# data[].attributes.body
My Vision

-to have experience in cyber security field

My Purpose

-to start chasing my dreams to be cyber security experts

-to not feel scared of new challenges

My Challenges

-lack of networking in others field

-not enough knowledge of others field

My Happiness

-to fill up my brain with my knowledge

-my supportive husband that helps me during my works/classes

-my kids that motivate me to be better person everyday

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I am currently feeling blessed to work with a company that is flexible and providing work life balance. I am comfortable working here but recently the company is downsizing so I am worried. I am still safe from being retrenched. For now.

I joined this program to get certification in cybersecurity because I feel that cybersecurity is the way to go. However, I feel really hard to let go of this comfort level with this current company in terms of the company benefits, flexibility.

So for now I am just seeing how it goes. I feel like I want to stay in this company for as long as I can while also looking out for any internal hiring in cybersecurity department. Being in this company, I can focus more on my personal life.

Recently, I have completed the training and successfully obtained Comptia certification as per planned. I am feeling hopeful and excited to level up my cybersecurity skills.

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I just want to share as a Civil Servant working in the IT field, even though I have the professional CompTIA certification, I cannot choose my posting location, unit or job scope of work because all the decisions are made through a process. I am proud of my accomplishments as a civil servant, and I remain committed to continuously updating my skills and knowledge.

WHAT I CAN DO...

From my perspective, acquiring a professional certification does not necessarily require a change in job responsibilities to align with the qualification. As a civil servant, the opportunities to apply these certifications are extensive, whether directly or indirectly. It is possible that the knowledge I possess is not being utilized in the precise capacity that I had originally envisioned.

1. Proactive Application in Any Role

2. Strategic Communication and Advocacy

3. Continuous Development and Networking

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My Vision

To move from IT support into cybersecurity.

To master cybersecurity and become confident in technical problem-solving.

To build a stable and impactful career where I feel motivated and valued.

To create a life where I have both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

My Purpose

My purpose is to get a permanent job in cybersecurity.

I aim to transition into cybersecurity and master its complexities.

I want to keep learning and improving, so I can stay relevant in a fast-changing industry.

My purpose is to build a stable and impactful career path where I feel motivated, confident, and able to contribute.

I want to gain recognition and growth opportunities that match the effort and responsibility I put in.

I want to shape a career where I can combine stability with growth and meaningful contribution.

I prefer remote jobs so I can work from anywhere, including my kampung in the eastern region.

My Happiness

To be able to buy land.

To have a spacious house.

To grow plants and farming.

To have livestock and live closer to nature.

My Challenges

I feel nervous and lack self-confidence when entering new roles.

I experience imposter syndrome and doubt my capability.

I don’t have leadership experience.

My background is only in IT support, with no clear career growth.

My career direction is unclear (fintech, IT, or cybersecurity).

External job offers are often lower than my current salary.

I have a skills gap, especially in cybersecurity, and I’m still learning.

I applied to many jobs but got no offers or callbacks.

I probably need a lot of interview training.

I must overcome fear of rejection and stay consistent even when progress is slow.

I face strong competition in the cybersecurity job market.

I need to prove myself without much hands-on cybersecurity experience.

My Support Needed

I need guidance and mentorship to move from IT support into cybersecurity.

I need structured learning resources to close my skills gap.

I need interview practice and coaching to perform better in job applications.

I need encouragement and motivation to rebuild my self-confidence.

I need a supportive work environment where growth and learning are encouraged.

I need networking opportunities to connect with people in the cybersecurity field.

I need clarity in planning a long-term career roadmap.

I need patience and persistence support, because the career shift takes time.

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Currently, I am working as procurement specialist at a big technology company for more than 3 years.

Heard from a co-worker that my current team need to restructure number of manpower. A few days before that, I had a session with my manager and team leader about reviewing 1H performance. After the reviewing, they asked let say if a new project were set up, would I change to the new project. It is a good opportunity but, there is no language and shift allowance like current project. If less pay, why should I change to other project?

I am working in non-IT related area. After received some cybersecurity certificates, I wish to change my career into cybersecurity job related. But it is not so easy for me. I need to learn a lot more and have some experience.

A few weeks ago, I met an alumni from same course. Now he is a manager in some company. He said it is okay to not change into cybersecurity and continue working in procurement. There is a good opportunity too. But, if I want to change into cybersecurity, now is the time. Do not wait until older age. Then, it may be too late.

Currently, I am in dilemma either to change to a new project, stay in current project, wait until company offer VSS, start searching new job in procurement or start searching new job in cybersecurity?

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Engineering, Cybersecurity and everything in between

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Engineering, Cybersecurity and everything in between

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I’ve joined the Cybersecurity Full-Stack Certification Program to level up my skills and dive deeper into the field. Sure, my cybersecurity knowledge fits in the "beginner" category, but hey, we all have to start somewhere, right? The goal is to get a structured understanding of the best practices and methodologies.

