@Elizabeth mitchel Please refrain from social engineering - Telco or cellphone hacking is black hat activity or criminal without permission from the other person in most states.
So google translate might have got what you said wrong, so apologies if that's the case, but otherwise, you just referred to Confucius as a cheap philosopher?
Dude, as a professional red teamer, I applaud you for being this transparent. I constantly get asked how to get in this field and I usually tell them that I just busted my ass. I might as well point them to this video. Lol. Congrats man and keep it up!
I’m @2:49:50 into your 15 hour course. Although I have probably spend 6 hours rewinding and studying what I’ve learned. Thank you 🙏 . I make 6 figures as a construction supervisor, but I have loved computers from childhood. This is what I want to do for a living , but it’s hard when you have 3 children and a wife who depends on your income. Slowly going to make the transition when everything looks good , I appreciate the educational video and also for sharing your story. All the best man!
Phabeon Dominguez man it’s a slow process, although I have always been excellent with computers there is so much I didn’t know. Networking alone there is so much to learn. Once I am comfortable I want to start writing some certs.
@@jj691 Haha INDEED.. have you heard of Professor Messer on TH-cam? He does free video based courses, thousands swear by him.. Look up his Network+ videos, will definitely help, then after that his Security+ videos.. Best of luck oNe
@@rohitsingla295 Amazing to come back here and inform you I;m about to finish my second interview with a company. The company covers every aspect of cyber security, I applied for a position as a security analyst. From the sounds of it I have already got the job based on the recruiters remarks from my first interview.
I can't believe I didn't find you earlier. Just started your udemy course. It's great. Got my hunger back. Please make an in depth (zero to hero) python for cybersecurity course.
Completely agree with you for the job development ! I was in the same kind of road for DevOps. There are too many complacent people. Always be hungry for more information and enjoy the journey too! Thank you for sharing your story.
I’m someone that loves to learn and decided to make a career change. I was planning on going to law school but can’t see myself paying 200k even with having a lsat score in the 90th percentile. I’ve always enjoyed computers the inner and outer workings of them and decided to go this path and learn when I am off of work and progress. Definitely love your message.
I want to thank you. I am 58, I got laid off in March, due to covid-19 and I have been thinking about a career change, when I came across your videos. I know nothing about hacking, but have done some computer work over the years, but your training videos have motivated me to learn Pen hacking. So I have started watching and studying your courses for about a week now and this is what I want to do, so thank you for giving me a new future. Remember me, for I am sure I will be taking some of your one on ones soon.
Todd Carswell here... What’s funny is that people ask, “Why are you sharing all this information on TH-cam?! Won’t it affect your income if a bunch of people become pen testers?!” The answer is simple: No, because most people don’t want to put in the work. Most people are cool with punching the clock and coasting through life. Great video, Heath! Thanks for sharing.
As someone just starting out as a pen tester (currently just a security analyst, literally have pen tester interviews lined up for when this virus passes over), your content is absolutely invaluable and your advice is absolutely accurate, as I’ve lived most of it, especially the job requirements stuff. They really are total bullshit. But your story is incredible. Speaking of this virus, I’ve been using all my extra time at home to pour through your pen testing courses. I’m learning so much, and so fast. Thanks so much for everything!
Thanks for the inspiration. I am just starting in Cybersecurity as a consultant and would like to be a pentester like you soon. It's such a blessing to find your channel.
Awesome story, very inspiring 👏. I am a long time Telecom Engineer who transitioned into IT Network and now transitioning into the Cyber world. So far the journey has been incredible. I also just signed up for your all access program with your academy. I am looking forward to further educate myself in the Cyber world.
Im in love with this channel and your personality, I’m at my last year at medical school, and have no passion for med school, I’m learning pentesting because I enjoy it, I wish I had the courage that you had to go for it
After getting my bachelors of medicine, I quit the masters after 8 months. I was absolutely depressed with the lifestyle. No time to even keep up my healthy lifestyle. I'm looking into pentesting too! Only time wil find out if it is fun or not! Good luck man.
Finally found what I love doing at the age of 28 and starting my Cyber/It journey. Started my Cybersecurity degree in April and have a lot to look forward to. Great video.
I admire your work ethic Heath! Very inspirational. I also envy your focus and drive! I am one of those complacent old tech guys who wants to reignite the fire!
There is no one like you. The knowledge, experience and the transparency you share with us for FREEt are unmatched not only on TH-cam, but everywhere else in the cyber security educational world. This is my third year in university, as well as working full time and you have inspired me more than any of my professors or piers. Thank you for being the human being you are!
Thank you for sharing your story Heath and for the truth bomb. Here's my similar story: 20+ year IT vet now. Left corp long ago because they were the epitome of complacency. I decided to jump job to job in SMB instead (people will tell you it's foolish.. ignore them). From 2012-2016 I worked my way from a $30k bench tech to $80K as a senior network engineer at an IT firm (which is still a pathetic salary in my state). I worked 50-60 hour weeks for years because no one else could fix the issues.. not even IT business owners. My last job actually started losing money relying on a break-fix model and not being cutting edge or pro-active enough due to my QoW. I said enough was enough and started my own business to focus on pro-active solutions. I now make 4x the money and have extremely less stress... but what's even more important than money is the extra time I get to spend with my family and friends. I don't have a degree or certs. If I could/can do it.. anyone can. I hacked a lot when I was younger in the dial up days and later in the backtrack WEP days. Now I'm going deep into the full spectrum of pen-testing to balance my skill-set and to build even stronger networks/data-centers. Stay humble but never sell yourselves short either.
I just wanted to say that you are truly an inspiration! Im currently unemployed and have worked in the restaurant industry for 6 years. Im 29 and my highest education level is a GED. You give me hope that even with my education level and age that its never too late to make a change. Im currently studying 40hrs a week to become a pen tester and i wanted to thank you for this video. May the creator continue watching over you.
