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Writer's pictureKyser Clark

Is Cybersecurity a Good Career?

If you are doing some career exploration, you may have come across a source that talked about how cybersecurity is a good career choice because it is in high demand, has high job security, and has high salaries. While all these are generally true, you may wonder if there are additional benefits or potential cons to being a cybersecurity professional. This article will explore all of this and more to help you determine if cybersecurity is the right career for you.

10 Reasons to Get Into Cybersecurity (in no particular order).

  • You like to tinker and play with technology and are naturally tech-savvy.

  • It pays well.

  • It currently has a very high demand and high job security.

  • It has a tremendous impact on global society.

  • You enjoy challenges and problem-solving.

  • It constantly changes, so you will always be learning something new

  • You can work in any industry (finance, healthcare, entertainment, education, government, etc.).

  • You can work from home.

  • Low barrier to entry and a college degree isn’t required.

  • There is a lot of room for growth, and you can easily transition to other cyber positions.


You like to tinker and play with technology and are naturally tech-savvy.

If you’re interested in a career that allows you to take advantage of your natural tech-savviness, then cybersecurity is an excellent option. Cybersecurity lets you tinker and play with technology while engaging in meaningful work that helps protect organizations from cyberattacks. You can use your skills to identify vulnerabilities, keep systems secure, and help mitigate cyber risk.


Cybersecurity pays well.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the field of information security are expected to grow much faster than average through 2029, creating more job opportunities and higher salaries. With an average salary of over $90k per year, cybersecurity professionals can make a good living while pursuing their passion for technology and problem-solving. Additionally, many companies offer competitive benefits packages on top of salaries that can help make working in the field even more attractive.


Cybersecurity currently has a very high demand and high job security.

One of the top reasons to get into cybersecurity is that it currently has a very high demand and job security. As the world becomes more connected and digital, cyber threats have become a significant risk for individuals and organizations. This means that professionals with expertise in the field are in high demand as businesses search for ways to keep their data secure. Additionally, many companies view cybersecurity professionals as essential members of their team, which gives them job security and stability. With these factors considered, one can see why investing in a career in cybersecurity is an attractive option for many people. Furthermore, by pursuing this type of career, you will be helping to protect valuable data from malicious actors and keeping organizations safe from harm.


Cybersecurity has a tremendous impact on global society.

Another great reason to get into cybersecurity is that it has an enormous impact on global society. Cybersecurity professionals are essential in protecting businesses, organizations, governments, and individuals from cyberattacks. They help ensure that sensitive data remains safe and secure, preventing hackers from stealing valuable information or wreaking havoc on globally connected networks. This work offers a unique challenge and a sense of satisfaction from knowing that you are helping protect the world from cyber-attacks. By choosing to pursue a career in cybersecurity, you will be making a meaningful contribution to society while honing your skills.


You enjoy challenges and problem-solving.

If you enjoy problem-solving and are looking for an intellectually stimulating career, then cybersecurity might be the perfect fit. Working in the field can allow you to challenge yourself with complex technical and not-so-technical tasks. Cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry with no shortage of challenging problems. Malicious hackers craft new ways to break into networks and disrupt systems daily. It’s a constant game of cat and mouse, and there’s no end in sight.


Cybersecurity constantly changes, so you will always be learning something new.

Cybersecurity is constantly changing, so those pursuing it can look forward to continually learning new skills and staying up-to-date with the latest trends. With an ever-evolving landscape, cybersecurity professionals must stay abreast of technological advances and cyber threats to defend against them. This means you will get the chance to expand your knowledge base regularly, which can make for an exciting and rewarding career.


You can work in any industry.

In cybersecurity, there are no limitations when it comes to industries. Professionals in this field can work with just about any business or organization, from healthcare companies to educational institutions and even governments. This versatility provides many opportunities for individuals who want to diversify their career experiences while focusing on a particular niche. In addition, with the right skills and knowledge, people can move freely between different types of organizations and sectors.


You can work from home.