Even though I’m not in a cybersecurity specific role, I know that engineering and cybersecurity are like peanut butter and jelly in today’s world. So, I’m taking this opportunity to mix my engineering background with some cybersecurity know-how to tackle the industry’s evolving challenges.

Big shoutout to my company for being awesome and supporting my journey into this new world. Their encouragement keeps me pumped to learn more and bring some serious value to my current role.

I’m definitely looking to the future, but right now, I’m all in on learning, improving, and setting the foundation for whatever comes next. The adventure is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where it goes!

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Currently 32 years old, I have only enter the SME companies for 6 years. Focus on software/web development, it always tired me physically and mentally from many work to do. Started from develop software/web until deploy into production, it make me learn so much. But in my current situation, I need to step up my career progression and also increase my salary. My current work keep my career at the bottom and it feel lack of progression. Nowadays I have a family which are my wife and daughter that keep growing.

The Journey Begin

That's why I apply as scholar for full stack cyber security by Yayasan Peneraju to change my career life to become more better. I believe that in cyber security jobs will generate a large income due to high demand in the IT market. I willing to come out the comfort zone and start from zero as long I can enter cyber security jobs.

My Target To Do

1. Make a checklist

A checklist need to do for my career progression so that I on the correct track in progress of cyber security.

2. Increase my productivity

Always keep up to date about the cyber security nowadays by watching news, learn through the expert from YouTube, social media etc.

3. Trying make a network with other people

I am introvert. But in this case, I need to come out from shell to make a connection with the expert especially in cyber security.

4. Never give up

Always tell myself that I can be awesome in cyber security even though don't have any experience and low knowledge about this field.

Finally, what is the most important is to remove the procrastination attitude in me because this attitude will keep my career progression slow. Also use the time wisely to separate between family and career because time is priceless when you can see your child growth happily.

Message to others:

Let's keep growing to achieve what we want in our life (especially 5 figure salary) because life is only once.

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As I look at my career today, I know that transitioning from IT Support into cybersecurity will not be an easy path. The reality is clear: I have no direct hands-on experience in cybersecurity yet, my highest qualification is a diploma instead of a degree, and I’ve grown comfortable in my current job even though I can see that staying here will not bring me the growth I want for my future. These challenges could easily weigh me down, but I choose not to let them define me. Instead, I see them as reminders of why I must keep pushing forward.

I believe that growth requires discomfort. Remaining in a safe zone may feel stable, but it does not allow me to fulfill my potential. Cybersecurity excites me because it represents constant learning, problem-solving, and the chance to make a real impact in protecting systems and people. I know that stepping into this field will demand long hours of study, countless moments of trial and error, and the humility to start again when I fail. But I welcome that challenge, because every small victory will prove that I am moving closer to where I want to be.

My vision is not about having the perfect background—it is about having the right mindset. I may not have a degree or years of cybersecurity experience yet, but I do have determination, resilience, and an eagerness to learn that I refuse to let go of. I am ready to embrace every challenge that comes my way, even when the road feels uncertain. I want to look back one day and be proud that I took the harder path, that I had the courage to step away from comfort, and that I never gave up on building the cybersecurity career I truly believe I am meant for.

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I love my job. I love my current company. I love the environments, the people, the support but there are lack of rewards and recognition for their staffs.

Been working for more than 5 years but I still at same position. Feeling demotivated and exhausted already. Taking cybersecurity certificate under Yayasan Peneraju is my own initiative hopefully I can be recognised.

Looking forward for this year if the company can recognised my certificate and reward me with promotion.

Hard to jump company when too comfortable in current place.

Maybe it's time to get out of my comfort zone.

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There are so many things running through my mind right now. I’m currently working on getting certified and also looking for better job opportunities. Some headhunters have approached me with roles, but I wasn’t interested in many of them, especially those that involve operations, since I’m not really a technical person.

I also struggle with Imposter Syndrome. I often feel like the knowledge I have isn’t good enough. Last year, I received two job offers with five-figure salaries, but I indirectly turned them down because I didn’t feel ready to take on those roles. Even though my current company offers better benefits, the salary is not five figures. Instead, I chose to stay in a position where I feel micromanaged by an incompetent boss, and I feel more demotivated as the days go by.

At this point, what I can do is continue searching for a role where the work environment isn’t toxic and where there’s a real chance for work-life balance. I don’t understand why a higher salary often seems to come with the cost of no work-life balance. Do we stop living just because we earn more, only to feed ourselves more stress?

So yes, I’m looking for a new job with a better salary, while also working on getting a high-value certification. Wish me the best.