Man youre a true inspiration. I am a senior network engineer right now and i have a channel too. I hope to catch a break soon and get into cyber security.
I love this. I am retired military. I was an aircraft mechanic, but wanted to do IT my whole life. Well I retired and was able to get my A+ and my first helpdesk job, level 1. They told me it would be a year or two to move to level 2. I busted my ass and did it in 5 months. Now I wanted to go farther, but that company just asked so much that I had no spare time and it caused too much stress and anxiety. I was not able o grow there anymore. The pay was also garbage for what I was doing. I by chance was offered a job as a contractor for a state position. It sounded great. More pay and more along what I wanted to do. Well I pretty much took over from the other guy until he got fired. I ran the place as my own and fixed everything that was not done by the previous employees. Now I am stuck again. There is no where to go from here with the state. I do very little actual work. Most of my time is spent on youtube. I was doing some studying and some writing for my website but not much else. Then I found your channel. It is ignited that fire again. I am learning everything I can. I just applied to WGU so I can get that checkbox of a degree, but also the certs I was going to get anyway. The gi bill will pay for them all since it is from a college. On my own I would have to pay for them. Now I have a 3 year or less plan to get out of here and move on to more challenge. I hate being bored. Thanks for all you do and I will soak it all up.
Very good video Heath! There's a few things you are doing very well - I have been studying your success! One of the big things you are doing very well is being authentic and transparent in both your content and platform. Honesty wins in the long run, you can see it in other TH-cam channels and platforms. In addition to your honesty, you are providing valuable content which differs from the "majority." Very well deserved success and wishing you the best in 2020.
Thanks for sharing your story. You're so right about becoming complacent when you reach the top of your situation. You are motivating and you're an awesome teacher. Glad to have found you!
I’ve been doing my position for 27 years and I’ve mastered it but it is not what I love, that’s why ....I’m even watching your videos, because I WILL BECOME an ethical hacker!!! And a successful one... just watch!!! I have been just hammering away on classes and the more I learn the more I love I can’t wait I’m excited thank you for your video you deserve every bit of what you got! Stay 💯!!!
Two things: first, you should re-upload this and put a “bullshit” counter in the bottom left, with a little ding. Second: I love your courses. I have been studying for the security+ and the OSCP, as well as aiming to finish my bachelors degree in IT with an emphasis in cyber security (actual title of the degree), to leave my body breaking job that leaves me unable to play with my three year old daughter. Your story is truly encouraging, and gave me hope. I’m 32 years old right now, and I’ve been fearing I may be too late, but who knows. Maybe the fact that I’ve owned this business for 11 years, and those certificates and degree will actually be a positive thing for future prospects. Keep it up. Learning from you, and being in your discord channel are amazing resources. I’ll stop kissing your ass now.
I felt similar out of high school but didnt want to make the realization I hated my job I got a degree for so I went to the workforce like an idiot and now realize this is my passion and now I'm starting my degree for what I love doing this is great motivation for my 16 day countdown thank you so much
I agree 100% with what you are trying to tell us. I too have gone through very similar "events" but in different fields. Gee..now I know that I am not alone in my thoughts. Thank you for your honesty.
Hey, this is the first video I've seen of yours and I totally dig your message. I've been the smartest person in the room for a few years now and I'm ready to show the world who I am. (Nearly ready, give me a month or two).
that was so awesome hearing you say all that! i was drawn to your channel because you're a Vet. you have the heart of a teacher, really appreciate all you do.
I don't find a lot of people like this anymore. Your parents must be awesome to instill such morals and attitude, however I can see the psychological effect of your childhood playing a major part of your " i need to know more" trait. Well done on your milestone sir!
Out of all the ethical hacking certs, which was the most rewarding to you, meaning which did you learn the most and best helped you in the real world. Loving the Udemy course so far btw.
I have huge interest in computers but am from a non technical background and used to work in finance. I always wanted to get into security but didn't know if it was possible. Thank you so much Heath. Your story inspires me so much that, even someone like me who is from non technical field, can pursue a career in cyber security. Thank you so much once again. I Especially love the fact that you are imparting education for free, the way it is meant to be. Bless you brother.
Thank you for this video. I've been getting a bit complacent myself, and sometimes you don't really even notice it. My passion/desire has sort of dropped, and this video has hopefully sparked something in me to keep advancing
Love this story man, I've seen a few of your videos and you are such an inspiration. I am currently working two full time jobs 80 hours a week and I think it may be time to quit one and go back to school for cyber security. I rather work and study for 80 hours a week for a couple years then having to work two jobs I hate for who knows how long
Waiting on the "1 year later" update on this. Congrats on all the newer material since then also. And thankyouuuuuuuuuuuuu for all the simple explanations and the continuous 50% discounts.
As my father would have said..... Never compare your self with anyone. Cause no matter what you think of yourself... There will be always a skill that... that person has. And no matter what you do, you can never have.
I'm a 36 year old single mom in school with ECPI for cyber security. I wanted to do pen testing, but IT is so interesting to me that I'm still undecided. The good thing (for me) is IT is repetitive and I feel fairly comfortable learning. I was afraid before because I'm not good in math, too old, too Black, ect. But not providing for my son scares me the most. I'm 6 months in and have a year and a half to go before I get my bachelors in computer science and I'm excited. Taking a chance and trying hard is key. Thanks for bolstering courage!!!
One thing that Heath says that I’d emphasis is when you’re looking at jobs to apply to, is not to dismiss a job if you don’t match most, let alone all, of the requirements - at the very worst, an interview will be good experience but 99% of the time, they’ll seriously consider you based on how you come across on interview, not discard you if you don’t tick all the boxes.
