Shiny object syndrome is the tendency to jump into the next new thing – whether it’s a project, a technology, a certification, a job – just to lose interest after a short while and chase the next “shiny” thing.
SOS can become an issue because shiny things never end!
The chase can make you lose focus, abandon good things, feel stressed for the constant pursuit. Eventually, confusion takes over and you don’t know what to do or how you ended up here in the first place!
I have seen this syndrome play out in a couple of ways in my cybersecurity clients. First obvious ways: chasing certifications, new qualifications and chasing new technologies which may or may not bring good results (cyber pros need to stay up to date after all!).
There is however a third way, which is more subtle and could have a bigger impact on one’s life.
I have observed that successful cybersecurity professionals have climbed to great heights in their career by making the most of all the opportunities presented in front of them. They are skilled in generating such opportunities and in exploiting them very effectively.
It comes a time in their career however when, because they are so successful, they become the opportunity in the eyes of others. People and companies start approaching them, enticing them with new projects, jobs, perks, titles, salaries.
Suddenly – and deservedly! – they are in high demand and everybody wants a piece of them.
It’s then that shiny object syndrome hits harder. These pros have been very successful in the past chasing all these opportunities. Now, these start popping up everywhere and they are oh so tempting… so what to do?
The chase starts. Leapfrogging from project to project, role to role doesn’t bring them satisfaction because there always seems to be something better out there.
Fast forward to: Confusion. Stress. Burnout.
So what to do? How do you understand which opportunities are gold, and which ones are just well polished iron pyrite? : )
These are my 2 cents:
- Stop. Take a moment to understand if might maybe potentially perhaps being subject to shiny object syndrome. When was the last time you were tempted to jump into something new? How did you feel? What did you do? What happened?
- Good. OK, you can now recognise that you have a few shiny objects in front of you, but that you also have a choice. You are not at the early stages of your career anymore. You have proved yourself and now you don’t need to chase the first thing or accept the first project that comes your way. You can choose. You can be selective.
- Now that you know you have a choice…what really matters to you? Which shiny object most reflect that?
- I have a funny feeling that if you are confused and all shiny objects still look equally tempting that is perhaps because you don’t know what you want? Just guessing there 🙂 If that’s the case, don’t worry as it is absolutely normal to feel this way. Who do you want to be? Which shiny object align with that?
Thank you for reading up to this point, I am wondering if this resonates with you.
Have you experienced shiny objects syndrome in your cybersecurity career?
If your brain is still in a jumble I would love to help you get some clarity and feel confident on your next step. Click here and let’s chat for 30 minutes!
Cristina