Finding Joy in the “Sisyphean Task” of Cybersecurity: My Personal Tale
It wouldn’t surprise you if I told you that the path I took toward cybersecurity was less of a well-paved highway and more of a winding trail. As a student of English literature, I was more at home with sonnets than software, more intrigued by metaphors than malware. But life has a way of astonishment, and it came in the form of an unforeseen fascination with cybersecurity.
When I initially dipped my toes into this vast ocean of cybersecurity, it felt nothing short of mesmerizing. The intricacies of cybersecurity, which might seem mundane to some, were like intricate plots of Shakespearean plays to me. Unveiling each layer filled me with the same joy as unearthing a beautiful turn of phrase in a classic piece of literature.
As most would agree, learning never stops in this field. There will always be new information to learn, a new challenge to face, and a new mountain to climb. It is like being the king of Corinth, Sisyphus. You are doomed to push a boulder up a mountain, over and over again, to see it roll down for all eternity.
Does it sound frustrating? It depends on the one who undertakes the task. I prefer Albert Camus’ point of view. He said, “The struggle itself to the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” I wholeheartedly agree with this idea.
I know that there will be a boulder to push each and every day I wake up. However, I am excited and ready to push it every day. Why? The answer is actually quite simple. Every day I push that boulder, I can learn something new, gain new skills, and improve on what I already have.
And yes, sometimes it’s a tough climb. It is not the same every day. The boulder may be heavier, and maybe the mountain is absurdly steep to climb. Yet, in those days I turn to a quote from one of my favorite TV shows, BoJack Horseman “It gets easier. Every day it gets a little easier. But you gotta do it every day — that’s the hard part. But it does get easier.”
So, here I am, your literary cybersecurity enthusiast, embracing the joy of the Sisyphean task. I feel like I am still taking baby steps, stumbling here and there, but constantly trying to move forward. It may not always be as fulfilling as in the beginning, but it has this unique sense of rewarding nature.
If you ever struggle to push your boulder, remember that this space is full of kind people ready to help. We’re all pushing our boulders together in this wide, wondrous world of cybersecurity.
As I conclude, I hope that you all find satisfaction and joy in this arduous journey as I do.