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After completing my Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, I felt lost, I wasn’t sure what kind of job I wanted. I made the decision not to pursue a programmer or developer role, but I also didn’t know which area of IT suited me best. So, I chose what felt like the easiest path and started working at an IT Service Desk. Now, nearly five years later, I’ve gained solid experience in the Service Desk environment. It’s been a fun and rewarding journey, but I feel ready to take a leap of faith and explore a different branch of IT. That’s why I’ve decided to pursue cybersecurity and enrolled in certification courses to prepare myself. I’m still unsure whether switching paths is the right move, especially when I could continue climbing the management ladder in the Service Desk field. But one thing I do know is that I’d regret not trying something new, something I’m genuinely curious about just to play it safe. So, by the end of this year, I plan to start looking for cybersecurity roles, even if it means taking a pay cut. I’m excited to begin a new chapter in my career. For me, it’s better to take a risk on something interesting than to stay stuck in a safe but uninspiring routine. Through this journey, I hope to discover more about myself and what truly drives me.

One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced in my career is maintaining consistency and developing leadership skills. I’ve noticed that when I perform really well at work, it sometimes affects my personal life negatively. It’s a balance I’m still trying to figure out.

The second challenge is leadership. To be honest, I don’t think I’m naturally good at it. I often find myself being too kind and lenient with my team. But when I try to be more strict, it feels forced and seems to hurt team morale. As a result, I tend to be generous and understanding, even though I’m aware that some team members might be taking advantage of that.

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To live a balanced life where my career as an IT Manager grows into a strong cybersecurity path, while my family thrives in happiness and health. I want to be trusted in securing information systems, driving innovation, and creating lasting value for my workplace.

I am here to keep learning and advancing in ICT and cybersecurity. My purpose is to build deeper knowledge in threat detection, prevention, and risk management, while continuing to strengthen the company’s IT environment. As an IT Manager, I want to ensure that technology is secure, efficient, and always aligned with business goals.

My happiness comes from loving my current job as an IT Manager, where I manage projects, solve problems, and protect the organization’s IT environment. I find joy in studying and achieving cybersecurity certifications, building expertise that prepares me for future career growth. Beyond work, I am happiest when spending time with my family and maintaining good health to stay energized and productive.

The challenges I face include balancing the demands of IT operations with advancing into cybersecurity, keeping up with fast-changing threats and technologies, managing multiple projects without burnout, and ensuring my growth in cybersecurity aligns with both my career goals and my company’s needs.

I need resources and trust from my workplace to strengthen both IT management and cybersecurity initiatives. I value knowledge-sharing and guidance from professionals in the cybersecurity field. I rely on understanding and encouragement from my family as I balance work, studies, and personal life. Most importantly, I must continue to practice self-discipline, consistency, and resilience to stay motivated and prepared for the next stage of my career.

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Navigating the Quiet: A Personal Reflection on Work and Purpose

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Navigating the Quiet: A Personal Reflection on Work and Purpose

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One of the hardest moments in my career was when I joined a new company and faced unfair treatment from my team lead. From the start, I noticed there was bias against people from certain backgrounds. I was put into a project without proper guidance or coaching. With no support, I felt very lost, and after some time, it began to affect my mental health.

I tried several times to improve communication and build a better working relationship, but nothing changed. Eventually, the stress became too much. After discussions with the hiring manager, I was released from my bond and left the company. Leaving gave me relief, but the experience left a mark. Even now, I still feel some trauma when applying for new jobs, especially when I don’t have contacts inside the company.

In my current role, the challenge is different. My supervisor is not very involved in daily work. Tasks are often passed down without clear direction. Because of this, I end up filling the gaps quietly, and sometimes I even take on informal leadership roles. But there is no proper recognition or support. I have learned to manage myself better, but I also see how important mentorship and clear communication are for growth.

Working with others also has challenges. I have a counterpart who is defensive and uncooperative. Responses are slow, even for urgent issues. This makes teamwork stressful, especially when deadlines are tight. In meetings, I sometimes get emotional when I feel my concerns are dismissed. My intention is always to care for the project, but I know emotions can make my message less clear.

This is something I want guidance on: how to speak firmly without letting frustration take over. I want to stay calm so my points are heard clearly and professionally.

Besides that, the overall pace of work can feel slow. At times, I feel unstimulated, like I am not being challenged enough. From this, I’ve realised that I do best in an environment that pushes me to grow, but still offers balance.

There are also good sides. Compared to my previous consulting role where the pressure and hours were intense, here the work-life balance is much better. I get more time with my family and space for personal activities. With less stress, my health has improved. This is something I truly value, because career is not just about growth—it is also about sustainability and well-being.

At the same time, I keep reflecting on my bigger career journey.

Even though I did not come from a very technical background, I have always been curious about the field. That curiosity still motivates me today. But sometimes I wonder: am I really growing, or just moving without progress? These questions stay with me, guiding me to look for both stability and a sense of purpose in my work.

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Switching job scope, or stay in same position?

