Are You Chasing Skills or Shadows? Understanding and Overcoming Career Dysmorphia in Cybersecurity

I'm kicking off my first article tackling a phenomenon that's not only touched my professional journey but is also becoming increasingly visible across our industry. Conversations with mentees and connections often reveal a chorus of self-doubt: "I'm not skilled enough...", "I don't have the right certifications...", "Maybe I should wait until I get one more...this cert or that degree," "I didn't land this role because I'm not competitive enough..." It's a narrative steeped in uncertainty, overshadowing a more strategic approach to designing your career.

Yes, we know the skills gap is a persistent challenge. Yet, there's a critical misdirection happening that's exacerbating it: too many individuals are zeroed in on what they believe will bridge this gap, but unfortunately, they're focused on the wrong objectives that won't necessarily lead them to their end goal. This issue at hand? Career Dysmorphia.

What the heck is 'Career Dysmorphia'?

Let's get into it...

Career Dysmorphia occurs when individuals can't shake off the feeling that they're just not up to par professionally—despite a track record that says otherwise. It's like being caught in a loop, where no amount of achievements, skills, or qualifications seems quite enough. This isn't just about a healthy drive to improve; it's an endless pursuit of more—more certs, more degrees—all fueled by the nagging worry of falling short or being exposed as "not good enough."

The issue? This fixation on accumulating credentials often sidelines the equally crucial task of leveraging what they already know. Instead of using their skills and knowledge to build credibility, assert their expertise, and grab those career-boosting opportunities, there's a hesitation, a holding back because they're caught believing they're "not yet ready." It's a cycle that keeps them from fully stepping into their potential and making the most of the doors their accomplishments have already opened.

Cybersecurity: A Unique Battleground

The cybersecurity domain exemplifies this issue starkly. Not only do rapid advancements and high stakes play into these anxieties, but the intense comparison game adds to the problem. Individuals scrutinize what others are doing and what jobs they are landing, looking at their achievements, certifications, and degrees, which creates a sense of inadequacy. This constant comparison, coupled with the fast-paced evolution of the field, fosters a perception of always being "a day late and a dollar short." However, the focus should shift from keeping up with everyone else to gaining clarity and focusing on a specific career strategy tailored to one's goals and strengths.

How Do We Overcome It?

What do we do? We Tackle Career Dysmorphia with 'The CIA Method' (Confidence, Influence, and Authority- yes, it's a play on the CIA Triad).

This method is about crafting a career path that truly resonates with your aspirations and strengths. In the dynamic field of cybersecurity, where the pace of change is relentless, the key to a fulfilling career lies in strategic skill development, recognizing your achievements, and leveraging them to build confidence, influence, and authority in your domain. 

Here's how...

Building a Strong Foundation

It's essential to cultivate an environment—both internally and within your professional circles—that values precision in learning and acknowledges the expertise you've already acquired. This means focusing on targeted learning experiences that enhance your unique skill set and directly contribute to your career objectives.

Designing Your Path

The journey to overcoming is about more than just sidestepping the pitfalls of comparison; it's about intentionally designing your career trajectory. This involves a deep dive into understanding your personal strengths and aligning them with the industry's evolving needs. By setting realistic goals that stretch your capabilities yet remain achievable, you can create a roadmap for career advancement that is both challenging and rewarding.

Building Confidence, Influence, and Authority

A critical step in this process is building the confidence to stand behind your skills and achievements. Confidence breeds influence, and influence paves the way for authority within your field. By asserting your expertise and sharing your insights, you not only solidify your standing in the cybersecurity community but also attract opportunities that align with your career strategy. This proactive approach to career development transforms perceived gaps into catalysts for growth and showcases your readiness to tackle new challenges.

Attracting Opportunities

The ultimate goal is to transition from passively seeking opportunities to actively designing your career. This means leveraging your influence and authority to open doors rather than waiting for them to appear. By establishing yourself as a thought leader and expert in your niche, you invite collaborations, projects, and roles that resonate with your career aspirations and contribute to your professional growth.

To sum it up...

Overcoming Career Dysmorphia is about much more than accumulating credentials; it's about building a career that's rich in meaningful progress, grounded in confidence, and guided by a clear, strategic vision. Let's move beyond the comparison game and embrace a career strategy that celebrates our unique contributions, leverages our strengths, and positions us for the opportunities we desire. By doing so, we not only navigate Career Dysmorphia but also pave the way for a rewarding and impactful career in cybersecurity—or any field, for that matter.