feeling behind in cybersecurity... - it never goes away. 

The more I know, the less I know

1000% on point. Just failed a cert exam and I honestly felt prepared....Imposter Syndrome is real and it can creep up and cause major anxiety. It gets to the point where if I wanna do something fun, that voice in the back of my head is going "its a waste of time go study". It can be exhausting and I think we need to take a step back and reassess. Its ok to not know everything but its not ok to become complacent. Balance is key but hard to find.

Your words articulated my exact sentiments. Completely. Specifically,you said exactly what I am feeling everyday in my life. Drinking from the fire hose X5, stressing over the frustration of feeling behind or not fast enough. Screw all that!! We are a thousand times further along that some, and way behind others. It's a spectrum, and we are at least trying to do the things. The hard things that are sometimes boring. I feel exactly word for word just as you do. But if I had someone to give me a word of encouragement and a reminder to fight for a worthy cause, I would drink that in life the elixir of life. You give me a spark of energy and fight that I so desperately need. Your videos have amazing information that lead others to follow the right path. Put some strength in these videos for those of us who need that spark. It may be the only encouragement we get to hear.

meanwhile, you have others looking to you for guidance and knowledge on this very channel. youre on the right path. youre in it. you are doing it

Comparison is absolutely the thief of joy. I think it (like many things) is about balance, having a degree of that feeling like you're behind and you need to catch up, if that's entirely motivational then I see it as a positive, as long as it doesn't get ahead/away from you, but if there's those toxic components to it that cause a lot of self doubt, self criticality, setting your mental health on a crash course to a breakdown or long term depressive hole. I'd also take notes on your moods, specific or significant thoughts that cross your mind, and what *if any* was the consequence of such thoughts, what happened to your mood, your productivity and so on, so we can be more aware of what might trigger such intrusive thoughts, but what we can do about them to make a wholly negative and toxic anxiety work for us and become something much more positive and constructive. You, I, we all have value. I appreciate you and your videos bud, they've always been sharp, concise and to the point, very educational. All the best from the UK

Because of that same feeling, I have seen plenty of talented ITs who have thrown the towel and end up working in something else, as far away possible.

Bro as a manager of the soc and building a hunting team for the company.. it led to months of reading , analyzing, phishing, remote access trojan, ransomware, Mitre and etc lol.. i became smart asf and then found myself stuck in that routine of reading everyday, learning , always trying to sta up to date.. i dont game anymore, shop anymore and im more locked in… i bothered me that i was changing but embraced it cause i realized i cant chill until they chill… when the attackers relax and stop getting better.. maybe the good guys can have a break… but you must learn to manage time and take breaks.. thats the last and hardest part to mastering this feild… or you will drive yourself crazy… be careful

Comparison, especially in this sector, is the thief of joy. It's a step-by-step process; you may go insane comparing yourself to others; but keep putting in the work on a daily basis, and you'll get to where you want to be. Have a WHY for doing cybersecurity. Upward social comparison should not be a part of that. It's a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction.

That’s literally me, my mind is like go go go

i just found this channel after embarking on a (work in progress) career change in cybersecurity of recent (which I have literally 0 experience, a non stem degree, failed maths at school and non IT background - yet i have my belief in myself to make by my own positive attitude to hopefully break in to this industry) - i'm a mature / older man and my worries are that i am too old to make it in cyber security but have a stubbornness which is also inspired by online conetent creators like you. if i can offer any wisdom being a bit older is just to do what you need to do for where you need to go and when encountering others in person or online (anywhere) - treat them as you would want to be treated. again - just be yourself, no one can take that away from you and if no one likes you or thinks ill of you - never dwell on it as its on them. remember there are those like myself that are fascinated by your world in cybersecurity which i is my dream career change as of recent time - so i think there will always be those that are more experienced than you and me when i look at you - everything is relative and subjective i think...

i had a late start due to many sacrifices , so really feel that way as well being an older student

