With all the recent big-tech layoffs, you may wonder if cybersecurity is still in demand for 2023. Maybe you are looking to start a new career or switch careers. How does the need for cybersecurity professionals stack up to other industries? In this article, I answer these questions.
Summary
Despite recent tech layoffs, cybersecurity positions are still in high demand.
Demand is expected to increase due to the increasing number of cyber threats and reliance on digital systems.
No evidence suggests that job openings for cybersecurity professionals will decline.
The unemployment rate for cybersecurity workers is 0%.
The growth rate for cybersecurity in the next decade is 35%.
Other industries, such as healthcare, also have a high demand for workers and may offer better job security and salaries.
Choosing a career should take into account one's passions and interests.
Cybersecurity Demand Outlook
Despite the recent tech layoffs, cybersecurity positions are still in very high demand. All evidence points to a significant increase in demand and the supply being unable to keep up. This is due to the increasing number of cyber threats and attacks organizations face. The need for cybersecurity professionals to protect these systems has become crucial with the rise of technology and the expanding dependence on digital systems. This is why many organizations are investing in cybersecurity and hiring professionals to secure their networks and systems.
Moreover, there is no evidence to suggest that cybersecurity job openings will decline anytime soon. In fact, many experts predict that the demand for cybersecurity professionals will only continue to increase in the coming years. This is because the threat landscape constantly evolves, and new threats are always emerging. As a result, organizations must stay vigilant and have the right people to protect them from these threats.
In addition, many sources report a 0% unemployment rate for cybersecurity workers. This is because the demand for cybersecurity professionals is so high that there are not enough qualified workers to fill the positions. If you have the right skills and qualifications, you will be in high demand and have many job opportunities.
Lastly, the growth rate for cybersecurity in the next decade is about 35% (much faster than average). As a result, the cybersecurity industry is expected to grow much more quickly than other industries. This is due to the increasing number of cyber threats and the need for organizations to protect themselves from them. As a result, you can expect to be employable for the next decade (at least) if you have cybersecurity skills.
The tech layoffs are a colossal headline right now, but what does this mean for tech workers?
It's hard to pinpoint what positions the big-tech companies are laying off. However, according to Jared Lindzon from fastcompany.com, the most vulnerable "tech roles" are sales, human resources (HR), recruiters, and marketing. No offense to the people in these positions, but these aren't "tech" roles. These are non-tech roles at tech companies. So I honestly don't think that tech workers have too much to worry about regarding job security. Take it from me as a system/network administrator, the vast majority of people, even well-educated and intelligent people, don't know much about how the technology they use actually works. Letting go of the people that know how to build, repair, and manage the information technology (IT) infrastructure is a recipe for disaster. That being said, I have seen a small influx of developers being laid off from big-tech companies on LinkedIn. So if you are a developer or an aspiring developer, you may be a little concerned. However, from my research, these developers can find positions relatively easily in smaller companies and start-ups. Because of this, I think the big-tech companies are losing out on a lot of innovation. I think the next big innovative ideas will come from small companies you and I have yet to hear about.
Are there other in-demand jobs for 2023?
According to CareerFitter, the top 13 in-demand jobs for 2023 are:
Home Health and Personal Care Aide
Chef
Software Developer Quality Assurance Analyst
Medical and Health Services Managers
Nurse Practitioner
Animal Caretaker
Health Specialties Teachers | Postsecondary
Information Security Analyst
Logistician
Data Scientist
Physician Assistant
Transportation Driver
Web Developer
As you can see from this list, cybersecurity isn't at the top. Other sources are similar to this list. Tech jobs are in high demand, but the healthcare industry is in the most need of workers right now. So if you are looking for a career with the best job security, surprisingly, cybersecurity isn't the best choice despite its high demand. Furthermore, cybersecurity isn't your only option if you're looking for a career with a high salary. All the jobs on this list offer excellent salaries, with many over $100,000. I'm not trying to push you away from cybersecurity. On the contrary, I actively try to pull people into this industry. However, suppose you don't have a passion for technology. In that case, you should probably look elsewhere for a career, as there are other industries with just as good job security and pay. My advice is to follow your passion when choosing a career.
Conclusion
The demand for cybersecurity professionals remains high, despite the recent tech layoffs. The increasing number of cyber threats and the reliance on digital systems has made the need for cybersecurity professionals crucial. The growth rate for cybersecurity in the next decade is expected to be 35%, much faster than average. Suppose you have the right skills and qualifications. In that case, you can expect to be employable in the cybersecurity industry for the next decade at least. However, it is important to note that other industries, such as healthcare, also have a high demand for workers and may offer better job security and salaries. When choosing a career, it is crucial to consider your passions and interests.
Looking to start your career in cybersecurity? Check out these two articles that I specifically crafted for beginners:
How to Get Into Cybersecurity (and Other IT Fields) With No Experience
Are Cybersecurity Bootcamps Worth It?