Security pros like their job, yet many struggle with burnout and work-life balance

There is a persistent gap among cybersecurity professionals regarding gender and diversity, but also challenges with work-life balance.
Lack of diversity
Among the security analysts surveyed by Exabeam in the United States, UK, Canada, India, Australia and the Netherlands, overall, 91 percent of respondents of the survey were male – up from 90 percent in 2018 – representing a persistent gender disparity in cybersecurity.
Further, a wide racial disparity was uncovered, with African-Americans represented by less than 3 percent of respondents to the survey. Of the total number of respondents, the majority, or 65 percent, identified as Caucasian. People of Asian descent made up just 13 percent of respondents, while even fewer (9 percent) were Latino/Hispanic.
“The lack of diversity in this survey is a microcosm of the wider problem plaguing the cybersecurity industry,” said Trevor Daughney, VP, Product Marketing at Exabeam.
“When we consider the continuous threats and external adversaries that cyber professionals face, we understand that fighting them often requires a multidisciplinary approach.
“Building a diverse team of people creates a more holistic view of the problem and delivers a range of valuable problem-solving skills. In that way, diversity truly improves the overall outcomes of the team.”
Job satisfaction
On a positive note, jobs in the security sector have staying power since nearly half (41 percent) of professionals surveyed have been building a career in the industry for 10 years or more.
Seventy-one percent say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs and responsibilities, which is a downturn from 2018, when 83 percent of respondents reported their satisfaction. Seventy-six percent feel secure or very secure in their current role.
Somewhat unsurprising was that 78 percent of participants said they would recommend a career in cybersecurity.
Unchanged from 2018 were median salaries, which averaged between $75,000-$100,000, and about half, or 53 percent of respondents, reported satisfaction with their salary, an increase from 35 percent last year.
Interestingly, 58 percent reported that a challenging work environment was the most rewarding aspect of their job, while lack of advancement opportunities was the least rewarding.
Cybersecurity burnout and fatigue
Survey participants also indicated that they struggle with burnout and fatigue. These unfortunate realities of the role are being exacerbated by a skills shortage and an unrelenting barrage of advanced cyberthreats.
Sixty-two percent of professionals in the sector cited their jobs are stressful or very stressful, and 44 percent don’t feel they are achieving a work-life balance.
Further, while a minority of respondents (40 percent) were actively looking for a new job, more than half (51 percent) said their reasons for doing so were poor compensation and unsupportive senior leadership.
Daughney continued, “One obvious strength of the security space is the plentiful opportunities to take risks and innovate. However, if employees are stressed, don’t feel supported by executive leadership, or don’t enjoy balance in their lives, it’s difficult to achieve their full potential. Therefore, companies must focus on inclusion and building productive environments where teams can deliver exceptional work.”
Essential cybersecurity tools
Regarding the tools SOC professionals utilize regularly, SIEM and firewalls were cited as the most common technologies used, with WHOIS, NSLOOKUP, email security, intrusion prevention systems and +NGF, rounding out the list of tools.
In addition, only 16 percent of respondents are using automation. In contrast, 41 percent admit to having no plans to use automation, despite 60 percent disagreeing that automation was a threat to their jobs and 80 percent saying that automation makes their jobs easier and improves security.
source helpnetsecurity
Industry: Cyber Security

Latest Jobs
-
- Microsoft Security Operations Analyst | Bracknell | SC Clearable | SC-200
- Reading
- N/A
-
Senior SOC Analyst Level 2 / 3. Microsoft Security stack | SC Clearable Location: Hybrid remote | Berkshire SC-200 Senior SOC Analyst Level 2 / 3 to join a specialist Managed Security Services business. You will be responsible for advanced threat hunting / triage, incident response etc with a strong focus on the Microsoft Security Stack. Key Responsibilities: Lead and resolve complex security incidents / escalations Conduct advanced threat hunting using the Microsoft Security Stack. Build, optimise and maintain workbooks, rules, analytics etc. Correlate data across Microsoft 365 Defender, Azure Defender and Sentinel. Perform root cause analysis and post-incident reporting. Aid in mentoring and upskilling Level 1 and 2 SOC analysts. Required Skills & Experience: The ability to achieve UK Security Clearance (SC) - existing clearance ideal. (Sorry no visa applications) Must have current experience working with a SOC environment Key experience must also include, but not be limited to Development and tuning of custom analytic rules. Workbook creation and dashboarding. Automation using Playbooks and SOAR integration. Kusto Query Language (KQL).
