Here’s Why I Don’t Suggest People to Get into Cybersecurity
Vijay Gupta
Cyber Security | CEH | CHFI | CYBER Awareness Training | Performance Marketer | Digital Marketing Expert | Podcaster
Introduction
In recent years, cybersecurity has been hailed as one of the most promising and lucrative career paths. With the ever-growing dependence on digital technologies, the need for cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed. Every company, from small businesses to multinational corporations, requires strong cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data from cyber threats like hackers, malware, and ransomware. Job titles such as cybersecurity analyst, penetration tester, and security engineer have become buzzwords in the tech industry, enticing countless people to dive headfirst into this career path.
At first glance, cybersecurity seems like an attractive field. It promises high salaries, job stability, and an opportunity to contribute to the safety and security of organizations. But as someone who has worked in the field, I have a different perspective on this popular career choice. While it’s true that cybersecurity can offer financial rewards and excitement, I don’t readily suggest people get into cybersecurity without carefully considering the realities of the industry. There are significant downsides that are often glossed over in the glamour of the job descriptions, certification promotions, and industry hype.
In this blog, I’ll break down the less-discussed aspects of cybersecurity, shedding light on why it might not be the ideal choice for everyone. My goal is not to deter you from cybersecurity entirely but to help you make an informed decision. You deserve to understand both the positives and the challenges before committing to this career path.
Table of Contents:
The Myth of Glamour: Cybersecurity Isn’t as Cool as It Seems
The Learning Curve: Constantly Playing Catch-Up
Stress and Burnout: A High-Pressure Environment
The Oversaturation of Entry-Level Positions
Certifications and Degrees: A Never-Ending Cycle
Legal and Ethical Dilemmas
Cybersecurity’s Impact on Work-Life Balance
Is Cybersecurity Still Worth It?
Conclusion: Should You Really Get into Cybersecurity?
1. The Myth of Glamour: Cybersecurity Isn’t as Cool as It Seems
Hollywood vs. Reality
When most people think of cybersecurity, they imagine the world of Hollywood-style hacking: someone sitting in a dark room, furiously typing lines of code as they break into top-secret government databases. It’s portrayed as thrilling, mysterious, and intellectually challenging. While there are aspects of cybersecurity that do involve breaking into systems (legally, of course), the reality is far less glamorous.
In practice, much of cybersecurity work revolves around monitoring systems, responding to alerts, and ensuring that security protocols are up to date. The daily grind often involves repetitive tasks like patching software vulnerabilities, scanning for malware, and reviewing security logs. While there are moments of excitement when a serious threat is detected, these instances are fewer than people imagine.
The Grind of Routine Work
A significant portion of the job is maintenance. You’re not always fighting off cybercriminals; much of your time is spent making sure systems are running smoothly and that everything is compliant with regulations. The repetitive nature of these tasks can be tedious, and it may not offer the intellectual stimulation that many newcomers expect.
Cybersecurity is essential, but it’s often less about “fighting the bad guys” and more about ensuring that systems are properly configured and that procedures are being followed. The day-to-day work can sometimes feel like you’re more of a digital janitor than a high-flying cyber-sleuth.
2. The Learning Curve: Constantly Playing Catch-Up
Cybersecurity’s Ever-Changing Landscape
One of the most challenging aspects of cybersecurity is that it’s a field that never stays still. Technology evolves rapidly, and as it does, so do the threats that target it. What was considered a strong security measure five years ago might be obsolete today. As a result, cybersecurity professionals must continuously learn and adapt to new technologies, tools, and techniques.
Staying ahead of the curve requires significant time and effort. If you’re not someone who enjoys learning outside of work hours, you’ll quickly find yourself falling behind. Threat actors are constantly innovating, and so must you if you want to stay relevant in the field. The need for constant education can be overwhelming and exhausting for many.
The Pressure of Staying Up-to-Date
Unlike other tech fields where you can specialize and build upon your expertise over time, cybersecurity demands continuous education. You must stay on top of the latest hacking techniques, vulnerabilities, and defense strategies. This isn’t just about reading the occasional article — it often requires you to earn new certifications, attend seminars, or complete courses.
The pressure to stay current can be draining, especially when combined with the demands of full-time work. Not everyone is cut out for a career that requires this level of ongoing learning.
3. Stress and Burnout: A High-Pressure Environment
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The Demand for Vigilance 24/7
Cybersecurity is not a field where you can afford to relax. Cyber threats are a 24/7 concern, and attackers don’t stick to a 9-to-5 schedule. In many roles, you’ll be expected to be on-call for emergency incidents, sometimes in the middle of the night. One security breach could cost an organization millions, so the pressure is immense.
This high-stress environment leads to many professionals experiencing burnout. The constant vigilance, coupled with the fear of missing a critical threat, can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. If you’re someone who values a more balanced work environment, cybersecurity may not be the best fit.
