Chasing Challenge, Finding Purpose: My Path to Cybersecurity

Why I Chose Cybersecurity

It started because I was stuck. I had three kids to support, a dead-end job, stagnant wages, and no trust in my company’s future. The economy felt upside down, and I knew something had to change.

Beyond that, I wanted more than just a paycheck. I wanted a career where what I did truly mattered. Sure, every job has value, but I craved impact on a bigger scale. I wanted to solve meaningful problems, protect people, and know my work carried weight.

The truth is, I’ve been bored in nearly every job I’ve had. I learn fast, adapt quickly, and excel—but once the challenge is gone, so is the excitement. I like to fix broken things, increase efficiency, test new ideas, and push myself. Most roles I held just couldn’t keep up with that drive.

But the real wake-up call wasn’t boredom—it was responsibility. I was approaching 40, earning too little, and still moving like someone in their early 20s without a plan. Reality hit hard: I had to take control.

I don’t even remember exactly how cybersecurity crossed my radar. But once it did, it clicked. With the world shifting deeper into the digital age, the risks are massive—and so is the need. You can either learn to ride the wave or drown. I chose to surf.

Cybersecurity felt like a field where my skills could finally align with purpose:

Protecting people and businesses from losing what matters most—their data, identity, and livelihoods.
Thinking like an attacker to strengthen defenses.
Staying on my toes in a field that changes daily, with new tools, threats, and opportunities.
It felt like putting on a digital cape. Finally, a career that was challenging, rewarding, and meaningful.

As of now, I’ve completed a cybersecurity bootcamp, earned my Security+ certification, and am focused on landing my first role in the industry. The job market isn’t easy—especially for newcomers—but I’m no quitter. Every rejection is just fuel to keep going.

This is more than a career shift—it’s a mission. A chance to make a real impact, stay challenged, and build a future my kids can look up to. Here’s to what comes next.