In addition to the many advantages of pursuing a career in cybersecurity, such as job security and competitive salaries, one of the most significant benefits is that it can be done remotely. With technology advancing rapidly, more companies are now offering remote work opportunities for cybersecurity professionals. This means that you can work from home or anywhere else with an internet connection. Working remotely provides added convenience and comfort, allowing you to set your hours and manage your workload without ever having to commute to an office. It also allows you to save money on things like transportation costs, giving you more room in your budget for other activities.


Low barrier to entry and a college degree isn’t required.

Getting into cybersecurity is also attractive because it requires minimal barriers to entry. While many employers prefer a college degree, it is not always needed. This means that those who do not have formal education or prior experience in the field can still pursue a career in cybersecurity. In addition, plenty of certification exams and online courses are available to provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to get started. These options make it easy for anyone to get started without spending too much money on good training.


There is a lot of room for growth, and you can easily transition to other cyber positions.

Since cybersecurity is a career where you must constantly learn, there is a lot of room for career growth. You can also transition from one cyber position to the next relatively quickly because the fundamental skills are the same no matter what you decide to pursue in cybersecurity. Many jobs in cybersecurity are closely related, so if you choose to change direction, you can do that at any point in your career. You can also go into other information technology (IT) professions, such as system administration, server operations, network engineering, cloud computing, and many more.


10 Reasons NOT to Get Into Cybersecurity (in no particular order).

  • If you are easily frustrated when using technology.

  • If you dislike change.

  • If you’re not interested in committing to lifelong learning.

  • The work-life balance is less than favorable.

  • It’s inherently stressful.

  • You are highly likely to face burnout.

  • If you’re super passionate about other fields(s).

  • If you want to get into cybersecurity just for the money.

  • If you don’t work well with others.

  • Very high responsibility for handling sensitive data.


If you are easily frustrated when using technology.

If technology easily frustrates you, then a career in cybersecurity may not be the best choice. Cybersecurity involves understanding and working with multiple systems, software, and networks, which can be challenging to navigate if you don’t have experience. In addition, it requires keen problem-solving skills and plenty of patience, qualities that may prove difficult for an individual who finds technology frustrating. If this describes you, it might be better to pursue a different IT career path or look into other job opportunities outside the technology industry.


If you’re not interested in committing to lifelong learning.

If you are not committed to lifelong learning, then a career in cybersecurity may not be the right choice. Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field that requires professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and security practices. Without keeping up with these changes, it’s impossible to protect against cyber attacks and maintain secure networks effectively. Therefore, those who enter the field must be willing to continually learn new things and devote themselves to staying on top of industry developments if they wish to succeed in this field. Therefore, pursuing a career in cybersecurity would likely prove unsuccessful for those uninterested in committing to ongoing learning.


If you dislike change.

If you dislike change, then a career in cybersecurity may not be the best choice. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and pervasive, cybersecurity professionals must be able to adapt their strategies to protect against these threats rapidly. This often involves adapting to new tools and technologies regularly, something that someone resistant to change might find difficult. Additionally, many cyberattacks that occur today are unique and unprecedented, meaning cybersecurity experts have to constantly think outside of the box when it comes to developing strategies for protecting against them. For this reason, those opposed to change should think twice before entering this field.


The work-life balance is less than favorable.

Cybersecurity professionals often work long hours, weekends, and holidays to ensure their networks are secure and protected against malicious hackers. Many Security Operation Centers (SOCs) are up 24/7. Unfortunately, your day off is the perfect time for cybercriminals to attack your network. Because of this, cyber professionals may have to respond quickly to emerging security threats, meaning they may need to drop everything else on their plate at a moment’s notice as they are called into action to respond to incidents. This could potentially lead to burnout if you are unprepared for the lack of flexibility that comes with working in cybersecurity. Therefore, those who value having a good work-life balance should think twice before pursuing a career in this field.


Cybersecurity is inherently stressful.

The work associated with cybersecurity is inherently stressful. Cybersecurity professionals are constantly dealing with the pressure of keeping up with ever-changing technologies and security protocols while also being tasked to protect their networks from relentless attacks from threat actors. This can lead to high levels of stress and burnout if you are unprepared for the pressure that comes with working in this field. Therefore, those who do not thrive under stress should consider other job opportunities before getting into cybersecurity.