The beginning of your journey sounds similar to mine. My first job in software development was working as a technical support engineer, writing internal tools, fixing messed up databases, etc.. I left for work when it was dark, got home when it was dark and was just miserable all the time. Funily enough, it was actually a company that made accounting software. I ended up moving to QA after a few years but a couple years after that just got burnt out and ended up leaving the industry all together. That was in 2017, but Im actually looking at getting back into it, but this time on the security side. Your videos have been very helpful in confirming, for lack of a better term, to me that this is the right choice and Im now studying for the OSCP, although after one of your videos I may start with the eJPT. Would you say doing eJPT and then OSCP is a good path, or just go right for the OSCP? Ive been going through the learning paths on THM, if you're familiar with that site. Anyway, thanks so much for sharing this, and for all of the videos you create. :) Just wanted to add that you also sound a lot like myself, in the not wanting to sleep, or not being able to. Most nights I dont want to go to sleep because, as you said, there are just so many things that I want to do, or Im working on a project and I find it hard to walk away until Im finished, and even once Im done, Im then just looking for what I can do next, or if I could have done more. A lot of times I look at sleeping like a waste of time. I know we need sleep to function properly, but I always feel that the sleep is just taking away from working on projects or learning something new. So I end up sleeping for like 3-4 hours. I just never want to stop what Im doing lol, and this field is making it worse. As soon as Im done with one challenge, I may take a short break, but then just want to get onto the next one. I think in a way its a good mindset to have though, the never give up mentality. Anyway, thanks again. :)
Totally agree I have been in IT Security for 14 years and half the job requirements are BS. I always tell people, "let the company tell you you're not qualified, dont disqualify yourself"
Hey man thanks for making these videos. I am on a similar path. I got my ba in economics and am working as a analyst. My dream job is to be a malware engineer. I just got accepted into a masters program for software engineering.
Nice Heath! You are the first channel i learn about hacking and am doing same like u before as network engineer. Seriously is not easy to move on into something not familiar to get companies hire. So my next is to get OSCP by mid of the year to be a pentester! Wish you and everyone who toward this journey success.
Thanks for saying what you said about the 'requirements' section posted in I.T jobs, I was gonna apply for one but didn't find myself appropriate, now I'll apply and I'm ready to learn. Thank you once again. You're the best.
I know the like i dropped in this video is very little compared with what you said, but it's what I can do now to support you and congratulate you for your journey. Always learning!
@The Cyber Mentor, thanks a lot! This is one of the most sensible and usable advice I've heard in my life. You keep inspring people to become better selves. Great job! I'm in the middle of your ethical hacking course - I love the way you teach and I recommend your courses to any aspiring ethical hacker.
I think what you call "luck" may be "reaping what you sow!" You're a good dude, and you deserve all the best Bro! Can't wait to buy you a coffee one these days.
Thank you.. Thank you for truly following your passion and not just in it for the money. Thank you for creating the Udemy course. I'm going to sign up for it. Lots of people are in their jobs for the money and that's the number one reason why their are so many problems in today's society. Definitely more people need to think like that.
I'm gonna be 100% honest. At first when I started to watch your tutorials I naively thought some negative things aboht you. It felt bland at first. But I actually was very very mistaken. I have learned so so much from your udemy courses, your youtube courses and website. Like seriously youre very inspirational and you and youre channel have really grown on me. Thank you for all the work you put in and helping others break free from being poor, struggling and not doing well. You do a lot for this community ajd deserve that money and lots of recognition. Even if you quit TH-cam and I'm an old man doing pentesting I'll still think back to your vids or find them to remember certain things. Stay cool brother , much love nohomo
Well said! Keep doing you. You definitely have been a good mentor to me, I'm sitting at the 6 figure Sr network engineer spot but looking forward to taking the jump to ethical hacking/red team/pentesting career!
+1 on leaving your current company to get raises. In 2 years time, I went from $10/hr PT >> $50K FT >> $70k FT plus bonuses. I'm due my next jump and am expecting >$100k.
this is like my story so far.. I was mechanical engineer, hated that job.. moved to IT, started as Helpdesk, moved to Database Analytic and then to Linux Admin.. now I am aplying for security oriented role, but Coronavirus is messing up my interviews since my country is under quaranteen :( wish me luck man
You're story is exactly like mine hahahahaha its incredible to listen, started at helpdesk and 11 month later i'm SOC analyst and started to do some phishing campaing. I got lucky too! But you are right, i studied and practiced so much at home.
@The Cyber Mentor. In-fact, your Chanel has always compelled me to learn more about Cyber Security. I been able to learn the basics and grasp the understanding at faster phase, keep up the good works Bro!. Feeling Motivated
If you look at the job requirement ignore them - great point. I sometimes feel HR recruitment and leadership put people in pigeon holes because that's the easiest thing to do.
Its an incredible story, I connect very well with it. I had a similar story in the beginning. My dream for the last few years is to be come a CEH. I just don't know where to start. There seem to be so many places to take the exams, but I'm looking for more than that. I just don't know which one to choose. I'm also somewhat on a tight budget, which really hurts. The exams alone are hundreds of dollars. I just feel lost, or stuck. The last thing I want is to get buried in a mountain of debt with programs that appear to be the correct path on the outside, but are just fluff.
One of the reasons companies have unrealistic expectations on paper with job postings is because there is a knowledge gap with the hiring managers but also they can use it as an excuse if they don't find the perfect candidate to bring in an immigrant on an H1-B who will be willing to work for a lower salary.
same man. the idea sounded great but I know my personality traits don't match with that of a pen tester. hope most people take his original advice & not do stuff for the $
I appreciate you so much man, hearing your story really motivated me to continue my studies. I grew up similar to you and even served in the army for 4 years! I just wanna say thank you bro!! you really have inspired me!
Transparency take courage. Talking about your experience reflect maturity & wisdom. The key word is knowing who you are and what is limiting you. Once you know who you are you will know your potential and you will foresee your path and the challenges you will face. Going through the path you select will teach you to remove limitation and live a limitless life. Few manged to go their path and maintain their Humbleness and eagerness to help others. I am inspired and I wish abundance and wealth.
