Navigating Burnout in Cybersecurity: A Personal Experience

After three years in the field of cybersecurity, I find myself at a crossroads. With a Master’s degree and experience at some prominent companies, my professional profile may appear impressive. However, behind the accolades lies a sense of overwhelming fatigue that has begun to affect my outlook on my career.

Despite my passion for the subject, the reality of my day-to-day life is exhausting. The constant pressure to upskill and meet escalating expectations has left me feeling drained. I often struggle to complete tasks that should logically require a few days of focus, instead condensing them into frenetic eight-hour sessions due to unrealistic deadlines.

What troubles me is not a lack of interest in the field—on the contrary, I genuinely enjoy the work I do. However, it can often feel like a never-ending cycle: the daily grind starts at 9 AM and can stretch well beyond the standard hours. By the time evening arrives, my energy expended, I find it challenging to engage in personal pursuits or even tackle necessary responsibilities. This cycle rarely breaks, with vacations being mere brief respites rather than meaningful escapes.

I’m left wondering if I’m experiencing burnout, if I’ve landed in the wrong position, or if this is simply the norm for the tech and cybersecurity industries. This feeling of exhaustion prompts deeper questions about my career trajectory and what I truly hope to achieve.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar predicament? How do you navigate these feelings in your professional life? Your insights could be invaluable as I seek clarity on this journey.