Liquidmatrix Security Digest » Apply Head To Desk, Repeat

Apply Head To Desk, Repeat

Author: Dave Lewis
April 16, 2008 at 12:42 pm · Filed under News

Today is a soul crusher. So was yesterday. There are times where my day job can remove my will to soldier on.

This is one of those days.

I was turned down for Black Hat (to attend that is). So, I’ll be applying as press in the hopes that I can get a pass. Failing that I’ll be going to Defcon at least. Thank (insert deity) for air miles. That’s not why I’m feeling low. Just a symptom of a much bigger problem.

I’m normally all vim and vigour and raring to go. This week however I’m finding it difficult to locate my motivation. How do folks keep focused during times of “duress” from job related stress?

Have tips & tricks that you’d like to share?

How do you manage to maintain your sanity in your role?

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Myrcurial said,

April 16, 2008 @ 1:39 pm

I manage my sanity by thoroughly pickling it in alcohol, regularly and frequently. Oh, and fish lifting meta blossoms.

CJ said,

April 16, 2008 @ 1:41 pm

I found myself in a similar situation recently where being turned down for attendance at a useful infosec confab was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Like your situation, it wasn’t the turn down that was the issue - simply a symptom of a larger issue.

I took a few days away to reflect, spoke with peers at length, played with my kids, and listened to a few job offers. It helped to simply gain perspective.

With fresh perspective in hand (and a soft cushion to land on in case of failure), I went to the powers that be and simply asked what their goals were for the function I’m performing. The jury is still out on if they will be meeting the expectations they laid out in that conversation, so I haven’t necessarily resolved the issue. That being said, the new perspective is very refreshing.

YMMV

TJ said,

April 16, 2008 @ 11:32 pm

At times I agree with the first reply, a proper brain pickling in alcohol with a little online fragging works for those days that are too much to carry to the next. Otherwise, Tai-Chi kicked ass at keeping me fairly balanced. You should check it out. I think you will be amazed at how much easier it is to stay cool during the “moments” of the day. I felt better physically while I was practicing it as well.

Matt said,

April 17, 2008 @ 12:01 am

I know what you mean. I used to regularly work out but stopped for a little while due to taking on a night shift over at ISS (huge lack of sleep). My stress built up big time and my girlfriend stayed away until I got back into the gym. I had been used to doing mixed martial arts for a while and with none of that I was looking to vent some work related aggression so I’m glad she made me go back. Helped out big time. I think hitting things (hanging bags) and sparring helps a lot. I probably put a few customer’s faces on the bag sometimes. Keeping active in the gym or working on my house helps me keep the stress monkey off my back.

Dave Lewis said,

April 17, 2008 @ 7:27 am

@Myrcurial

The creature flows in my veins.

HA!

Dave Lewis said,

April 17, 2008 @ 7:30 am

@CJ TJ and Matt

Folks, thanks for your feedback. I have been heavily sleep deprived of late (more so than usual). That coupled with the fact that I haven’t worked out in over a month add to the bad way I put myself in earlier this week. Thanks for your comments. I love it when folks participate. Thanks for taking the time.

…and helping to peel me off the ceiling.

cheers

Doug Woodall said,

April 17, 2008 @ 11:08 am

I read Dilbert!
The comics so apply to reality.
Plus I leave the books laying around at work to piss off management.
But seriously, I get enough sleep, very important.
And I use Chakra, a type of meditation I learned when I was in USAF long ago.
And also, very important, Stay social, dont withdraw.

WiredIdiot said,

April 18, 2008 @ 9:07 am

I spend the days trying to run the security program on rubber bands and excel spreadsheets. Frustrating is not even the word for it.
Can’t even get budget for a pack of gum.
Friday nites are spent in my attic with alcohol and my gigman. lol