Always solid and grounded advice. Thanks for sharing with us and I hope to see you smash your goals for 2020. You're working hard for it. You're earning every milestone. Keep it up.
you are the man , I learned so much from you and I look up to you, tnx a lot dude for everything , I'm from Iran and I can't buy your udemy course because of our banking situation in our country but if some miracle happen in here I will, without a doubt , Amin from Iran
Those are some seriously good lifecoach tips and tricks. Also , thanks a lot for the Udemy course :) it's a good collection of knowledge from all sorts of areas and sorta reminds a bit of the PWK. Keep up the good work!
Thanks dude. Seriously, this is inspirational. I'm currently taking your Practical Ethical Hacking course on Udemy. It's been helping me greatly on my journey to becoming a Pen-Tester. I'm learning alot. Thanks😎🥳😁
Great explanation of the hard work it takes to get there, and what an honest view on how it is really. I appreciate the cert reviews as well! I will be starting your udemy course this weekend. Thank you and much success to you! Salud!
Absolutely informative video. I will definitely look up your courses. You have good voice to be an instructor. Also I am just getting my CEH cert. I'm glad TH-cam algorithm led me here.
Love this video, very motivational. Im sorry to hear about your family , but im glad your successful. I don't have a IT background but im gonna start with your udemy course and take it from there. also i have a bit of html, css knowledge. anyways keep up the great work.
Awesome video, resonates so much as I feel like I'm in the same exact situation. I work in the field as well, doing threat hunting and red teaming for my company and certified as well. I'm young compared to my colleagues (28), and am doing the coordination of our CSIRT. Starting to feel exactly what you were saying, when you referred to you not getting paid for doing extra work for other companies, with no real added benefit to you financially. Thanks for this video and this little nudge I needed, I think I';m going to start to look into options to do forensics and pentesting on the side with my own company
You are a legend mate, guess I m running into the same situation as yours, people around me are on their current positions 10+ years with the same earning. I m very ambitious about cyber security had a 9+ years in Network administration but don’t have a Bachelors nor masters at all. Took your advise and taking few courses with elearning security even tho I had a very little knowledge with programming but getting there ! Taking few courses on my own. Agree with you on Job descriptions, don’t understand how companies come up with such a massive skills to seek from the candidates. Guess in next few months will be leaving my current position to spend more time focusing on cyber security. Tired doing the same shit over and over especially being in a position where you don’t grow at all and won’t learn anything. All the best and keep us posted, looking forward to your next video.
Wow, I never really comment on videos, but I find so much of what you said to be pertinent to me and my current life. You also suggested things that I had never thought about doing. I would also say that elearnsecurity has been the best platform in making me who I am today. Thank you for this very very good video! Please keep the other tutorials coming :)
This is basically my life, but I'm still at step 2, lol... I have a BA in design and an MS in marketing, I work as a copywriter but I have realized that I don't like marketing. I've started some of your free tutorial programs and I'm very excited about where it will lead.
No way dude!!! I live in Albuquerque, NM! What a story man? So inspiring! I am actually in the Cybersec field myself. I got my degree in Networking back in 2015. Luckily I landed this job with this MSSP company. The pay isn't too great but I was very green with little experience so I took it. I have been with the company now for 3 years making basically what you were making when you started with that company you mentioned. I bought your Udemy course cause I really want and need to make more money so I hope this course will help. Thanks for creating it.I need to make the type of money you mentioned to live comfortably. 6 figures is what I need to get to.
Halfway through the Udemy course and I love it! This is also a very interesting video BUT I would love to see an update on your pen testing path only. For example, how much revenue have you made so far, or per month? (excluding the YT, ads and the Udemy course), are you still working alone at this point or do you have assistance, and if you do, what for and how often is the help hired? How much is spent here? Do you have any new expenses except for subscriptions for apps. Maybe book keeping, sales people for new customers etc. More "life lessons" from bringing in new customers/existing customers. Recommendations for scoring first customer etc. Maybe it's time for episode #6 in "My Entrepreneurial Journey"? ;)
I hope you enjoyed this video! If so, please consider dropping a like and subscribing.
"Never be the smartest in the room" - inspiring words. hope you hit 7 figures by June, we need more teachers!
@The Cyber Mentor once i know the basics of linux whats next
He explained something much more valuable than money. I appriciate your courage,mentorship and journey.
@Elizabeth mitchel Please refrain from social engineering - Telco or cellphone hacking is black hat activity or criminal without permission from the other person in most states.
Dogan Soooo much more than money.
He's great. Hope he doesn't change.
Yes ❤️❤️❤️
Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, "If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room!"
Unless you're with the client -- then you want to be the smartest in the room.
@@brettnieman3453 Valid point. That'd certainly be awkward.
É o que diz o filósofo barato.
So google translate might have got what you said wrong, so apologies if that's the case, but otherwise, you just referred to Confucius as a cheap philosopher?
Dude, as a professional red teamer, I applaud you for being this transparent. I constantly get asked how to get in this field and I usually tell them that I just busted my ass. I might as well point them to this video. Lol.
Congrats man and keep it up!
The Udemy course is great.
Is it any different than his course on freecodecamp?
how old is he ?
which course ??
No doubt it is perhaps the most detailed pentesting course on udemy
I’m @2:49:50 into your 15 hour course. Although I have probably spend 6 hours rewinding and studying what I’ve learned. Thank you 🙏 . I make 6 figures as a construction supervisor, but I have loved computers from childhood. This is what I want to do for a living , but it’s hard when you have 3 children and a wife who depends on your income. Slowly going to make the transition when everything looks good , I appreciate the educational video and also for sharing your story. All the best man!
WOW, that's inspirational, willing to give up guaranteed 6; figures... Besides the course what else you doin to make moves into INFOSEC?
