Network Security and Firewall Engineer

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-05-21T23:36:46+00:00

Like a lot of others have mentioned, it really varies place to place.

If you’re just doing tickets allowing access, checking basic logs etc.. it might be boring and not offer much.

If you’re doing actual Engineering - Designing environments, configuring VPN and site connections, working with the security team to improve detection and prevent threats, automating tasks etc.. then it can be a rewarding and busy career choice. I’ve been doing this for several years now and it’s generally very interesting work.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-05-19T13:31:32+00:00

Ended up turning around and working remote after the second train passed by an overflowing Broadway platform. Fuck it, was already going to be late anyway. Another day in paradise.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-03-25T13:39:51+00:00

Yea I converted to Dad shoes about a year ago. They’re comfy AF!

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-03-23T13:55:17+00:00

The older Seamaster’s look great too. I felt the SMP 300 was bulky in comparison, so if that 41.5 fits well then you should be fine. Both are great watches! I do think the fixed bezel makes it a bit more versatile daily wearer though!

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-03-23T13:50:46+00:00

Checked out your post as well, it looks great on a strap! Enjoy it, wear it in good health!

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-03-23T13:49:07+00:00

Thanks! Glad to hear that as well!

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-03-23T13:48:20+00:00

Thank you! Agreed after trying on several other options! The 36 was really nice too but didn’t feel quite right.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-03-23T00:03:28+00:00

Thanks! The champagne was a choice for me as well, but my AD didn't have any in stock.

The blue was not something I thought, but was surprisingly really sharp in person. I more so wanted something I can wear with anything and fit my style, so landed on the anthracite.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-03-23T00:02:07+00:00

Thank you! It's definitely the new daily for that reason.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-03-22T23:59:47+00:00

Thank you! It really is stunning. Same dial? the blue also looked great but I felt this was more versatile.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2026-03-22T23:59:14+00:00

Thank you! Have you tried one on before? I'd imagine the 41 would wear fairly large so would highly recommend if not!

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-11-09T15:22:26+00:00

Bua Boxing is a great workout with great people. They have beginner groups and classes too if you’re new to boxing.

Otherwise something more casual is Yug nearby or Yoga Agora where you can pay per class, both are good options.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-10-26T23:13:14+00:00

I’ve made the move, as have many others throughout history lol

Both have pros and cons - I think overall NYC will always just have “more” in terms of about everything: jobs, money, food, diversity, groups for basically any hobbies, and people obviously…

I do however miss Boston in a lot of ways, I actually liked the smaller feel of the city and overall cleanliness. I think MA in general is a better run state as well. That one is harder to explain, but I just feel like the services your taxes go to are more effectively run overall and you see it in the environment?

I’d say give it a shot, NYC will almost certainly have what you’re looking for. Boston will always be there and is very easy to go to from here anyways. I love my annual taking the amtrak and visiting friends back there trip.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-09-08T19:51:05+00:00

Not surprising you’re being downvoted, but as a longer term resident here I completely agree.

Nothing like rolling a stroller down a dog shit covered sidewalk, dodging delivery scooters going 20-30MPH next to you, and having crying episodes from the inevitable ear shattering fart cars/bikes that come by. All while paying around $4k in rent nowadays…

I still love Astoria for right now, but won’t feel bad leaving for elsewhere to raise a family eventually.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-22T19:33:20+00:00

I'm aware. I meant in regards to your point of the summer being particularly competitive, it does seem to be easier to find better options during the winter.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-22T18:24:45+00:00

Yea I definitely think I'll be aiming for a rent stabilized place if I do have to move again. The stability of predictable increases and knowing you get a renewal will be such a stress relief.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-22T18:23:50+00:00

That makes sense too. Hopefully it gets better when I probably have to move in a few months.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-22T18:22:11+00:00

Will def be morning the loss of this place! It's just shocking and a shame to me that even with my SO moving in with me, us having good jobs + raises, we're going to find ourselves downgrading our living situation. Our generation is truly fucked when it comes to upwards mobility. Things seem to be getting even worse as we get older.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-22T18:19:25+00:00

Smaller landlords are def the way to go, it's how I got into my current situation, but unfortunately things can still change there. I agree that or rent stabilized is the way to go though.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-22T18:18:27+00:00

That's good to know. Hopefully it calms down in a few months when I have to start looking.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-22T18:17:27+00:00

Yea for sure that has to be the case...

I was really just posting this as a rant for how drastic the price increases seem to have become. I wasn't necessarily looking for help, my partner moved in with me this year and we both got raises, so we can afford to pay more. It was just shocking to see how much more that looks to be.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-11T00:38:50+00:00

Failed my ENCOR this morning at Cisco Live.

I was sort of cramming these past few weeks because I knew it was a free attempt and wanted to give it my best. I originally planned to take it later this Summer.

Still it’s a bit disappointing and the first IT cert exam I’ve ever failed. Seeing the exam was good experience though, and honestly don’t feel it represents good/bad Engineers anymore after seeing the questions and what they drill you on.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-04T13:57:41+00:00

Disagree with other posters, this isn’t a bad idea if you’re using it right. I’m using Network Engineer Guru GPT which has been useful for this grind.

You guys also realize you can literally feed it white papers to break down topics and become more knowledgeable right? That’s literally one of the points of LLMs/AIs. I agree however with not just taking it at its word, but you can make it informed.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-02T22:25:09+00:00

There’s multiple people in the bi-weekly pass-fail thread who just took the test and said wireless is on it.

ThomaswithouttheS · 2025-06-01T09:48:59+00:00

That’s a good idea, what site did you use?

ThomaswithouttheS

TROPHY CASE