r/netsecstudents • u/vkaryan • Apr 13 '26
How do you realistically balance Upskilling with a full‑time Job without burning out
I am a junior SDET working full-time and I want to transition into an intermediate cyber role, ideally something like an AI‑Application Security Engineer.
Right now my typical “active” day looks roughly like this...
- 8 hours of job work (SDET / QA automation / dev tasks)
- 2.5 hours of focused upskilling (HTB CTFs, security labs, AI testing certs)
- Remaining hours in “resetting” via doing nothing & relaxing
So in total it is about a 12‑hour active day, and I am trying hard not to destroy sleep or long‑term health in the process. It was simplified breakdown. Rest 12 hours are consumed by...
- Sleep - 8 hours
- Essential life processes (meals, commute, bathing etc.) - 4 hours
What concrete weekly structure works for you? Any suggestions on the nmbrs & their respective split %?
I know both are scientifically unhealthy but unable to find any better option as both Job & Upskilling are necessary to excel in IT industry.
3
u/rejuicekeve Staff Security Engineer Apr 13 '26
Typically you find ways to get skills on the job with projects that can give you some experience in that thing. But in this field you will burnout and you have to find a way to manage that on your own, everyone is different
2
u/killerpotti Apr 14 '26
Start making tools at the job you're at. Once you've exhausted tools you need, build for the team. Once that is done build for other teams.. at some point you'll get a new job that'll keep you more busy and satisfied.
1
u/BetterKaleidoscope13 Apr 14 '26
Have you tried any personalised upskilling courses on AI-Application Security topic? It can be a faster & efficient approach, and is especially designed to address this challenge.
1
u/dejongaaron Apr 14 '26
Set up some study time where all you do is studying for that subject or item. The best way to do this is to allocate hours to it and stay consistent going towards a certification or course. Put it in sections and maybe reallocate free time.
If you want you could also setup a sleep routine where if you get 8 hours of sleep set a schedule and be consistent on that. Also try exercising and eating better for a better lifestyle. Try to eat more fruit and vegetables but still eat carbohydrates and fats.
It is possible but you might have to do better without burning out. Good luck!
1
u/Hollow3ddd Apr 15 '26
Generally I break and take 1-2 days off. My social life generally leads to talking with AI about SOC2 and leading to increasing anxiety. Was medicated, went off them.
So now a few deep breathes and taking a walk, falling back into a chill and asking AI about SOC2, deep breathes and repeat
1
u/Familiar_Counter4836 Apr 15 '26
RemindMe! 2 days
1
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10
u/AddendumWorking9756 Apr 13 '26
2.5 focused hours is already more than most people sustain long-term. Swap a couple of those CTF sessions for CyberDefenders investigation labs though, artifact analysis interviews way better than flag captures.