Thank you for this video, I'm sure it touched home for many people including myself. I think at one point in our life we have to stop being so hard on ourselves and show ourselves some love and compassion instead. We tend to focus more on what we don't have, what we are not, what we're not doing, thus making us forget about what we do have, who we are, and what we're accomplishing. It's okay to not know everything, it's okay to not study constantly, as long as we're set on whatever our goals are. Comparison is the thief of joy, as they all say, just because someone else is amazing at what they do, hold three industry certs, have an awesome blog, and a kicking LinkedIn profile with many important connections, doesn't take away from your greatness, sure if that's your competition then sheesh you've got some catching up to do, but don't let that be the reason to belittle yourself, instead take it as inspiration, "if this fella here can do it then I sure as hell can!" Don't be the first person to dim your light, being supportive of ourselves is super important and it's something we have to learn how to do. We'll easily cheer on other people and remind them how great they're doing, but why can't we stop for a few seconds or minutes a day and be grateful for how hard we've worked. My last year in college (two years ago), I used to study every weekday from dawn to dusk, but in my head that wasn't enough!! It really wasn't...... I felt that I didn't deserve my degree because I could've "done better", and my loved ones who watched me go through that felt inspired by my determination to finish the year strong. Now I realize how diligent I was for studying nearly 12 hours a day, but back then I never gave myself a pat on the back, but oh how I wish I was kinder to myself in the past, it would've made things much easier for me now. Be kind to yourself ❤

Dear Grant, I have known you for over four years now, from my high school days to my graduation with a computer science degree, and you have always been the best cybersecurity engineer in my heart💗

this is so true, when i go to sleep i think i did nothing all day or i could do more.

You pretty much summed up everything I feel.Always chasing the next project or cert.

Yo! I honestly feel the same way. There is always a new way to exploit something and new educational material. It feels like a rat race. Thanks for the advice as well really insightful.

This video is so accurate and valuable mate ! I will now sleep in peace at least this night knowing I'm not the only one who has this sort of permanent anxiety about always feeling like I'm behind whatever I do.

Yup! I'm not specifically in security, I'm a sysadmin. But yeah like a yoyo I feel guilty when I'm not learning and dumb when I am learning. I haven't really figured out how to fully enjoy the process. Maybe that comes after some years of experience in the same gig. But I have kept myself climbing at a rate that assures some discomfort.

You're are on point Grant. Some people see my progress, my knowledge, my certifications, my experience, and think WOW you are so successful. Other people (mostly hiring managers, it seems) see me and think NOPE, not good enough, NEXT! I see job descriptions and see how many things I have to master and go into analysis paralysis. Maybe it's my long hair, maybe my beard, maybe I'm too old, maybe I should use ChatGPT more, maybe it's a recession, maybe, maybe maybe. I read blogs, watch vlogs, I'm on RU-vid, thehackernews, I watch you and Gerry Auger and on and on.

I totally agree. Im only a year in this industry, and over the weekend 3 new malware and company’s have gotten popped. I’m like there’s no way that can change in 2 nights

i am in constant burn out of I am not doing enough as a bug bounty hunter its like wake up code and hunt I am in rock bottom but I hope it makes a man out of me

Feeling this way right now too, I feel like I’m not doing enough. Currently going into my junior year of my cyber degree

Thank you for bringing up this subject, it is really the truth, everyday I am thinking that I am not studying enough and sometimes I change my mind pretty fast from what I initially started to study. I am still working with myself regarding this anxiety and I decided to take things in my own pace, not comparing to others every day.

Going through the same feeling. Glad to know that I am not alone.

i was the same way. started taking medication to focus and honestly feel way better about my path.

I definitely do this…you nailed the exact feeling, beyond simply imposter syndrome. I have tried to think about what I enjoy and what I like within Security, and that is my calling with Cyber. Pretty simple self analysis, but it works. Always a good idea to know the basics, port numbers, SIEM, typical attacks, etc but beyond that…just find what you love.

I love this type of video because it's something that i relate to so fucking much. And its "awesome" to know that atleast i'm not the only one. Thank you for making this video, and you too are not alone. (Idk if its the same way to every but for me that feeling comes and goes) and my way to deal with it, its to not compare to others. Other have more experience, others studied more, other people have other life. I think that i'm building my path, not the best one, not the perfect one, but MINE. And the only way to know if that path is going to correct, is by making it. Another thing that helps me is consistely reminding myself that no one knows everything. I've alway been introspect type, maybe its because of that

Hi Grant; These days, I feel the same as you do, and I really feel like I've had a hard time in this industry and I'm falling behind. I saw your video trying to deal with this situation when I could and thank you for making me feel that I am not alone.

