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If you are just "employed" in Cyber Security, you are at risk. Here's why.

Most people like to conform. They put all their trust into the company they work for. They work hard and hope to get that 3% pay raise they think they are entitled to. They hope in a few more years they will earn that extra week of vacation. They also hope to get that promotion they've been wanting "if" management thinks they deserve it. However, that's a lot of hope.

Why do people do this? Because it's comfortable.

However, comfortable is VERY dangerous place to be.

I've never been one to conform to that mindset. Let me explain.

Let's face it. Most businesses go into business for one reason. It's profit. If they can eliminate a position or replace someone with a more economical option, they will sometimes do it. That's ok though because it is their business, and they are entitled to it.

What most people don't realize is that many states have "at-will" employment. This means that the business at any time can make cuts, give work to contractors, or make other personnel changes to save money. They are not obligated to employ you. They don't owe you anything but your last paycheck.

I was a victim of this many years back. I had a great job and made a fantastic income. I did well at my job and loved it. However, I was eliminated because a contractor was cheaper. I lost my job. It was all about bottom line. I had kids, bills, and food to put on the table.

It was then that I realized how dangerous it was to put all your trust into your job or the company you work for. Yes, there are fantastic companies out there including the one that I work for now. However, that business is not responsible for your livelihood. Why?

Because you are.

Your well-being relies on your personal brand. What does this mean?

Your personal brand is the following:

1. What you are about

What do you stand for? What do you like to be around? Are you someone that people want to be around?

2. How good you are at what you do (technically)

How well do you stack against others in this field? Are there solid reasons they should pick you over others? Do you have what it takes?

3. How well you market yourself

You may be great at everything above, but how do others know this? Are you out there (i.e, LinkedIn) proactively and found by employers and opportunities?

Even when you are in that dream position, you need to take care of your personal brand. Your inbox should be filled up with messages from recruiters that want you. Why? Even though you are happy, it is a great sign that your brand is attractive, and that opportunity is still coming your way. Keep the pipeline full.

What would your employment gap be if you lost your current job? Will your personal brand carry you to the next opportunity within a week or two? If not, you have work to do.

Rely on your brand, not your employer.

Source: Mike Miller Linkedin