Phabeon Dominguez man it’s a slow process, although I have always been excellent with computers there is so much I didn’t know. Networking alone there is so much to learn. Once I am comfortable I want to start writing some certs.
@@jj691 Haha INDEED.. have you heard of Professor Messer on TH-cam? He does free video based courses, thousands swear by him.. Look up his Network+ videos, will definitely help, then after that his Security+ videos..
Best of luck
oNe
@@jj691 hey man i just wanted to ask what are you doing now and how much progress have you made😀
@@rohitsingla295 Amazing to come back here and inform you I;m about to finish my second interview with a company. The company covers every aspect of cyber security, I applied for a position as a security analyst. From the sounds of it I have already got the job based on the recruiters remarks from my first interview.
Im stuck working at a amazon warehouse and this really motivated me to study and learn more on IT cause that’s what I’m striving to be successful at .
I can't believe I didn't find you earlier. Just started your udemy course. It's great.
Got my hunger back.
Please make an in depth (zero to hero) python for cybersecurity course.
^ Second this, all of it!
Completely agree with you for the job development ! I was in the same kind of road for DevOps. There are too many complacent people. Always be hungry for more information and enjoy the journey too! Thank you for sharing your story.
I’m someone that loves to learn and decided to make a career change. I was planning on going to law school but can’t see myself paying 200k even with having a lsat score in the 90th percentile. I’ve always enjoyed computers the inner and outer workings of them and decided to go this path and learn when I am off of work and progress. Definitely love your message.
I want to thank you. I am 58, I got laid off in March, due to covid-19 and I have been thinking about a career change, when I came across your videos. I know nothing about hacking, but have done some computer work over the years, but your training videos have motivated me to learn Pen hacking. So I have started watching and studying your courses for about a week now and this is what I want to do, so thank you for giving me a new future. Remember me, for I am sure I will be taking some of your one on ones soon.
Todd Carswell here... What’s funny is that people ask, “Why are you sharing all this information on TH-cam?! Won’t it affect your income if a bunch of people become pen testers?!” The answer is simple: No, because most people don’t want to put in the work. Most people are cool with punching the clock and coasting through life. Great video, Heath! Thanks for sharing.
Great video! Inspirational
As someone just starting out as a pen tester (currently just a security analyst, literally have pen tester interviews lined up for when this virus passes over), your content is absolutely invaluable and your advice is absolutely accurate, as I’ve lived most of it, especially the job requirements stuff. They really are total bullshit. But your story is incredible. Speaking of this virus, I’ve been using all my extra time at home to pour through your pen testing courses. I’m learning so much, and so fast. Thanks so much for everything!
Thanks for the inspiration. I am just starting in Cybersecurity as a consultant and would like to be a pentester like you soon. It's such a blessing to find your channel.
Awesome story, very inspiring 👏. I am a long time Telecom Engineer who transitioned into IT Network and now transitioning into the Cyber world. So far the journey has been incredible. I also just signed up for your all access program with your academy. I am looking forward to further educate myself in the Cyber world.
Im in love with this channel and your personality, I’m at my last year at medical school, and have no passion for med school, I’m learning pentesting because I enjoy it, I wish I had the courage that you had to go for it
After getting my bachelors of medicine, I quit the masters after 8 months. I was absolutely depressed with the lifestyle. No time to even keep up my healthy lifestyle.
I'm looking into pentesting too! Only time wil find out if it is fun or not!
Good luck man.
Matthew van Houte Best of luck to you too!
May I ask which country do you study in?
Finally found what I love doing at the age of 28 and starting my Cyber/It journey. Started my Cybersecurity degree in April and have a lot to look forward to. Great video.
I admire your work ethic Heath! Very inspirational. I also envy your focus and drive! I am one of those complacent old tech guys who wants to reignite the fire!
There is no one like you. The knowledge, experience and the transparency you share with us for FREEt are unmatched not only on TH-cam, but everywhere else in the cyber security educational world. This is my third year in university, as well as working full time and you have inspired me more than any of my professors or piers. Thank you for being the human being you are!
Thank you for sharing your story Heath and for the truth bomb. Here's my similar story:
20+ year IT vet now. Left corp long ago because they were the epitome of complacency. I decided to jump job to job in SMB instead (people will tell you it's foolish.. ignore them). From 2012-2016 I worked my way from a $30k bench tech to $80K as a senior network engineer at an IT firm (which is still a pathetic salary in my state). I worked 50-60 hour weeks for years because no one else could fix the issues.. not even IT business owners. My last job actually started losing money relying on a break-fix model and not being cutting edge or pro-active enough due to my QoW.
I said enough was enough and started my own business to focus on pro-active solutions. I now make 4x the money and have extremely less stress... but what's even more important than money is the extra time I get to spend with my family and friends. I don't have a degree or certs. If I could/can do it.. anyone can. I hacked a lot when I was younger in the dial up days and later in the backtrack WEP days. Now I'm going deep into the full spectrum of pen-testing to balance my skill-set and to build even stronger networks/data-centers.
Stay humble but never sell yourselves short either.
The fact that you said, " *Rather than money I followed my passion.* ". You clicked my heart bro. Very nice to sea a man with passion. 👌👌
I just wanted to say that you are truly an inspiration! Im currently unemployed and have worked in the restaurant industry for 6 years. Im 29 and my highest education level is a GED. You give me hope that even with my education level and age that its never too late to make a change. Im currently studying 40hrs a week to become a pen tester and i wanted to thank you for this video. May the creator continue watching over you.
Man youre a true inspiration. I am a senior network engineer right now and i have a channel too. I hope to catch a break soon and get into cyber security.
Great video. My issue is losing my drive and passion. I'm trying to get back on track...
I love this. I am retired military. I was an aircraft mechanic, but wanted to do IT my whole life. Well I retired and was able to get my A+ and my first helpdesk job, level 1. They told me it would be a year or two to move to level 2. I busted my ass and did it in 5 months. Now I wanted to go farther, but that company just asked so much that I had no spare time and it caused too much stress and anxiety. I was not able o grow there anymore. The pay was also garbage for what I was doing. I by chance was offered a job as a contractor for a state position. It sounded great. More pay and more along what I wanted to do. Well I pretty much took over from the other guy until he got fired. I ran the place as my own and fixed everything that was not done by the previous employees. Now I am stuck again. There is no where to go from here with the state. I do very little actual work. Most of my time is spent on youtube. I was doing some studying and some writing for my website but not much else. Then I found your channel. It is ignited that fire again. I am learning everything I can. I just applied to WGU so I can get that checkbox of a degree, but also the certs I was going to get anyway. The gi bill will pay for them all since it is from a college. On my own I would have to pay for them. Now I have a 3 year or less plan to get out of here and move on to more challenge. I hate being bored. Thanks for all you do and I will soak it all up.
Very good video Heath! There's a few things you are doing very well - I have been studying your success! One of the big things you are doing very well is being authentic and transparent in both your content and platform. Honesty wins in the long run, you can see it in other TH-cam channels and platforms. In addition to your honesty, you are providing valuable content which differs from the "majority." Very well deserved success and wishing you the best in 2020.
Thanks for sharing your story. You're so right about becoming complacent when you reach the top of your situation. You are motivating and you're an awesome teacher. Glad to have found you!
I’ve been doing my position for 27 years and I’ve mastered it but it is not what I love, that’s why ....I’m even watching your videos, because I WILL BECOME an ethical hacker!!! And a successful one... just watch!!! I have been just hammering away on classes and the more I learn the more I love I can’t wait I’m excited thank you for your video you deserve every bit of what you got! Stay 💯!!!
Two things: first, you should re-upload this and put a “bullshit” counter in the bottom left, with a little ding. Second: I love your courses. I have been studying for the security+ and the OSCP, as well as aiming to finish my bachelors degree in IT with an emphasis in cyber security (actual title of the degree), to leave my body breaking job that leaves me unable to play with my three year old daughter. Your story is truly encouraging, and gave me hope. I’m 32 years old right now, and I’ve been fearing I may be too late, but who knows. Maybe the fact that I’ve owned this business for 11 years, and those certificates and degree will actually be a positive thing for future prospects. Keep it up. Learning from you, and being in your discord channel are amazing resources. I’ll stop kissing your ass now.
I felt similar out of high school but didnt want to make the realization I hated my job I got a degree for so I went to the workforce like an idiot and now realize this is my passion and now I'm starting my degree for what I love doing this is great motivation for my 16 day countdown thank you so much
I agree 100% with what you are trying to tell us. I too have gone through very similar "events" but in different fields. Gee..now I know that I am not alone in my thoughts. Thank you for your honesty.
The real question is why tf do people dislike this good stuff ?
Thank u Cyber Mentor. Really good content !
Hey, this is the first video I've seen of yours and I totally dig your message. I've been the smartest person in the room for a few years now and I'm ready to show the world who I am. (Nearly ready, give me a month or two).
that was so awesome hearing you say all that! i was drawn to your channel because you're a Vet. you have the heart of a teacher, really appreciate all you do.
I don't find a lot of people like this anymore. Your parents must be awesome to instill such morals and attitude, however I can see the psychological effect of your childhood playing a major part of your " i need to know more" trait. Well done on your milestone sir!
Out of all the ethical hacking certs, which was the most rewarding to you, meaning which did you learn the most and best helped you in the real world. Loving the Udemy course so far btw.
Extremely motivating! On my path to become a great Penetration Tester. Thank you for your post, very inspiring.
Same for me! Fingers crossed.
I have huge interest in computers but am from a non technical background and used to work in finance. I always wanted to get into security but didn't know if it was possible. Thank you so much Heath. Your story inspires me so much that, even someone like me who is from non technical field, can pursue a career in cyber security.
Thank you so much once again. I Especially love the fact that you are imparting education for free, the way it is meant to be.
Bless you brother.
Thank you for this video. I've been getting a bit complacent myself, and sometimes you don't really even notice it. My passion/desire has sort of dropped, and this video has hopefully sparked something in me to keep advancing
Love this story man, I've seen a few of your videos and you are such an inspiration. I am currently working two full time jobs 80 hours a week and I think it may be time to quit one and go back to school for cyber security. I rather work and study for 80 hours a week for a couple years then having to work two jobs I hate for who knows how long
Waiting on the "1 year later" update on this. Congrats on all the newer material since then also. And thankyouuuuuuuuuuuuu for all the simple explanations and the continuous 50% discounts.
As my father would have said..... Never compare your self with anyone. Cause no matter what you think of yourself... There will be always a skill that... that person has. And no matter what you do, you can never have.
I'm a 36 year old single mom in school with ECPI for cyber security. I wanted to do pen testing, but IT is so interesting to me that I'm still undecided. The good thing (for me) is IT is repetitive and I feel fairly comfortable learning. I was afraid before because I'm not good in math, too old, too Black, ect. But not providing for my son scares me the most. I'm 6 months in and have a year and a half to go before I get my bachelors in computer science and I'm excited. Taking a chance and trying hard is key. Thanks for bolstering courage!!!
One thing that Heath says that I’d emphasis is when you’re looking at jobs to apply to, is not to dismiss a job if you don’t match most, let alone all, of the requirements - at the very worst, an interview will be good experience but 99% of the time, they’ll seriously consider you based on how you come across on interview, not discard you if you don’t tick all the boxes.