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Switching job scope, or stay in same position?

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I have been staying in same IT department for 8 years now. Although I have changed role for few times now, I would like try something new and fresh and switch my job scope from IT support to cybersecurity analyst.

To date, I'm truly comfortable in my current company with all the flexibility and benefits given. Hence, I'm waiting my chance to switch my job scope within my current company only and no plan to job hopping to other company at all.

Unfortunately, my company currently is having downsizing and in hiring freeze for few years now. It is very rare for the company to open for new position now as they are still reducing people.

So now, instead of praying to change the job scope sooner, I only can hope to not get removed by the company and stay with them as long as I can.

# data[].attributes.body
I had to let go of good people—engineers who showed up, delivered, and cared—because of a restructure. Not because they failed. But because the system changed. And I was the one who had to make the call.

It’s the kind of decision that doesn’t feel like leadership. It feels like loss..

I’ve been carrying the weight of that choice while also questioning my own path. The pressure to lead, the silence of imposter syndrome, the constant push to perform..it’s exhausting. And yet, i keep showing up.

But now, i m at a crossroads..

do i move on..find my own stability, rebuild somewhere new? Or do I stay, fight for the team, and live under the shadow of uncertainty?

This isn’t a victory moment.. it’s a moment of truth..and I’m still in it..

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I Don’t Know How to Start Searching for a New Job

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I Don’t Know How to Start Searching for a New Job

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After finishing my Full Stack Cybersecurity program, I’ve already sent out more than 50 applications, but not a single one has worked out. Whenever I ask HR professionals for feedback, they all say my application looks fine. That’s why I’m confused.. I really don’t know what’s wrong.

Sometimes it feels frustrating, like there’s no space or chance for me to even get started in this field. I feel stuck. I keep asking myself if I’m still qualified, or if maybe it’s already too late for me. Part of me even wonders if my age is the reason companies don’t want to hire me.

Right now, I just feel lost. I really want to earn a better salary, but more than that, I just want to finally step into the field that I truly love and have been working so hard to pursue.

Still, I’m trying to remind myself that rejection doesn’t mean the end, it just means I haven’t found the right door yet. Maybe my journey will take longer, but I believe there’s still a place for me in this industry. I just have to keep pushing, keep learning, and not give up on the dream I’ve already started. :')

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After working in the university environment for almost 15 years, I realize it is time to move forward and explore opportunities in the private sector. My vision is to grow beyond my comfort zone and to discover new strengths that I may not yet see in myself. My purpose is to contribute my skills and experience in a new environment where I can learn, adapt, and continue to make an impact.

My happiness comes from stability, familiarity, and the bonds I have built with colleagues over the years. However, I also know that real growth requires me to embrace change. The biggest challenge I face is self-confidence. I have grown comfortable in my current role, surrounded by people I know and a system I understand. Moving to a private sector role means stepping into the unknown and relocating to Kuala Lumpur, away from the place that has been home for so long.

To overcome this, I need support - encouragement to trust in my abilities, guidance to adapt to new challenges, and reassurance that stepping out of my comfort zone will ultimately bring growth and fulfillment.

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Self confidence issue and leadership whiplash?

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Self confidence issue and leadership whiplash?

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I’m starting my new job tomorrow in a GLC company. It would be my second job in my career life. My current goal for now is to expose myself to this fintech industry so I could plan my steps into other fintech company someday. Previously I was working health tech industry so I am quite nervous for this transition. I have been trying to work on my confidence, containing my anxiety and also having imposter syndrome out of this. I know I earned the new job but still have doubts on my capability from previous leadership whiplash.

I join my first job in Nov 2023 as entry level with no knowledge and report to chief tech bcs we’re not that big but as a one person team with no manager (i learn almost everything on my own from legacy docs), I eventually picked up the managerial stuff and oversee the whole governance of company as my boss gets busy and the company grows. Long story short, I got offered an increment in July 2024 but it was pushed back until April 2025 which is when I was at the verge of leaving. During the months, it was a lot of burnouts and some over commitments just to prove myself worthy of the increment. Everyday is always one thing after another where lots of new things are thrown to me to figure out alone.

At last, I got this new job which offers me close to senior level pay and is more than the increment I got last April. I resigned and just finished my notice period this thursday. I am excited for the new job but part of me is scared of the responsibility that comes with it and the doubts of what if I am not good enough at the job later. Bcs back then, I pushed myself hard to prove my worth of the pay. Now that I got a better pay, I am scared of not meeting the expectations but I also dont want to overcommit things out of habit again. I still have it under control at the moment. Working on finding balance of it and hope the new job will turn out okay later. It’s not much about finding job or chasing increment for me at the moment, but more of needing career advices on finding balance to avoid drowning.

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My Vision

At first, my vision was to use my certifications to move into the data center industry, combining that path with my background in control systems. But now, being in a stable company and realizing that headhunter offers are not as attractive — some even lower than what I currently earn — I feel it’s better to stay. Here, I get the chance to handle CAPEX projects and retrofitting works, which naturally require applying cybersecurity knowledge. This experience will make me stronger, and later I can update my CV with real, impactful projects before I decide to hunt for a new role again.

My Purpose

My purpose is to grow as both an engineer and a person who can bring value to others. In my work, that means using my knowledge to make systems more reliable, secure, and efficient. But beyond just the technical side, my purpose is also to share, to teach, and to guide. I don’t believe knowledge is something to be kept — if I keep it, it dies with me; if I share it, it multiplies. That’s why I want to continue building myself, so that one day I can not only lead projects but also mentor, lecture, and inspire others.

My Happiness

My happiness comes from balance. I’m happiest when I see progress — whether in my career, in my health, or in the small steps I take every day. I feel proud when my family is healthy and proud of me. I enjoy the moments when I’m learning new things, challenging myself in engineering, cybersecurity, or even reconnecting with my cultural roots. I find joy in simple things too — music sessions with the band, deep conversations, or just a morning walk feeling that my body is strong. For me, happiness isn’t about chasing big things; it’s about creating meaningful ones: family, growth, passion, and balance.

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Career Progression Dilemma: Stay or Move Forward?

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Career Progression Dilemma: Stay or Move Forward?

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What is happening now

Currently, I’m working in a very unstructured company. This situation arose due to a restructuring, where all IT functions were moved to form an independent company. As a result, instead of being part of a large corporation, we became more like a start-up IT team—with limited staff but heavier workloads.

With this change, I transitioned from being just an IT Infrastructure specialist to becoming a multi-role IT professional. I am now responsible as an IT Manager for infrastructure and cloud, while my department is placed under the project team, which also requires me to handle project management for company clients. (On paper, I’m a “Manager,” but in reality my salary and grade remain at Executive level.)

Recently, I completed my GCSP24 certification and shared the achievement with HR and my boss. The only response I received was “well done” and “good job.” That was it. However, indirectly, I’ve now become the cybersecurity lead for my company and even a point of reference for the wider company group. It feels like the company recognizes the certification I earned, but instead of being rewarded, I was simply given more responsibilities.

To be honest, I somewhat expected this, but I had at least hoped for a salary adjustment or promotion.

What I’m doing now

At my current company, I continue to carry out my assigned roles every day, holding on to the hope that one day my salary will be revised and my grade upgraded.

At the same time, I’ve been actively exploring other job opportunities. So far, I’ve only received a few interview callbacks, but most offers are for junior positions, as I’m still considered relatively new in the cybersecurity industry. Unfortunately, this doesn’t align with my career goals, nor does it match the expectations of Yayasan Peneraju.

What I need

I need guidance on how to continue this journey:

Should I stay in my current company and try to survive until the next yearly increment, or should I move to another company, start as a junior cybersecurity professional, and restart my career with an uncertain future?

Secondly, I need advice on how to properly write my CV/Resume. I realize there’s a skill to this, as some companies only review resumes briefly before deciding whether to call for an interview.

Lastly, I’m also taking courses on my own, currently working towards AWS certification to expand my skills and gain some leverage. However, I’m not entirely sure if this is the right career path, since nowadays it seems like AI is becoming the future direction.

I truly hope you can provide guidance and help me make the right decisions for my career journey.

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From the very beginning, my professional journey has been defined by a deep commitment to continuous improvement. My career in networking provided a solid foundation, but I've never been content to stand still. I saw the evolving landscape of technology and knew I had to grow with it. This led me to actively pursue a transition into cybersecurity, expanding my scope beyond just connectivity to the crucial realm of protection.

This isn't just about professional ambition; it’s a holistic philosophy for life. I've always believed that to excel, you must never stop learning. That's why I've made it a priority to learn new knowledge over time, tackling topics in networking and security that I don't fully understand. My days are a blend of hands-on work and dedicated study, as I strive to master the complexities of my field.

But a successful career is only part of the equation. I've recognized the importance of balancing my work life with my personal one. I am actively working to organize my work schedule more efficiently, not just to be productive at my job, but to free up time and energy for what truly matters. I am making a conscious effort to be a better husband and to focus more on my family.

My journey also involves a commitment to my physical well-being. I've started to eat healthier and be more active in exercise, understanding that a strong body is essential for a sharp mind. My story is one of a person who is constantly evolving—not just as a professional, but as a husband, a family member, and an individual dedicated to a life of growth, health, and balance.

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I have spent nearly 10 years working in a completely different field (research), starting from the bottom and progressing to a mid-management position. Over time, however, I’ve realized that I no longer feel motivated to continue climbing the management ladder, where the focus is primarily on managing people and business rather than engaging directly with the work itself.

My interest in cybersecurity grew because it connects with the parts of my work I’ve always enjoyed most - problem-solving, tackling technical challenges, and exploring new and emerging areas. Unfortunately, as I advanced into management roles, I found fewer opportunities to be hands-on with these aspects, which has made me eager to pursue a career pivot.

My challenge now is figuring out how to transition into cybersecurity in my mid-30s successfully. I feel stuck, unsure of the right path forward. I also recognize that my lack of direct experience in the field, combined with the reality of ageism in the workplace, could pose additional obstacles. Career shifts are rarely easy, and bias can affect both younger and older employees alike.

Another factor I need to weigh carefully is compensation. While I’m committed to pursuing cybersecurity, I’m not in a position to take a significant pay cut because of personal and family commitments. That said, I’m willing to make reasonable sacrifices if they are sustainable and lead to stronger long-term growth in this new career path.

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I've received a job offer in my current field that's probably not related to the certs that I've obtained with YP. Very grateful for the opportunity since I got increment and all the benefits that I've been dreaming of in a job. However, I'm also reminded to the times where I lost sleep and family time due to studying for the certs. Such a waste if I don't pursue the job in the field since it used to be my dream once upon a time ago.

I have my family to feed and a lifestyle to afford. If changing a career also means starting from bottom, maybe I don't want it anymore. It's not that I haven't try, I've applied to various job applications related to the certs with zero feedback. Sometimes I wonder if I want to climb that career ladder or just want to earn enough for my loved ones despite whatever I do for a living.

Jumping into a career not familiar to me is a lot scarier than I anticipated to. I wouldn't say I'm good in the job that I'm currently at, it's probably the only thing I know how.

# data[].attributes.body
My line of work is related to overall safety, including cybersecurity. My certifications helped me for a better grasp of cybersecurity. I found that the field itself is so broad, now I'm not too sure if I would be able to constantly coping with the technology and bosses' expectations.

On another note, my boss has broad networking and he/she got many info required merely by networking. It's kind of obvious now that I need to broaden my network too.

I don't think I would want to change my line of job/ industry. I just want a pay increment. I am also considering taking other certifications, just so the potential Employers would have more confidence to interview me.

# data[].attributes.body
Want to Transition to new position.

Currently i was in the old position since my colleague resign and working as IT Support at Macdonald Malaysia. I want to find cyber security but unfortunately all the company need experience in cybersecurity. a bit frustrated in Malaysia market because no see and giving the chances to new people in the cybersecurity. Even i have more than 14 years in the IT industry but never been giving a chances to join the related field. Salary also is the issue in the Malaysian market. IT industry in Malaysia was not so good.

My Target

Currently i want to try other field, Power BI or DNA team. Data and Analytic team.

Learn other field. Currently is working on stock exchange for US market.

In 2 years, i want to help my family in money matters. Giving my family comfort lifestyle. No need to struggle. (Money freedom and time freedom)

But deep down bottom of my heart i want to work with people that can learn and rise together. Make a great team together.

There is open position in the Macdonald Malaysia but i afraid i'm not fit in the position.

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I’ve been working as an IT Assistant in the public service for 18 years, stationed in Ipoh. Over this time, I’ve grown comfortable with the environment and truly value the work-life balance that comes with it. Being a family man, that balance is something I treasure deeply.

Now that I’m nearing 40, I’ve started to think about my future path. I’ve considered the idea of early retirement from government service, but I also question whether I’m fully ready to make the jump into the private sector.

A few challenges weigh on me:

Health issues that sometimes limit my energy.

Job opportunities in Ipoh are limited, and moving to KL or another big city would be challenging due to my family commitments and responsibilities. Living apart from my family is something I cannot imagine.

The financial security of government service is a comfort, but at the same time, I know private sector jobs may offer different opportunities.

On the positive side, after completing my certification, I’ve already started giving training sessions to colleagues and teachers around my area. That experience has opened my eyes to new possibilities — maybe teaching, training, or knowledge-sharing could be part of my future.

So here I am, standing at this crossroad:

Do I stay in the stability of public service until retirement, enjoying my family life but with limited growth?

Or do I step into the private sector, where the risks are higher, but perhaps the rewards — financial and professional — could also be greater?

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After completing the Comptia cert for Cybersecurity Full Stack Program (Under YP), I prepare myself with Cybersecurity job roles with updating my CV.

I use chatgpt to tailor my resume to match with Cybersecurity roles application. I know it's quite hard to get any chance to work in Cybersecurity because most of the application requires experiences. But I know, I can work in that position once I already in that field, I am only needing opportunity and chance.

It's more than 50 applications I hunt in Linkedin till I become Premium Member in Linkedin, I text to person in the company and present about my interest for the application, but no reply. Not sure, if the company not looking the cert and only experience can work in Cybersecurity field. I am also trying to engage with Cybersecurity team in my company for the roles, no reply till now.

I hope, there is a chance and opportunity for me to work in Cybersecurity roles, and I know it's not easy as I am new, but I believe with my knowledge and experience, I can be one of Cybersecurity team and can gain more experiences and hands on real world of Cybersecurity.

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I have a total of nine years of work experience. For the first half, my roles were not even remotely related to IT. Then, in the second half, I made a career change and entered a position that was partially IT-focused, but due to the nature of the business, the job was not highly technical.

Now, after completing a cybersecurity program, I have earned three certifications, but I’m unsure how to utilize them. I’ve gone through three interviews and was rejected each time. The reason? Lack of experience! How do employers expect us to have experience when we’re just starting out?

Of course, I have other transferable skills, communication, stakeholder management, and reporting, but do they care about that? No! They want candidates with specific tools, specific certifications, and specific ISO standards experience. All of these technical requirements can be taught on the job. Different organizations use different tools and systems anyway! However, the human aspect of these skills can only be developed through years of dealing with people, various projects, and diverse environments.

So, what should I do next? Where should I go from here? What am I missing?

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Lately, I’ve been caught in a tug-of-war between comfort and curiosity. I’m currently in a management role within the IT industry with a well-known company, with a clear path ahead, one that promises growth, recognition, and possibly another promotion in the near future. It’s a position I’ve worked hard to earn, and the rewards, both in terms of responsibility and compensation, are fulfilling.

But deep down, there’s a growing pull toward something different which is cybersecurity. After earning a certification in the field, I’ve become increasingly fascinated by its challenges and the critical role it plays in today’s digital world. It feels like a calling, a space where I could make a real impact.

Yet, making that leap comes with sacrifices. Entering cybersecurity would likely mean starting from a lower position, accepting a pay cut, and letting go of the leadership status I’ve built. It’s not just a career shift, it’s a humbling reset.

So here I am, standing at a crossroads. Do I stay on the path I know, where success is within reach? Or do I take a step back to pursue a passion that might lead to something even greater in the long run?

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My vision is to create meaningful impact through technology, design, and leadership—building systems and innovations that not only advance industries like aerospace and security but also leave behind a legacy of excellence. I see myself guiding the transformation of organizations into smarter, more efficient, and future-ready entities while ensuring that knowledge, creativity, and integrity are at the core of every step.

My Purpose

My purpose is to serve as a bridge between people, technology, and progress. Whether in developing ERP systems, advancing AI-driven solutions, or empowering teams, I strive to provide clarity, structure, and innovation. My role is not just to solve problems but to create opportunities for growth—for my company, for my community, and for future generations.

My Happiness

My happiness lies in seeing ideas take form and succeed—when a system I develop runs smoothly, when a team I lead grows stronger, or when a project transforms from a concept into a real-world solution. I also find joy in continuous learning, pushing boundaries, and applying knowledge to solve complex challenges. Beyond work, happiness for me is balance: caring for my health, enjoying meaningful relationships, and contributing positively to society.

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Alhamdulillah, I've recently started a new job, and for now I feel nothing but grateful and content.

If I'm being honest, I don't have the typical career ambitions of climbing the corporate ladder. What I want is something simple: comfortable job with good pay that allows me to enjoy life outside of work

My ultimate life goal has always been clear, financial freedom, early retirement, self-sufficient lifestyle and spending on food without checking the price/bills !!

Maybe I'll stay in this role for years, or maybe something else will come along sooner than expected. Idk yet, and that's okay. What matters is that each step brings me closer to the kind of life I want to build. A life where work is a choice, not an obligation while keeping my vision in mind: TO RETIRE EARLY, LIVE SIMPLY, AND ACHIEVE TRUE INDEPENDENCE! MERDEKA!

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its been awhile as i'm working in IT field even though my background was engineering. nevertheless, both field was kind of interesting to me. its corelated to each other and i think it's great.

right now i'm kinda confuse actually. i'm just want a simple job that only stay at office hour only which is my current job was like that. unfortunately, i'm also need to consider my financial status which my current company couldn't provide right now.

i am family person and i want worklife balance. if i stay in my current company, maybe i have that time, need to OT once in awhile was not a problem. but money is the issues, my current company can't provide it.

i also understand that, working in IT field, I need to "work when staff not working", which mean that, most of the time i'll be working outside of working hour and will be different with my family time.

also, currently my life partner was working far away from me. and i really want to work & stay around him/her.

that actually my dilemma and concern right now. otherwise, i'm good working at any place

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I’m currently working as NOC engineer with shift hours (7am-7pm). However, sometimes I feel like there are no work life balance in my off days as I didn’t have enough energy to go out and socialise.

So, by gaining the certifications, i hoping to get a office hours job and at the same time increase my pay. The only thing holding me back is the notice period of my current job (3 months) as is it too long for the job offered out there.

