Loving What You Do

Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life. I never really understood that quote, until the last few years. Work is something we do because we need the money, something we go in every day and slog through. It isn't called labor for nothing.  

But it also depends on your motivation. If my motivation was only money, I certainly wouldn't be teaching. Teaching takes a LOT of time, and pays pretty poorly. But I get an intrinsic satisfaction out of giving back to my profession and those who are working to get into the profession, and to become better cybersecurity pros. It certainly feels awesome to know that I'm directly impacting the careers and lives of cybersecurity folks across the globe. That feels like I'm directly making us all better and more able to protect our organizations against threats.

Cybersecurity is a very stressful profession. Step back and realize what it is that you do. You work to prevent attacks and respond to attacks, to protect your organization and its customers. And strive to be the absolute best you can be in that profession. And never stop learning. No matter how smart or skilled or certified you are, there is always someone out there smarter, more skilled (certainly your adversaries are highly skilled.)

When I was a Deputy Sheriff, I loved my job. I was paid very poorly (which is a shame nation-wide even today) - but I loved putting on that uniform, with my brass smartly polished. I loved being the one that showed up when you were in need, unsafe, and helping to secure the situation and ensure threats were removed. It certainly was a very stressful job, and I was away from home most of the time. I had to work all the time just to pay the bills and take care of 2 small children. But it was a calling that some people might not be able to understand.

I recall being a small child, home alone at night. I was petrified - one night there was a sound that I interpreted as someone trying to break into the home. I called the sheriff department, and then waited, petrified, until I saw the headlights of a squad car. The very tall Deputy came to my door - he must have been 9 foot tall with the Campaign Hat! I was so relieved that he was there to protect me. That feeling remained - I attended college for Criminal Justice and became a Deputy Sheriff. I dealt with so many young children who were in situations not of their making. I saw in their eyes that my mere presence made them feel better. That sense of service and relieving the fears in these kids really made the job worthwhile.

Sadly, my marriage didn't survive the experience - my constant absence wasn't conducive to a great relationship. And I did some soul searching - with a technology aptitude and the new prevalence of technology in our lives, I found a new career that made more money.

I've been so lucky to have work in professions that speak to my heart. I'm now protecting my organization and our patients. I'm standing guard against those who would penetrate our defenses and cause us harm. I'm evaluating technology risks and ensuring we have the right protections to minimize our risks. I am a trusted advisor to the business, using my experience, skills and knowledge to build a security program that fits with the business direction.

Realize your own passion - go to work each day remembering this - why you do it. Help those who are in the place you once were - volunteer for your local cybersecurity organizations (ISSA, ISACA, etc.) - teach, mentor, speak, etc. Share your unique and valuable wisdom and insight. Never think that what you have to share isn't enough - there is always someone out there who will appreciate your sharing, writing, etc.

Overall, realize that you're doing something you love to do, and enjoy your career. It's pretty rare that a worker today is in that position. We are still really rare entities - defenders against those who would do us harm. We stand with our brass polished, standing 9 feet tall, ready to fight the good fight. I consider myself blessed to be able to bring my unique talents, perspective, aptitude and years of hard work to be educated, trained and experienced. And my organization appreciates that, and supports my initiatives.

I appreciate serving with all of you - let's be the best we can be, and help those who are in a place we remember so well. Give of your time and experience - help any way you can. Share your insights through writing, speaking, mentoring, teaching...

The world will be a better place if you do.