Yes that feeling

Relatable

I completely feel and have felt the constant need to be doing more. I then have to reassess the situation because my circumstances are completely different from one someone else's. I see people advancing and getting certs left and right and I feel I started late so the imposter syndrome does creep in but I have to pull myself out of it and give myself grace. Thank you for your transparency. I do hope it gets better. You're doing great and I am enjoying the course that you created.

so basically if everybody has this problem, then nobody has it! let's ignore it and get this out of the way and be content with what we achieve every day, especially if you're paid while doing it! afterall "this is the working hous, we are paid by those who learn from our mistakes.." (the working hour - tears for fears)

I feel the same. I left cybersecurity partially because of that, and in part because the soul-crushing weight of responsibility. And thus I am doing masters in other area, computer science and math essentially. I can say for sure that it doesn't go away with changing the area. I guess it becomes even harder, because you feel like you've given up, and you're now a newbie again in a new area. Double kill.

This was so spot on! I cant help but feel like an idiot with a learning disability with my peers and in IT industry. HOW DO PEOPLE REMEMBER EVERYTHING?? Theres so much info to learn and I feel like I can only keep so much information in my head. I had started my entry security role 7 months ago and was supposed to be a support security role but the security manager left and I’ve been forced to tackle on everything. It is a lot, esp. because I’m learning both networking and security! Ive invested so much time on and off hours and I still feel like I’m barely making any progress. Gonna ride this one out, but yeah this is very relatable.

Really Appreciate your contents❤️❤️ That’s so true

Thank you

thanks

You need a team to manage your mind… there is too much info out there to take this alone.. others can feed you information to save you time and have balance in your life.. find a team and hunt and learn together.. save time… thay extra time will be your balance.. when you get back into them moods of studying.. it feels less guilty and more fresh… I promise.. you remind me of my oldself.. enjoy the journey.. you will find your balance bro lol… your gonna do great things!!!

I feel you man 🙁😓

Hi Mr.Collins . I am also a Cyber Security student from Sri Lanka (around 3+ years still self studying). Actually I am not following specific course or something , just gathering knowledge from RU-vid and web articles . Can you tell me where should I start to get into Cyber Security .

Only second of your videos I just watched & first RU-vid comment I've made in years, but just had to let you know you're being too hard on yourself. Most people who are good in cybersecurity aren't this overly confident type you describe unless they're reckless or faking it. Some are actually that good sure, but those are definitely in the minority. Don't know where you're at in your career, but I'm making around 140k remotely base in a average COL area plus benefits that easily push that up significantly more. Please don't get taken advantage of like a lot of competent people - income inequality is absurd in this country partly 'cause so many of us don't value ourselves enough. Good luck man & thanks for letting it out!

I feel you...

love the fit in this vid grant

Don't sad bro we are with you.

Hey man, I know nothing about cybersecurity and have no plans to work in it really, I just think it's super cool! Some advice, maybe look at how far you've come, instead of where you could be? You know more than me and most people I'm sure lol. Cheers!

Hello I have a question please. I was studying computer sciences until I cannot continue in my university for financial problems… but I saw a formation for cybersecurity without bachelor diploma…. But what’s the difference between it and cybersecurity Master ?

I don't have money where to start Cybersecurity Journey. Full stack Developer vs Cybersecurity which ro choose

I enjoy doing it but yes I am on the same page

Do you have any advice on having a degree in cybersecurity is mandatory?

I feel that I am in imposter syndrome, though I am still at the beginning of the field.

I think you need to think about this in another way to cope with it. First, take a step back and appreciate what you actually do know up to this point. I promise you (all of you) that it is a lot already. Then think about everything you don't know like opportunities and an inspiration to grow instead of seeing it as liabilities. Experience and knowledge comes gradually through life, and a lot of it happens without you thinking about it, so you're already on a constant learning curve going up. I'm not a therapist or anything, but at least that's how I look at knowledge in life.

start a podcast

I agree entirely. No matter what area of cyber security you are in, you will always feel that you aren't up to speed or seem behind. I am a recent graduate from college (class of 2022) and was lucky enough to land a role in the field. However the area of cyber that I am now in is a whole different realm that I have never really heard of prior to working this position. So yay for learning new things, but at the same time I feel I am missing out on the latest offsec news, or the latest kali tools, etc. My point of view: Cyber security is split up so much now a days. This is great for the workload and individual demand... but not so much for the knowledge and learning aspect. Spending time in one area for so long allows you to lose touch with the "outside world" of cyber security. I do often find myself heading over to tryhackme or hack the box a good bit to try and catch myself up, but I feel as if I never do. If you were wondering what I do, I work on a product called F5 as an Application Delivery and Security Engineer.

Going through this now and I really want to work towards becoming an engineer but don’t have the energy. I’m an analyst now🥲