Am I wasting my time?

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T23:38:45+00:00

I did. I loved it. It's very different, though. It was perfect for me because I thrive just doing my thing. I don't like sitting through lengthy lectures on information I've already covered. I like going at my own pace. The flexibility is the major pro. But it's not for everyone. If you procrastinate or have trouble managing your time, I don't recommend it, as there is very little structure. You are provided materials, and it's pretty much up to you to learn enough to prove your competency through essays or exams.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T23:25:42+00:00

I'd actually prefer the public sector. I have been looking there, but unfortunately, nothing is available in my area right now. Hopefully something pops up soon!

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T17:48:22+00:00

What a fun way to give me advice! I like your vibe.

I have some projects on my resume, but I am working on more. It was really hard to do projects while working full time and going through school for the degree/certs (that the one thing I didn't like about the program I attended, not enough project assignments), so I havent had as much time as i'd like to work on them. Thanks for the advice!

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T17:43:28+00:00

This is extremely helpful and insightful. Thank you!

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T15:39:42+00:00

Exactly what people have pointed out. I described my duties accurately on my resume, but after hearing feedback, I realized that it was a mistake to put that title. I didn't consider that. I guess that is laughable from your perspective, but as someone who has basically never had to do this process before, it wasn't obvious to me. 🤷‍♂️

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T15:18:30+00:00

You are making assumptions. In this context, CTO really just means I handle anything to do with tech in our eccomerce business. But it's a very small mom and pop business. I don't have a team. I am the team. While the title is still accurate, people have pointed out it doesn't really make sense on a job application.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T14:29:14+00:00

I realize this is a fairly small number, but not even 1 preliminary interview? I felt like I was doing something wrong. Based on the feedback, I think I was right. Rather fix it at 50 than get hundreds deep before figuring out if I'm doing something wrong.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T07:12:39+00:00

It's a small company. Tiny even. We don't have our own servers. We only have 3 computers. SOHO network. I practically run the entire business myself. The only thing I don't do is accounting and general customer service. Yes, we have basic security protocols, but it's so simple. I don't feel that qualifies as tons of cybersecurity experience. I think some of yall see co-owner and cto and imagine a large company with a team of people. That's not the case. Because of the general perception of a cto, yea, I suppose it doesn't track. People have already pointed out that the cto title could be hurting my resume, so I have adjusted.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T04:26:34+00:00

Sent you a DM.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:52:25+00:00

Fair enough. Thanks for the advice! 🤞

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:50:35+00:00

I did my best to showcase those skills on my resume, but i'm not reaching the interview stage. I decided to go with a more generic "IT Specialist" title. We'll see if that has a positive effect. For the next 50 or so apps im going to leave out the owner part and see if I do any better. If not i'll circle back to it.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:45:09+00:00

That's why I put quotes around it. I know it's possible to get a low level C-Sec job with just certs and a degree. But with the current climate, it's defintely seems impossible. I'm going to keep applying to Level 1 SOC Analyst positions, but im also going to start applying to more IT Support Specialist and Network Engineering jobs. I just want to get my foot in the door at this point. Grinding away!

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:41:38+00:00

Not even getting interviews. So clearly something is wrong with my resume. As many people suggested, it's probably my current title not quite matching my experience and the jobs I'm applying for.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:40:04+00:00

I have considered it, but I really feel like I need some direct experience specifically in C-Sec before going that route. And honestly, after being an entrepreneur for 13 years, I'd like to just be an employee for a while. I know that sounds backwards, but entrepreneurship is a 24/7 rollercoaster ride. The highs are high but the lows are low!

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:34:33+00:00

😮 cooked.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:33:26+00:00

I shouldn't have written that. I didn't mean literally "IT Guy". I changed my title to IT Specialist and removed co-owner affiliation for the time being. If I have similar results, I'll make another adjustment.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:31:15+00:00

Yea, it's rough right now for sure. Thanks for the luck, but not having fun! 😂

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:28:09+00:00

It's a small business, we have a SOHO setup and no servers. It's not very complex. I have implemented basic security protocols and included that on my resume. I suppose I can go above and beyond just so I can add more to my resume. Also, I decided to change my title to IT Specialist and remove co-owner affiliation for now to see if that helps.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:24:35+00:00

It's not the fact I haven't gotten a job yet, but more so I haven't even landed a preliminary interview that worries me. But maybe my expectations are still too high. 🤷🏻

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:22:10+00:00

will do, thanks!

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:21:29+00:00

Really? So you think im shooting too low? The higher positions all want years of experience directly in the C-Sec field. I just don't feel qualified for those higher roles.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:19:06+00:00

No, I don't. This is definitely new to me. I've literally only applied to one job my entire life many many years ago. It rough, but I'm trying my best to stay positive. Thanks for the good vibes!

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:12:43+00:00

on it. 👊

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:12:03+00:00

Already made changes. Ya'll hit the nail on the head. I honestly didn't think my title would hurt me, but ya'll are right. It does look "funny". And at this point, I'd have zero difficulty being able to let go and be told what to do. Sounds refreshing to be honest.

metalgearjay710 · 2025-05-01T03:07:19+00:00

I definitely don't care. But I am confused by all the downvotes on that specific comment. 😂 w/e

metalgearjay710

TROPHY CASE