1// Given all of the endless debate on the merits of certs vs degrees vs side projects vs whatever, there's something that is not usually brought up. Probably because it's difficult to talk about or even put into words. That thing is "obsession".

2// How many of you have had what most people would term an "unhealthy obsession" with something? Whether it's over technology, or programming, or something else, many people have private (or sometimes public) battles with total obsession.

3// It's hard to admit sometimes, because the reasons for it can be rooted in stuff we don't want to deal with. Almost like escapism via technology. Many people owe parts of their success to a total, and sometimes debilitating obsession with a subject.

4// It can be insanely beneficial. You go 150% for a while, the world around you is a blur, but you do your thing, and you reap the rewards. The downside of course, is that it becomes extremely hard to keep your personal well-being and mental health in check.

5// It's also hard to even verbalize this to people asking how you got your foot in the door in tech or infosec. It sounds ridiculous to say "Well, I barely slept or ate for weeks pouring over something until I nearly exploded, then I was done, I think?"

6// As far as career advice goes, this is not something that you can realistically give to someone without sounding like a jerk, or scaring someone off. There are plenty of other pathways into this world, but this is the unsustainable reality for a decent amount of people.

7// The things we obsess over and love, can quickly turn into things we despise. This comes with growing expectations of the quality of your work. The pressure can be real or imagined, but it often leads to negative outcomes if unchecked.

8// Your obsession, your favorite thing, can at times also be exploited by unscrupulous people who want to use your undying passion to benefit themselves. Watch out for that.

All of this being said, it's an important facet of hacker culture to understand.

9// Whatever path you do take, make sure that it feels good to you. There are so many interesting stories about how people fell into certain roles, and how unique experience helped them in the long run. Pay attention to those. Don't discount anything or anyone.

10// Also try to do your best to learn and practice ways of regulating yourself, as early as you can. It's never, ever too late to start. The importance of just chilling out sometimes, talking to people irl, and self-care, is a lot greater than we realize.

11// Obsession isn't a bad thing, but it's also not a sustainable business plan or career path either. Stay curious, fall down rabbit holes, keep the fire burning, but don't forget to poke your head up for air at regular intervals. <3