InfosecsieJul 8, 2023

My friend and I have been working on an #infosec site called #secflux that is an aggregate resource for #news , #articles , #blogs , #trainings , #howtos , #webcasts , #podcasts , and more.

We wanted to create a better way to receive updates, trends, and information about #security topics, while giving ourselves a #creative outlet for own related #content. So, we made a site dedicated to just that!

In any case, the flagship blogpost I’ve cobbled together is about #burnout — A topic many of you might have noticed I bring up quite a bit.

🔗 Link to the blog: https://secflux.com/the-prevalence-of-burnout-in-infosec/

I hope this helps anyone and everyone that might have previously or could be currently experiencing burnout. (It definitely felt great to write it, I hope it feels equally cathartic when people read it.)

Please read, like, share, bookmark the site, and all that jazzy jazz! 🎷

📋 Edit: We do have a newly created Mastodon account for the site! @secflux

We’re working on adding some more social media representation and integrations as we speak!

The Prevalence of Burnout in Infosec - SecFlux

What is burnout and why are so many in tech and infosec feeling the heat? And why can't we seem to stay away from the fire? Read more…

SecFlux
Show threadStephan Simon Jul 8, 2023

@myraccoonhands Thanks for this (and the mentions of autism and adhd!)

I've struggled for a few years now even though I enjoy what I do and (try to) keep up with it as a hobby.

For me, it's like my brain just shuts off and even if I get myself to take that first step towards completing a task, any roadblocks are instant killers. The moment I step away from my desk I could have plenty of ideas or easily convince myself that I can do something once I sit back down.

..then I sit back down and the brain shuts off again. Repeat until end of the work day. But then, after work, all I can think about is everything I should have gotten done during the day.

I was just recently laid off and started off treating it as an unplanned vacation in hopes of finally being able to "reset," but that just turned into stress once everyone started asking me when I would start actively looking for jobs and why I hadn't yet.

Show threadInfosecsieJul 8, 2023

@FirehaK It’s like you pulled this script from my mind. I always feel overwhelmed when I try to accomplish something, scramble to get things done, then stew about all of the other things I couldn’t get to.

Ugh, I feel this so hard. And it feels like there’s no escaping it sometimes. It’s like you have to first accomplish [insert whatever here] before you’re allowed to enjoy yourself or feel good about what you’ve done.

Show threadStephan Simon Jul 8, 2023

@myraccoonhands Exactly! But then when I finally do accomplish something, I'm just exhausted instead of having any feelings of accomplishment because I see all the other things that piled up while trying to do whatever task I had.

I had a great boss that worked really well with me, but by that point I was already so burnt out that it already took me weeks to do things that, once my brain let me, I'd finish in just a day or two.

I'd be extremely lucky if I found another job where I could openly admit all of this to my boss. But damn was it a nice change while I had it.

Show threadInfosecsieJul 8, 2023
@FirehaK This is pretty much identical to how I feel. Like, to a T. Anytime I have tried to express it to some of my more recent managers, they either tell me “you get paid to be stressed and overwhelmed” or tell me they’ll help me with one hand, while adding to my plate with the other.
Show threadInfosecsieJul 8, 2023
@FirehaK Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had two really fantastic managers in the past handful of years. However, they seem so few and far between. It seems more common for them to just expect results or act like they care, but give you more work in the same breath.
Show threadStephan Simon 
@myraccoonhands This is why it took me so long to actually talk with any managers. I honestly never expected to work for anyone so accommodating. It really gave me something to think about as I hunt for a new job.
Jul 8, 2023 at 10:40pmWeb
Show threadInfosecsieJul 8, 2023
@FirehaK Big same. Anytime I look for a job, I keep one eye open in terms of keywords and certain things that might stand out to me that is synonymous with burnout. Like, if they put too much stock in someone needing to work in a “very fast-paced environment” with a ton of language that suggests there’s little to no direction or too many duties for one person to juggle, I tend to pass on it.
Show threadStephan Simon Jul 8, 2023

@myraccoonhands Yes! I've literally started telling recruiters and hiring managers that I speak with that I'm not interested in their role that seems to be describing 3/4/5+ different positions! I've gotten some confused responses to this and doubt it caused any change, but I've become a lot more honest about what I am looking for. It's hard to find anything that doesn't seem to do this though. Everyone seems to operate on the assumption that you cast a wide net and you'll get some to most of what you described in a listing.

I don't call out the buzzwords, but I do ask more questions about the environment when I see them, now.

Show threadInfosecsieJul 8, 2023
@FirehaK Yeah, it’s less of me calling them out and more of me not applying to those types of places altogether. I’ve become somewhat avoidant of them at large. Which makes it hard because it seems to be the norm. It’s like, UGH. I just want a place I can do well at to where I don’t feel like I’m always running on fumes and juggle chainsaws while standing on one foot and balancing on a Bosu ball.
Show threadStephan Simon Jul 9, 2023

@myraccoonhands It feels hard to avoid them entirely, though. I have no idea what to think when I scroll past posts like one I saw earlier today on LinkedIn saying things like "I applied to 200+ jobs in 10.5 weeks and interviewed over 30 times and...." Like how are people finding even close to that amount of relevant, non-garbage job listings? I've found maybe one since being let go last month, but even that was still iffy because Google and they've changed their stance on remote work. So when one of the recruiters talking to me (for a different position) kept pushing (which was already a red flag for me) I ended up caving and scheduling an interview. Couldn't get straight answers for just about anything.

For what it's worth, I hope you're not currently somewhere where you do feel that way!

Show threadInfosecsieJul 9, 2023

@FirehaK I wish I could say I fully don’t feel that way, even now, but that would be a lie.

Job searches are incredibly frustrating all of that adds an extra layer of difficulty on top of everything.

It has to be that people are networking and getting hired? Something else…

Because, yes, I agree. I’m seeing all kinds of incredibly talented people not receive calls.

The job market seems to be in a very weird place that I don’t at all like.