The Mental Toll of Dealing with Cyber Threats
Another less-discussed aspect of cybersecurity is the emotional and mental toll that comes from constantly being on the defensive. You’re essentially in a never-ending game of cat and mouse, trying to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Knowing that one slip-up could lead to a massive data breach or ransomware attack weighs heavily on professionals in this field. The stress can lead to anxiety, fatigue, and burnout over time.
4. The Oversaturation of Entry-Level Positions
High Competition, Low Entry Opportunities
While the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is high, breaking into the field can be incredibly difficult for beginners. Entry-level positions are limited, and competition is fierce. Many aspiring professionals find themselves stuck in a catch-22: employers want candidates with experience, but without a job, how can you gain experience?
This oversaturation of entry-level candidates has led to a bottleneck, where only those with the best qualifications, internships, and hands-on experience stand out. Despite the supposed “skills gap,” it can take months or even years to land your first cybersecurity job.
The Skills Gap vs. Reality
While there is constant talk of a “skills gap” in cybersecurity, where companies claim they can’t find qualified candidates, the reality is more nuanced. Many organizations are incredibly selective when hiring, often asking for advanced skills even for junior roles. They expect candidates to come in with hands-on experience, certifications, and even coding knowledge. The bar is set high, and for those just starting out, it can feel impossible to meet those expectations.
5. Certifications and Degrees: A Never-Ending Cycle
Expensive and Time-Consuming Certifications
Certifications are the lifeblood of a cybersecurity career. However, earning certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can be both expensive and time-consuming. For many, the costs of obtaining these certifications are prohibitively high, especially when you factor in the study materials, exam fees, and renewal costs.
Industry’s Demand for Continuous Education
Even once you’ve earned a certification, it’s not the end of the road. Most certifications require renewal every few years, meaning you’ll have to stay current and potentially retake exams or earn continuing education credits. This cycle of continuous certification can be exhausting and financially draining.
6. Legal and Ethical Dilemmas
The Fine Line Between White-Hat and Black-Hat
In cybersecurity, particularly in offensive security (pen testing and ethical hacking), there’s often a fine line between legal, ethical activities and those that cross into gray areas. One mistake, such as overstepping the boundaries of an authorized penetration test, can lead to serious legal consequences. Understanding these legal boundaries is crucial, but they can sometimes be vague or hard to navigate.
Ethical Dilemmas in Offensive Security
Additionally, the ethical dilemmas in cybersecurity can be challenging. As an ethical hacker, you’re constantly trying to think like a malicious actor to expose vulnerabilities. In some cases, this means exposing serious flaws that could lead to major breaches. While this is part of the job, it’s not always easy to navigate the ethical implications of revealing or exploiting vulnerabilities.
7. Cybersecurity’s Impact on Work-Life Balance
After-Hours Alerts and Emergency Response
One of the least attractive aspects of cybersecurity is the impact it has on your work-life balance. Security incidents don’t happen at convenient times, and as a cybersecurity professional, you’ll often be expected to respond to emergencies after hours, on weekends, or during holidays. Being on-call can disrupt your personal life, leading to a lack of work-life balance that many people find unsustainable over the long term.
Difficulties in Maintaining a Personal Life
The high-pressure nature of the job, combined with the unpredictable hours, makes it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. If you’re someone who values time with family, personal hobbies, or a regular schedule, cybersecurity may not be the ideal career for you. The demands of the job can lead to burnout and strained personal relationships.
8. Is Cybersecurity Still Worth It?
The Exceptions to the Rule
While I’ve highlighted many of the downsides of a cybersecurity career, it’s important to note that there are exceptions. Some professionals thrive in the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of cybersecurity. They enjoy the challenge of staying ahead of cybercriminals and are passionate about the work they do. For these individuals, the rewards of cybersecurity outweigh the challenges.
Alternative Tech Careers with Similar Benefits
If you’re still interested in tech but feel that cybersecurity may not be for you, there are plenty of alternative career paths that offer similar benefits without the same level of stress or commitment. Fields like data science, software engineering, or cloud computing provide high salaries, job stability, and opportunities for innovation without the constant pressure of dealing with cyber threats.
9. Conclusion: Should You Really Get into Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity can be a rewarding career, but it’s not for everyone. The constant need to stay up-to-date, the high-stress environment, and the ethical and legal challenges make it a tough field to navigate. While there’s no doubt that cybersecurity is an important and growing industry, it’s essential to consider whether it’s the right fit for your personality, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
If you’re willing to put in the time, effort, and education to stay ahead of the game, cybersecurity could offer a fulfilling career. However, if you’re someone who values work-life balance, predictable hours, and a less stressful environment, there are plenty of other tech career paths that might suit you better. Ultimately, the decision to pursue cybersecurity should be based on a realistic understanding of what the job entails — not just the promises of high salaries and job security.
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About the Author:
Vijay Gupta is a cybersecurity enthusiast with several years of experience in cyber security, cyber crime forensics investigation, and security awareness training in schools and colleges. With a passion for safeguarding digital environments and educating others about cybersecurity best practices, Vijay has dedicated his career to promoting cyber safety and resilience. Stay connected with Vijay Gupta on various social media platforms and professional networks to access valuable insights and stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends.