Is the Future of Cyber Security jobs at Risk? (Tech Layoffs Surge!!)

Summary

The video addresses the recent wave of tech layoffs, questioning if it's a media hype or reality. It clarifies that while big tech companies like Tesla, Meta, Google, and Microsoft have indeed laid off employees, the overall US economy is booming with record low unemployment rates. The video reassures that cyber security professionals are rarely affected by these layoffs and emphasizes the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in the field. It concludes with advice for aspiring cyber security experts, highlighting the importance of practical skills over certifications.

Takeaways

• 📰 Tech layoffs have been a major headline in 2023, but the reality is more nuanced than the sensationalist media coverage suggests.
• 🚀 The layoffs were primarily a result of big tech companies like Tesla, Meta, Google, and Microsoft over-hiring and then needing to downsize.
• 🔍 The media often sensationalizes tech layoffs without providing the full context, leading to public anxiety and misunderstanding.
• 🌟 Despite the layoffs, the US economy is booming, and the unemployment rate is at a historic low, indicating a strong job market.
• 🛡 Cybersecurity professionals are generally the last to be laid off and are in high demand, even during periods of tech layoffs.
• 💼 Tech companies continue to hire, including for cybersecurity roles, indicating ongoing demand for skilled professionals.
• 🌐 The cybersecurity industry is still in its early stages, with a bright future ahead, much like programming in the 1970s.
• 🎯 For those pursuing a career in cybersecurity, focusing on hands-on, practical skills is crucial for job success.
• 🏆 The video offers a step-by-step roadmap for landing a cybersecurity job without a degree, emphasizing the importance of skill-building over certifications.
• 💡 Building an online portfolio and showcasing personal projects can help cybersecurity professionals stand out in the job market.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the impact of tech layoffs on the cybersecurity job market and whether it's still worth pursuing a career in cybersecurity despite the layoffs.

Why did big tech companies start laying off employees in 2023?

Big tech companies started laying off employees in 2023 because they had hired too many people during a period of economic boom and needed to correct this by reducing their workforce.

Is the media coverage of tech layoffs sensationalized according to the script?

Yes, the script suggests that media coverage of tech layoffs is sensationalized, focusing on layoffs at big tech companies without providing a full picture of the overall job market, which is actually booming.

What is the current state of the US economy as mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that the US economy is booming, with unemployment rates at a historic all-time low, contradicting the negative narrative around tech layoffs.

Who is more likely to be laid off according to the script: cybersecurity professionals or programmers?

According to the script, cybersecurity professionals are less likely to be laid off compared to programmers, as they are often the last to be let go and are in high demand.

What is the script's perspective on the future of cybersecurity jobs?

The script suggests that the cybersecurity industry is still in its infancy and has a bright future, with the demand for cybersecurity professionals expected to increase significantly.

What advice does the script give to those looking to start a career in cybersecurity?

The script advises focusing on building practical skills and hands-on experience that are listed in job descriptions, rather than just obtaining certifications or degrees.

Why did some tech companies hire more people than they needed, as mentioned in the script?

Some tech companies hired more people than they needed because they were anticipating future growth and projects that did not materialize, leading to a workforce surplus.

What is the role of the speaker in the cybersecurity field according to the script?

The speaker works in cybersecurity consulting, helping companies with their cybersecurity problems, including hiring and layoffs.

What is the script's opinion on the necessity of practical work in cybersecurity?

The script emphasizes that practical work and hands-on skills are crucial for cybersecurity professionals, as these are the skills that hiring managers in the industry are looking for.

What is the speaker's prediction for the demand for cybersecurity professionals in the future?

The speaker predicts that the demand for cybersecurity professionals will continue to increase significantly due to the digitization of the world and the constant need for security in the tech industry.

Outlines

00:00

📰 Tech Layoffs and Cybersecurity Job Outlook

The paragraph discusses the recent trend of tech layoffs, particularly in 2023, and its impact on the cybersecurity job market. It emphasizes that while tech layoffs have been a significant headline, they are not as widespread as media reports might suggest. The focus is on whether pursuing a cybersecurity career in 2024 is still viable amidst these layoffs. The paragraph outlines three key points to consider: the reality of tech layoffs, the specific roles affected, and the future of cybersecurity jobs. It highlights that the layoffs are more a result of overhiring by big tech companies rather than a decline in the tech industry, and that the US economy is actually booming with record low unemployment rates. The narrative suggests that cybersecurity professionals are not the primary targets of these layoffs, and that the industry remains strong and in need of skilled professionals.

05:00

🛠️ Cybersecurity Professionals: Safe from Layoffs

This section delves into the specifics of who is affected by tech layoffs, clarifying that cybersecurity professionals are generally not the ones being laid off. It contrasts the situation with the overhiring that occurred in 2021, where many tech companies hired excessively, leading to a need for layoffs in 2023. The paragraph suggests that the layoffs were more of a market correction rather than a sign of a declining industry. It also mentions that even roles unrelated to tech, such as massage therapists at Google, were affected by the layoffs. The focus remains on the resilience of cybersecurity jobs, indicating that these roles are secure and in demand, even within the companies that have been making headlines for layoffs.

10:02

🚀 The Future of Cybersecurity Jobs and Career Advice

The final paragraph addresses the future of cybersecurity jobs, asserting that the industry is still in its early stages and compares its current state to the programming industry of the 1970s. It predicts a bright future for cybersecurity professionals due to the increasing digitization of the world and the constant need for security. The paragraph also provides career advice, emphasizing the importance of practical skills and hands-on experience over certifications that do not reflect the actual requirements of cybersecurity jobs. It criticizes the pursuit of irrelevant certifications and encourages viewers to focus on developing the hard skills that are in demand. The speaker shares personal experience in helping individuals land cybersecurity jobs and provides a roadmap for success in the industry.

Keywords

💡Tech Layoffs

Tech layoffs refer to the dismissal of employees by technology companies. In the video, it is discussed as a significant event that started in 2023 and has continued to be a topic of discussion. The term is central to the video's theme as it explores the impact of these layoffs on the cybersecurity job market. The script mentions big tech companies like Tesla, Meta, Google, and Microsoft, which have been reported to lay off employees, contributing to the buzz around tech layoffs.

💡Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, devices, programs, and data from digital attacks. It is the main focus of the video, which aims to address concerns about the viability of a cybersecurity career amidst tech layoffs. The video reassures viewers that despite layoffs in the tech industry, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand due to the increasing digitization of the world and the constant need for data protection.

💡Sensationalism

Sensationalism is the use of exaggeration or scandal-mongering techniques by the media to attract attention. The video script critiques how the media's portrayal of tech layoffs can be sensationalized, creating an impression that the entire tech industry is facing mass layoffs. This term is used to explain the discrepancy between the media's portrayal and the actual state of the job market, particularly in cybersecurity.

💡Efficiency

In the context of the video, efficiency refers to the tech companies' efforts to perform more work with fewer employees. This concept is tied to the layoffs as companies aim to optimize their workforce. The script suggests that the layoffs are not due to an economic downturn but rather a strategic move by companies to increase efficiency.

💡Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate is the percentage of the total workforce that is jobless and seeking employment. The video points out that despite the media's focus on tech layoffs, the US unemployment rate is at a historic low, indicating a strong job market. This term is crucial in challenging the narrative of widespread job losses in the tech industry.

💡Market Correction

A market correction is a downward price movement following an overvaluation of a security or asset. In the video, the term is used to describe the layoffs as a correction of the overhiring that occurred in the tech industry during a period of economic boom. It suggests that the layoffs are a rational response to previous hiring excesses rather than a sign of a failing industry.

💡Cybersecurity Professionals

Cybersecurity professionals are individuals who specialize in the protection of computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. The video emphasizes that these professionals are less likely to be affected by layoffs, as they possess specialized skills that are in high demand. The script reassures viewers that the future for cybersecurity professionals remains bright.

💡Hands-On Practical Work

Hands-On practical work refers to the application of theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, which is highly valued in the cybersecurity field. The video stresses the importance of gaining practical experience and skills that are directly applicable to job roles. It contrasts this with theoretical knowledge gained from certifications or courses that may not be as relevant to the actual job requirements.

💡Job Descriptions

Job descriptions are documents that outline the tasks, responsibilities, and qualifications required for a particular job. In the video, job descriptions are mentioned as a source of information on the skills and qualifications that hiring managers in the cybersecurity industry are looking for. The script advises viewers to focus on building the skills that are listed in job descriptions to increase their employability.

💡Resume

A resume is a document used by job applicants to present their skills, experience, and education. The video discusses the importance of having a strong resume that highlights relevant skills and experience in cybersecurity. It contrasts ineffective resumes filled with irrelevant certifications with those that showcase practical skills and experience, which are more likely to attract employers' attention.

Highlights

Big tech companies started laying off employees in 2023, but the situation has slowed down since then.

The buzz around tech layoffs has not stopped, raising concerns for those in or entering cybersecurity.

The video aims to address the consequences of tech layoffs on cybersecurity jobs and the viability of pursuing a career in the field.

The term 'tech layoffs' is broad and may not accurately represent the situation across all tech jobs.

Layoffs were primarily reported in big tech companies like Tesla, Meta, Google, and Microsoft.

The media's portrayal of tech layoffs as a widespread phenomenon is a case of sensationalism.

Despite the layoffs, the US economy is booming, and unemployment rates are at a historic low.

The layoffs are more a market correction than a sign of economic downturn, affecting mostly big tech companies.

Cybersecurity professionals are typically the last to be laid off and are in high demand even in big tech companies.

The video discusses the importance of building an online portfolio and a blog to stand out as a cybersecurity professional.

The future of cybersecurity jobs is bright, with the industry still in its infancy and expected to grow.

Cybersecurity professionals are always in demand, and the industry is constantly posting new job opportunities.

The demand for cybersecurity talent is high, especially for those with practical skills and hands-on experience.

The video provides a step-by-step roadmap for landing a cybersecurity job without a degree or prior technical experience.

The video emphasizes the importance of building hard skills that are listed in job descriptions for cybersecurity roles.

The video concludes by encouraging viewers to focus on developing practical skills for a successful career in cybersecurity.

Transcripts

this is one of the biggest headlines

this year big tech companies are laying

off employees Tech layoffs are surging

this Insanity has started in 2023 it has

slowed down since then but the buzz

around Tech layoffs hasn't really

stopped so if you're currently studying

or planning to work in cyber security

then make sure to pay attention to this

video because I will explain the

consequences of tech layoffs and what

they mean to cyber security jobs but

more important ly I will answer the big

question that is on your mind is it

still worth it to pursue a cyber

security career in 2024 with all of the

layoffs going around now to answer this

question we need to look at three major

points Point number one are take layoffs

real or is it just another news hype

you'd be surprised Point number two who

is getting laid off is it cyber Security

Professionals or is it programmers it's

not really clear when you look at the

news it's not really clear we are and

finally what is the future of cyber

security jobs starting with the first

point point number one take layoffs real

or is it just another news hype you see

the sentence itself take layoffs is

really broad it makes it seem like

everyone who's doing tech jobs are

getting laid off and to really

understand this hype we need to go back

to where this news originated from you

see it all started when big companies

like like Tesla and meta and then Google

and Microsoft decided that they hired

too many people and now it was time to

get rid of them this Insanity has surged

in 2023 as you can see in the diagram on

the screen now when you really pay

attention the news were only reporting

on layoffs from those big tech companies

I personally haven't seen government

organizations laying people off or

insurance company or most businesses for

that matter it seemed to be a trend

going on with those big tech companies

however when the news reported on it

they make it seem like every company is

laying every single TI employee which is

evidently not true this is a classic

case of sensationalism which gets people

really worked up and anxious but what

really added fuel to the fire that those

big tech companies continued with their

trend of laying people off well into

20204 because apparently they decided to

focus on efficiency which really means

doing more work with less people but

this is what I want you to pay attention

to this is the big illusion this is the

big trick that the media plays on you

they never never tell you the full story

they only give you bits and pieces that

are intentionally designed to get people

anxious and worked up because what they

kept from you to keep you hyped up and

on edge was that the US economy where

those big companies are originating from

is actually booming crazy I know but

what's even crazier is that the

unemployment rates in the US is at a

historic alltime low let that sink in

major news outlets sensationalizing Tech

layoff meanwhile the unemployment rate

is at a historic alltime low this stuff

is mindblowing now you personally may

not feel that because we're human and

life sucks but the numbers don't lie and

the News will never highlight this for

you and even if they did this will not

be the kind of news that people look for

and share because naturally we tend to

look for negative things it's a

protective mechanism now this has always

been the case if we go back in time to

2012 or 2014 or even 2017 look back

those were exceptionally great te for

the economy and for employment but when

we were in them it didn't feel like it

cuz this is human nature now I'm exactly

where I want to be I got my dream job at

Cornell and I'm still just thinking

about my old Pals only now they're the

ones I made here I wish there was a way

to know you're in the good old

days before you've actually left them

but now none of this matters to you

because I haven't said anything about

cyber security jobs yet all of this

nonsense news is actually about tech

jobs in general which brings me to the

second part of this video Point number

two who is getting laid of cyber

Security Professionals or programmers

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and check it out and back to the video

now I work in cyber security consulting

which means I get to help companies with

their cyber security problems and yes

sometimes this include helping them with

hiring and even take layoffs and trust

me when I tell you this cyber Security

Professionals are always the last people

to get laid off in fact in most

instances the majority of cyber Security

Professionals manag to keep the the

cyber security jobs even in those big

tech companies that you've read about in

the news now if we want to know more who

actually got fired during those Tech

layoffs we need to go back in time just

2 years ago in 2021 those big tech

companies went nuts in hiring the

government was printing money and giving

it to everyone and those big tech

companies were literally hiring hundreds

of thousands of people whether they

needed them or not which means they

hired a lot of people that they did not

need I have personally helped a big

technology service provider that hired

an entire team of software Engineers for

some projects and those projects weren't

even approved they just went on and

hired so many people in anticipation of

this project and guess what 18 months

later that project was never approved

and now they have an entire team of

software Engineers who have literally

nothing to do this is the insanity that

happened in 2021 and what made matters

worse was social media those takech

employ who had nothing to do they

started creating social media videos

about their day in the life and we've

seen some stupid crazy things like this

one therefore what ended up happening in

2023 was not that this magic economy

suddenly decided to slow down instead

those giant tech companies needed to get

rid of those excess of people that they

hir that they never needed to begin with

so it was more of a market correction

and apparently even some of the massage

therapist at Google have lost their job

so if you're a poor Google employee

unfortunately you need to pay for your

own massage but you see all of this

should not concern you because your

focus should be on cyber security jobs

and nothing else this is your goal if

you're watching this video which brings

me to the most important part of this

video Point number three the future of

cyber security jobs or more importantly

what should you do where should your

time and energy be spent where should

your time and energy be focused to

understand the Future Let's just look at

the present time those big name tech

companies that everyone seem to love

like Google and meta and Microsoft and

Tesla guess what they are all hiring

they are constantly posting new jobs

every single day they're always looking

for talent good talent they are always

looking for people no exception if you

don't believe me go to Google's or

meta's website and look for jobs you

will find that there is weekly if not

daily new jobs being posted completely

new jobs there will always be a need for

talent and this will never end and of

course this includes cyber Security

Professionals therefore if you ask me

what is the future of cyber security

jobs my honest personal opinion and

prediction based on decades in this

industry and based on the daily

interactions and just based on on me

seeing Tech Trends over the years I

think cyber security as an industry is

still at its infancy we're still at the

beginning we're not even a mature

industry yet I think cyber security

today is really similar to what

programming was in the 1970s it was

still new it was still exciting and the

future is really bright for sa Security

Professionals so if you're thinking

about starting a career in cyber

security you have nothing to worry about

the entire world now is digitized and

the need for cyber Security

Professionals is set to increase so much

more than it is today but having said

that when I say the demand is High I

mean the demand is high for talent and

by talent I mean those who do Hands-On

practical work those who are actually

building the skills that the jobs are

looking for this doesn't mean a cheap 20

bucks you a class or some nonsense quick

cause here and there I'm talking about

the hard skill that are listed in job

descriptions this is what the industry

actually is looking for I helped

hundreds of individuals on this YouTube

channel just like you who watch my

videos followed my advice and landed

their first cyber security jobs without

degrees and without any multiple choice

nonsense exams or any prior technical

experience and without a fail every

single time I see a resume from someone

who complains that the market is tough

their resume is usually full of multiple

choice nonsense comp and ccnas and stuff

that has nothing to do with the actual

job that we do because apparently they

think these courses are recognized

therefore they are entitled to a job I'm

sorry it doesn't work that way you need

to build out the skills and the Hands-On

practical work that we actually look for

as hiring managers in the cyber security

industry now if you want to continue to

do the bare minimum and complain that

the market is tough or the economy is

bad or life is unfair then yeah you'll

always find a group of individuals who

will indulge with you in this nonsense

however if you are serious about a

career in cyber security and you want to

completely change your life then follow

this video carefully because I created a

clear stepbystep road map that will get

you to land your first starb security

job in the fastest and cheapest way

possible without any degrees or any

prior knowledge check it out and I'll

see you there