The beginning of your journey sounds similar to mine. My first job in software development was working as a technical support engineer, writing internal tools, fixing messed up databases, etc.. I left for work when it was dark, got home when it was dark and was just miserable all the time. Funily enough, it was actually a company that made accounting software. I ended up moving to QA after a few years but a couple years after that just got burnt out and ended up leaving the industry all together. That was in 2017, but Im actually looking at getting back into it, but this time on the security side. Your videos have been very helpful in confirming, for lack of a better term, to me that this is the right choice and Im now studying for the OSCP, although after one of your videos I may start with the eJPT. Would you say doing eJPT and then OSCP is a good path, or just go right for the OSCP? Ive been going through the learning paths on THM, if you're familiar with that site. Anyway, thanks so much for sharing this, and for all of the videos you create. :) Just wanted to add that you also sound a lot like myself, in the not wanting to sleep, or not being able to. Most nights I dont want to go to sleep because, as you said, there are just so many things that I want to do, or Im working on a project and I find it hard to walk away until Im finished, and even once Im done, Im then just looking for what I can do next, or if I could have done more. A lot of times I look at sleeping like a waste of time. I know we need sleep to function properly, but I always feel that the sleep is just taking away from working on projects or learning something new. So I end up sleeping for like 3-4 hours. I just never want to stop what Im doing lol, and this field is making it worse. As soon as Im done with one challenge, I may take a short break, but then just want to get onto the next one. I think in a way its a good mindset to have though, the never give up mentality. Anyway, thanks again. :)
Totally agree I have been in IT Security for 14 years and half the job requirements are BS. I always tell people, "let the company tell you you're not qualified, dont disqualify yourself"
Hey man thanks for making these videos. I am on a similar path. I got my ba in economics and am working as a analyst. My dream job is to be a malware engineer. I just got accepted into a masters program for software engineering.
Nice Heath! You are the first channel i learn about hacking and am doing same like u before as network engineer. Seriously is not easy to move on into something not familiar to get companies hire. So my next is to get OSCP by mid of the year to be a pentester! Wish you and everyone who toward this journey success.
Thanks for saying what you said about the 'requirements' section posted in I.T jobs, I was gonna apply for one but didn't find myself appropriate, now I'll apply and I'm ready to learn. Thank you once again. You're the best.
I know the like i dropped in this video is very little compared with what you said, but it's what I can do now to support you and congratulate you for your journey. Always learning!
@The Cyber Mentor, thanks a lot! This is one of the most sensible and usable advice I've heard in my life. You keep inspring people to become better selves. Great job!
I'm in the middle of your ethical hacking course - I love the way you teach and I recommend your courses to any aspiring ethical hacker.
I'm a senior network engineer and your videos make me become a pentester. Thanks you so much :) !
I think what you call "luck" may be "reaping what you sow!" You're a good dude, and you deserve all the best Bro! Can't wait to buy you a coffee one these days.
Thank you..
Thank you for truly following your passion and not just in it for the money. Thank you for creating the Udemy course. I'm going to sign up for it.
Lots of people are in their jobs for the money and that's the number one reason why their are so many problems in today's society. Definitely more people need to think like that.
Did you even edit this video 😄 I absolutely enjoyed how you were telling your inspirational story in one go!
I'm gonna be 100% honest. At first when I started to watch your tutorials I naively thought some negative things aboht you. It felt bland at first. But I actually was very very mistaken. I have learned so so much from your udemy courses, your youtube courses and website. Like seriously youre very inspirational and you and youre channel have really grown on me. Thank you for all the work you put in and helping others break free from being poor, struggling and not doing well. You do a lot for this community ajd deserve that money and lots of recognition. Even if you quit TH-cam and I'm an old man doing pentesting I'll still think back to your vids or find them to remember certain things. Stay cool brother , much love nohomo
Well said! Keep doing you. You definitely have been a good mentor to me, I'm sitting at the 6 figure Sr network engineer spot but looking forward to taking the jump to ethical hacking/red team/pentesting career!
+1 on leaving your current company to get raises. In 2 years time, I went from $10/hr PT >> $50K FT >> $70k FT plus bonuses. I'm due my next jump and am expecting >$100k.
this is like my story so far.. I was mechanical engineer, hated that job.. moved to IT, started as Helpdesk, moved to Database Analytic and then to Linux Admin.. now I am aplying for security oriented role, but Coronavirus is messing up my interviews since my country is under quaranteen :( wish me luck man
dude I'm glad for you that you are in the right path ...Congrats..
Loving your course, I'm 38 and secure in my role but am really itching to learn about pen testing and potentially forge some new opportunities!
You're story is exactly like mine hahahahaha its incredible to listen, started at helpdesk and 11 month later i'm SOC analyst and started to do some phishing campaing. I got lucky too! But you are right, i studied and practiced so much at home.
It sounds like the secret source was actually having a degree in something in the first place, that was what caused your income to jump substantially
@The Cyber Mentor. In-fact, your Chanel has always compelled me to learn more about Cyber Security. I been able to learn the basics and grasp the understanding at faster phase, keep up the good works Bro!. Feeling Motivated
Your level of transparency is admirable, thank you for keeping us in the loop.
If you look at the job requirement ignore them - great point. I sometimes feel HR recruitment and leadership put people in pigeon holes because that's the easiest thing to do.
Its an incredible story, I connect very well with it. I had a similar story in the beginning. My dream for the last few years is to be come a CEH. I just don't know where to start. There seem to be so many places to take the exams, but I'm looking for more than that. I just don't know which one to choose. I'm also somewhat on a tight budget, which really hurts. The exams alone are hundreds of dollars. I just feel lost, or stuck. The last thing I want is to get buried in a mountain of debt with programs that appear to be the correct path on the outside, but are just fluff.
One of the reasons companies have unrealistic expectations on paper with job postings is because there is a knowledge gap with the hiring managers but also they can use it as an excuse if they don't find the perfect candidate to bring in an immigrant on an H1-B who will be willing to work for a lower salary.
i've watched all his videos. story never changed...congrats man!
I find pen testing super boring so hopefully there is an avenue in cyber security that works for me! Proud of you man!
same man. the idea sounded great but I know my personality traits don't match with that of a pen tester. hope most people take his original advice & not do stuff for the $
I appreciate you so much man, hearing your story really motivated me to continue my studies. I grew up similar to you and even served in the army for 4 years! I just wanna say thank you bro!! you really have inspired me!