-
- Service Architect- DACH regions
- Germany
- Upto €110,000 plus bonus and benefits
-
Lead Service Architect with the authority and experience to take control of complex, multi-million-euro outsourcing bids. This role is about leading the Service/ solutioning effort, bringing structure to chaos, and driving the entire bid team to deliver winning proposals. The company area a global managed services business working with enterprise and public sector clients, across Cloud, End-User Computing, Digital Workplace, Service Desk, and Network Infrastructure. What You’ll Do: Lead Service/ solution design from qualification to contract. Control bid teams — architects, pricing, delivery, and SMEs. Break down RFPs/RFIs into actionable, costed, client-ready solutions. Present internally and to clients at decision-maker level. Run solution workshops, own the architecture, and shape the financial model. You’ll Need: Experience working as a Service architect, Service Manager or Customer Success Manager R Gravitas to lead and drive teams through high-stakes bids. Deep knowledge of managed services delivery and commercial models. Strong technical grasp: Cloud, Security, EUC, Unified Comms, Service Desk, and more. Experience leading deals across onshore, offshore, and hybrid delivery models.
-
- Deal Architect- DACH region
- Germany
- Upto €110,000 plus bonus and benefits
-
Lead Deal Architect with the authority and experience to take control of complex, multi-million-euro outsourcing bids. This role is about leading the solutioning/ Service effort, bringing structure to chaos, and driving the entire bid team to deliver winning proposals. The company is a global managed services business providing solutions to enterprise and public sector clients, across Cloud, End-User Computing, Digital Workplace, Service Desk, and Network Infrastructure. What You’ll Do: Lead the deal from qualification to contract. Control bid teams — architects, pricing, delivery, and SMEs. Break down RFPs/RFIs into actionable, costed, client-ready solutions. Present internally and to clients at decision-maker level. Run solution workshops, own the architecture, and shape the financial model. Be responsible for the service Wrap and ensuring the Service meets clients requirements You’ll Need: A back ground with IT Services Experience in a similar type of role, for example: Deal, Service, or Solution Architect in ICT outsourcing. Gravitas to lead and drive teams through high-stakes bids. Deep knowledge of managed services delivery and commercial models. Strong technical knowledge: Cloud, Security, EUC, Unified Comms, Service Desk, and more. Experience leading deals across onshore, offshore, and hybrid delivery models.
-
- Pre Sales Lead- IT Services
- Germany
- Upto €100,000 plus benefits
-
As the Pre-Sales Lead (Sales Engineer/ Solution Architect) you will drive large-scale ICT managed services and outsourcing deals (from €0.5M to €20M+). You'll work directly with Business Development and clients to design high-impact solutions across Cloud (Azure, IaaS, SaaS, PaaS), EUC, Unified Comms, Security (SIEM, PAM), Networks, and Smart Workplaces. What You’ll Do: Lead the end-to-end pre-sales cycle — from RFI/RFP to contract. Design innovative, client-specific solutions with technical & commercial impact. Present at CxO level and steer proposal strategies & financial models. Collaborate closely with Portfolio, Service Desk, Field, and Digital Workplace teams. Support deal shaping with strong knowledge of ITIL, SIAM, Automation, and cost analysis. What You’ll Bring: Have strong experience in pre-sales or solution architecture. Experience with €M+ managed service deals. Deep technical expertise in modern ICT stack and enterprise IT services. Strong German (C1) and English communication skills. Certifications: ITIL v3/v4 required; SIAM, ISO20000 desirable.