arise.

On the other hand, other roles—like governance, compliance, or auditing—are more focused on policies, risk management, and keeping systems running smoothly. These tend to be less action-packed but are just as important for keeping organizations secure.

So, if you’re expecting non-stop high-stakes drama, it’s important to carefully consider which role you pursue within cyber security. Not every position will provide that level of excitement.

Another important consideration: external pressure. Maybe friends or family are pushing you into cyber security because it’s a growing field, or it just seems like the “smart” choice. But here’s the thing: if you’re not genuinely interested in it, you’re likely to burn out.

One of our students was initially drawn into cyber security because of external pressure before they found our mentorship program. Once we worked with them to focus on what they were truly passionate about, they thrived. Has anyone ever pushed you toward a career that didn’t feel like the right fit? Make sure you’re following your own interests, not someone else’s expectations.

One of the biggest reasons people end up unhappy in their jobs is a misalignment with their personal values. If you’re someone who values creativity or helping others in a direct way, you might find cyber security too corporate or technical.

I’ve had conversations with people who entered cyber security, only to realize their passion lay elsewhere—in creative fields or in hands-on, humanitarian work. It’s crucial to figure out what you value most—whether that’s innovation, collaboration, or making a social impact—and ensure that your career matches up with those values.

Work-life balance is another crucial factor. In some cyber security roles, especially incident response or monitoring, you could be on call 24/7. If you value strict boundaries between work and personal life, that can be difficult to manage.

One of my friends had to drop everything during family dinners to handle a breach—it’s part of the job in some roles. If maintaining balance is important to you, this might not be the best fit. Have you ever been in a job that encroached on your personal life? It can get exhausting fast.

Let’s switch gears now and talk about how to find a career that truly aligns with your strengths and values. Here are a few key steps:

1. Self-Assessment: Take the time to really understand your strengths, values, and what drives you. Tools like personality tests or strength assessments can help you get a clearer picture of what makes you tick.
2. Mentorship: Find a mentor who’s already in the career you’re considering. They can provide invaluable insights, real-world experience, and guidance as you navigate your options.
3. Research and Exploration: Dig into the roles and industries that pique your interest. Don’t rely solely on surface-level impressions—talk to professionals, shadow people in the field, and read up on what the day-to-day tasks really look like.
4. Aligning Personal Values with Career Goals: Make sure your career choice aligns with your core values. If you value creativity, seek out roles that allow for innovation. If you value making an impact, consider fields like healthcare or social entrepreneurship.

So there you have it—reasons why cyber security might not be the best fit for you, but also practical advice on how to find a career that does align with your strengths and values.

Cyber security is a fantastic field, but it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. What matters most is finding a path that keeps you motivated and fulfilled in the long term.

If you found this helpful, hit the like button and subscribe for more career advice. And as always, feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! See you in the next episode of Cyber Security Diaries.