In the nutshell, I think Im gonna stay in this position for a while until Im able to secure a better offer and a good pay.

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Currently, I am working in a career that aligns with CCNA and CCNP. The knowledge I have gained through these certifications has been very helpful in my day-to-day operations and troubleshooting.

Although my HR acknowledges my certifications, they do not guarantee a promotion or even a salary adjustment. I am employed in the largest organization in my district, and for smaller companies, my certifications are often considered “overqualified,” with salaries offered being lower than my current pay. For now, I have no intention of seeking a job outside my district, because I am the sole caretaker for my elderly parents.

At present, I am focused on proving that these certifications truly have a positive impact on the organization, particularly by reducing reliance on heavy outsourcing.

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I want to get into IT department in my team

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I want to get into IT department in my team

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I graduated in Bachelor of Network engineering in 2019. I already work for 6 years but i only gained the experience of network engineering through my internship. I work in one of the GLC company after i graduated focusing on data management. I want to get back into network department as currently i have got this certificate and it is my passion. The current struggle is I need to inform my HR department to change my current position role into network department. As right now, there is no open vacancy in network department.

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Currently I'm working as Service Engineer for a communications system provider.. I have been working for almost 5 year now.. Right now I'm looking for another opportunities elsewhere to grow my career more into network/security as I see my progress here is stagnant and unable to progress more and less time with family.. I feel whenever I speak up or given ideas they ignore or sarcasm about it even though I'm a senior in the team.. But when my manager gave the same idea they totally go for it.. When I propose improvement for the benefits of the team, they ignore an say to save cost and do it manually which will cost more time and man hours.. At that time, I know I need to look for another job and start to take related certificates and applied to jobs.. Hopefully I can land a new job which I can grow more and being recognised as well as more time with family..

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1. Career-wise, my long-term goal is clear - which is to become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

2. Currently working as Cybersecurity Solution Consultant.

3. But the path is not gonna be easy, learning curve is gonna be very steep.

4. Gotta keep the optimism and possitive attitude throughout the way. Ps: to my support system, tqsm :)

5. Other than technical skills, I also need to work on building rapport.

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I have been working with my current employer for about four years and things are getting uncertain for the last two years due to change in leadership and business strategies. Therefore, I enrolled in GCCP24 C9 to up skill myself and looking for a career change. I was glad that I completed all required certification. However, job hunting is getting more difficult day by day as many companies are going through restructuring to cater their business needs and market demands. I was interviewed by several companies but could not able to land the job. I am not giving up on looking for new opportunities and hopefully there will be more new incoming opportunities awaiting.

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I’ve been with the telco NOC for 6 years now. First 3 years I was on shift work monitoring (8am–8pm) handling operations, then later moved into network design and provisioning for another 3 years. Honestly, I never had the chance to get certified before, but thanks to this program I finally did, and I’m super thankful for it. Working here has been my comfort zone, but I’m ready for new challenges in new companies, still within the same industry. I definitely see myself growing in this field for the future.

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I’m at a crossroad in my career.

In my current field, the only way forward is relocation. Specialist roles pay well (30–50% increment), but they would require me to move — something difficult now with family responsibilities. Staying local simply isn’t an option in this path.

In the new field (networking, security, cloud), where I’ve been investing through certifications (CCNA, CCNP-Security, AWS), local roles do exist. But entering here means taking about a 50% paycut, starting at the bottom despite the certifications, since I don’t yet have direct industry experience.

So my tradeoff looks like this:

Stay → Higher salary, but forced relocation.

Shift → Lower salary initially, but local stability and alignment with my long-term vision in tech/security/cloud.

At the heart of it, my vision is to build a sustainable, future-proof career in technology — one that allows me to grow professionally without sacrificing family stability. My purpose is to contribute meaningfully in tech, while staying grounded at home.

This is the dilemma I’m currently working through.

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Last year I have interview session with AWS for DCEO (Data Center Engineering Operation) position. One of their requirement that I failed to achieve is the knowledge in networking, that lead me to apply for this scholarship. Now I have passed the exam and got the CCNA/CCNP, the problem now is I don't have the confident to apply for the position due to my lack of experience ( my work experience is 4 years), which is just my insecurity. My plan is to gather 2 years more experience in the industry before I start apply for big companies (google, AWS, microsoft ). The question is how should I start to apply for networking positions to gain some networking experience, because now im in facilites/engineering field (FYI I'm a mechanical engineer who learn networking just to added value in data center industry), or should I follow the original plan which is just go apply for that AWS position without networking working experience?

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Currently working as Account Engineer/ System admin in telco system provider. It is not large company but progressively developing. Most of our clients are from Asia or surrounding area. Currently, company giving opportunities for me to install hardware and software on their own data centre. After finishing the cert, I'm getting more confident when handling for example network appliances. As this is my first job to install customer hardware, hopefully everything good as well.