You are highly likely to face burnout.

Burnout and fatigue are common issues among cybersecurity professionals due to the time they must spend in front of a computer. Long hours, working on complex problems, and constantly being exposed to new technologies can take a toll on your mental health. Therefore, it’s vital for those considering a career in cybersecurity to make sure they are ready to commit to this challenging field and have the necessary support system before taking the plunge.


If you’re super passionate about other fields(s).

If you’re passionate about other fields, such as medicine, law, or the arts, then it’s probably better to pursue a career in one of those areas instead of cybersecurity. This is because cybersecurity requires a lot of time and dedication - more than is typically necessary for most other professions. It also involves a lot of technical knowledge and skill that may not apply to anything outside the technology industry. If your heart lies elsewhere, and you don’t feel like dedicating yourself fully to technology and security, then it may be best to focus on something else. This way, you can ensure that your talents are being used in an area that genuinely interests you rather than settling for a career simply because it pays well but doesn’t align with your passions.


If you want to get into cybersecurity just for the money.

If your only motivation for entering the field of cybersecurity is money, then it may not be the right choice for you. Sure, a career in cybersecurity can provide generous salaries and other financial rewards. Still, there are many other fields out there that offer significant financial opportunities and job security without requiring such a critical commitment or requiring technical knowledge. There are also careers with better salaries and better job security. Cybersecurity isn’t an avenue to get rich quickly. You must spend a lot of time studying and learning before obtaining high salaries. If you don’t enjoy cybersecurity, you’re most likely not going to find success. Many hiring managers look for passion when hiring candidates. So if you lack a passion for cybersecurity, there is a good chance you won’t get hired at all.


If you don’t work well with others.

Cybersecurity professionals are often required to work as part of a team, so those who don’t enjoy collaboration or have difficulty working with others may struggle in this field. Cybersecurity is not all technical. Additionally, it is common for multiple stakeholders to be involved in security projects, meaning that cybersecurity professionals need to communicate effectively and collaborate with other departments to ensure the smooth execution of their tasks. If you don’t feel comfortable working in a team setting or lack the interpersonal skills to collaborate, then cybersecurity may not be the best fit for you.


Very high responsibility for handling sensitive data.

Working in cybersecurity requires handling a great deal of sensitive information, including personally identifiable information (PII) and confidential business documents. This can be an overwhelming responsibility for those not prepared to grapple with the ethical implications of managing such high levels of privacy. Moreover, if this sensitive data is mishandled or leaked, it could have severe repercussions for the organization and its customers. Therefore, those who would prefer not to handle this type of responsibility should consider looking into other job opportunities outside the field of cybersecurity.


Conclusion

Cybersecurity can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career choice for those passionate about technology and problem-solving. With high demand, job security, competitive salaries, and the ability to work from home, there are many attractive benefits to pursuing a career in this field. Additionally, cybersecurity professionals can look forward to continual learning and growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on global society.


However, it’s also essential to consider some potential downsides to the career. Cybersecurity can be a high-stress field, with professionals constantly having to stay up-to-date with the latest threats and technologies. Additionally, long hours and on-call responsibilities can be part of the job, as well as high-pressure environments. Finally, the field can be competitive, with a high demand for skilled professionals, meaning that it can take time to build a successful career in cybersecurity. The barriers to entry are low, meaning anyone interested in this field can find a place in cybersecurity, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to break in. Landing your first job will require a lot of work and dedication.


Cybersecurity can be a good career choice for those with the right skills and mindset. However, before deciding, it’s essential to consider both the positive and negative aspects of the field and determine if it’s the right fit for you. Once you realize cybersecurity is the right career, you will likely ask, “How to Get Into Cybersecurity With No Experience.” Well, I have you covered. Your next step is to check out the article I wrote to help you break into this rewarding and exciting field.


How to Get Into Cybersecurity (and Other IT Fields) With No Experience



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