Man I hope that next year you'll be in your buggati , because you really deserve it !
Transparency take courage. Talking about your experience reflect maturity & wisdom. The key word is knowing who you are and what is limiting you. Once you know who you are you will know your potential and you will foresee your path and the challenges you will face. Going through the path you select will teach you to remove limitation and live a limitless life. Few manged to go their path and maintain their Humbleness and eagerness to help others.
I am inspired and I wish abundance and wealth.
Always solid and grounded advice. Thanks for sharing with us and I hope to see you smash your goals for 2020. You're working hard for it. You're earning every milestone. Keep it up.
you are the man , I learned so much from you and I look up to you, tnx a lot dude for everything , I'm from Iran and I can't buy your udemy course because of our banking situation in our country but if some miracle happen in here I will, without a doubt , Amin from Iran
I signed up for your course although I am just a mechanical engineer, very thrilled to see what I can learn from you :)
You are an inspiration buddy! Congrats! I'm halfway through your Udemy course. It's outstanding! Thanks for all your hard work.
I respect and applaud this man, but I just don't see how one can live a balanced life like that.
Those are some seriously good lifecoach tips and tricks. Also , thanks a lot for the Udemy course :) it's a good collection of knowledge from all sorts of areas and sorta reminds a bit of the PWK. Keep up the good work!
Good video pal. I'm about 10% through the Udemy course and really enjoying it. Thanks for giving back.
You really are a mentor in this field. Love your story, love how that is motivating people like me in this field to pursue further study. Keep it up!
I came across your channel last year in September and I have to say, you are amazing. I even started with your Udemy course on Monday.
Thanks dude. Seriously, this is inspirational. I'm currently taking your Practical Ethical Hacking course on Udemy. It's been helping me greatly on my journey to becoming a Pen-Tester. I'm learning alot. Thanks😎🥳😁
Great explanation of the hard work it takes to get there, and what an honest view on how it is really. I appreciate the cert reviews as well! I will be starting your udemy course this weekend. Thank you and much success to you! Salud!
Absolutely informative video. I will definitely look up your courses. You have good voice to be an instructor. Also I am just getting my CEH cert.
I'm glad TH-cam algorithm led me here.
Love this video, very motivational. Im sorry to hear about your family , but im glad your successful. I don't have a IT background but im gonna start with your udemy course and take it from there. also i have a bit of html, css knowledge. anyways keep up the great work.
"Organize your life around your dreams and watch them come true"
Absolute legend. That was inspirational. Cheers Heath!
Awesome video, resonates so much as I feel like I'm in the same exact situation. I work in the field as well, doing threat hunting and red teaming for my company and certified as well. I'm young compared to my colleagues (28), and am doing the coordination of our CSIRT. Starting to feel exactly what you were saying, when you referred to you not getting paid for doing extra work for other companies, with no real added benefit to you financially. Thanks for this video and this little nudge I needed, I think I';m going to start to look into options to do forensics and pentesting on the side with my own company
You are a legend mate, guess I m running into the same situation as yours, people around me are on their current positions 10+ years with the same earning. I m very ambitious about cyber security had a 9+ years in Network administration but don’t have a Bachelors nor masters at all.
Took your advise and taking few courses with elearning security even tho I had a very little knowledge with programming but getting there ! Taking few courses on my own.
Agree with you on Job descriptions, don’t understand how companies come up with such a massive skills to seek from the candidates.
Guess in next few months will be leaving my current position to spend more time focusing on cyber security.
Tired doing the same shit over and over especially being in a position where you don’t grow at all and won’t learn anything.
All the best and keep us posted, looking forward to your next video.
Appreciate your honesty and work ethic. “Happiness” doesn’t come from the career, it comes from what it does for you.
Really love this video!! Shared with my brother-in-law as he REALLY needs to hear this :)
I have been playing the game for years and still purchased your Udemy course and I still learnt stuff. Awesome work bro. Thanks
Wow, I never really comment on videos, but I find so much of what you said to be pertinent to me and my current life. You also suggested things that I had never thought about doing. I would also say that elearnsecurity has been the best platform in making me who I am today. Thank you for this very very good video! Please keep the other tutorials coming :)
This is basically my life, but I'm still at step 2, lol... I have a BA in design and an MS in marketing, I work as a copywriter but I have realized that I don't like marketing. I've started some of your free tutorial programs and I'm very excited about where it will lead.
Inspirational, thank you for giving back to the community.
Honestly, this video just broke me out of my COVID complacency
agreed. we have the same mindset. WHY DO WE HAVE TO START BELOW IF WE CAN SURPASS ANYONE ABOVE :-)
No way dude!!! I live in Albuquerque, NM! What a story man? So inspiring! I am actually in the Cybersec field myself. I got my degree in Networking back in 2015. Luckily I landed this job with this MSSP company. The pay isn't too great but I was very green with little experience so I took it. I have been with the company now for 3 years making basically what you were making when you started with that company you mentioned. I bought your Udemy course cause I really want and need to make more money so I hope this course will help. Thanks for creating it.I need to make the type of money you mentioned to live comfortably. 6 figures is what I need to get to.
Halfway through the Udemy course and I love it! This is also a very interesting video BUT I would love to see an update on your pen testing path only.
For example, how much revenue have you made so far, or per month? (excluding the YT, ads and the Udemy course), are you still working alone at this point or do you have assistance, and if you do, what for and how often is the help hired? How much is spent here?
Do you have any new expenses except for subscriptions for apps. Maybe book keeping, sales people for new customers etc.
More "life lessons" from bringing in new customers/existing customers.
Recommendations for scoring first customer etc.
Maybe it's time for episode #6 in "My Entrepreneurial Journey"? ;)