It wouldn’t be a holiday if a new vulnerability wasn’t released, causing IT and Cybersecurity practitioners to have to put their plans on hold to scan and patch their systems. I have spent more than my fair share of holidays at my desk, trying to make sure everything was resolved before I joined my family and friends in whichever festivities were going on.
We often speak about burnout at conferences, in blogs, and on podcasts, but we don’t always take the advice given, or have the opportunity not to work long hours when things go sideways. This isn’t always the case though. Sometimes we like to feel important, so we over emphasize an issue, letting everyone know how busy we are. How needed we are. And it is great to feel needed.
This can lead to unhealthy behaviors, and issues in your relationships (even with yourself). So the next time you see a vulnerability published just before a holiday, take the time to ask yourself, “Is this really something urgent, or do I just want it to be?” And depending on the answer, give yourself a break for the fire drill that is our lives sometimes, and enjoy some Fireworks or Eggnog with your tribe.
