Personal timeline

PowerPuffEggplant's journey

Milestones, reflections, and progress updates connected as your layoff-to-next-step story unfolds.

  1. 2
    Applied to a Job Feeling Thinking

    I’ve been struggling to find a job in cybersecurity since I entered the field in 2019. Originally from southern Europe, I hold a British passport and I’m a 40-year-old female with a background in banking. It’s become incredibly difficult to transition out of cybersecurity or even land interviews. Hiring managers and recruiters keep telling me they prefer candidates with military backgrounds, even for roles that are not in the government sector. Just a couple of years ago, I was inundated with calls for strategic intelligence roles, leveraging my educational background in geopolitics. Now, I’m applying for various positions in banking and other sectors, but the feedback is the same—employers are prioritizing ex-military candidates. This wasn’t the case before, and it’s frustrating. I had even considered joining the army myself, but a spinal tumor made that impossible. I’m curious if anyone else is experiencing similar challenges in the job market, especially in cybersecurity. It feels like the landscape has shifted dramatically, and it’s disheartening.

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  2. 1
    Applied to a Job Feeling Planning Thinking

    I am a 40-year-old female currently working as a Senior Threat Detection Engineer, but I’ve been informed that layoffs are imminent, so I'm actively looking for a new role. My CV reflects a pattern that might look like job hopping, but the reality is that life circumstances have forced me into these transitions. I’ve been living and working in the UK for the past decade, but I've had to return to my home country multiple times for medical reasons and family support. I’ve applied to over 600 jobs since January, but I haven’t had any interviews. I’ve tried tweaking my CV, applying to similar fields, and even obtaining certifications, but nothing seems to work. I’m worried that the short durations at each job are affecting my chances. Here’s a brief overview of my recent roles: - Senior Threat Detection Engineer (July 2025 - Present) - Currently employed but facing layoffs. - Cyber Specialist (Jan 2024 - April 2025) - Let go due to a merger. - Cyber Analyst (Aug 2022 - Sept 2023) - Left for surgery related to a severe neck injury. - Cyber Analyst (Sept 2020 - April 2022) - Had to leave after losing my dad and staying abroad for months. - 2019-2020 - Faced a toenail infection that led to multiple surgeries and required me to return home for support. - Commodities Strategist (Sept 2016 - Sept 2018) - Left due to early menopause diagnosis and related treatments. - Commodities Analyst (Sept 2014 - Sept 2016) - This was a temporary role. I’m considering grouping some of my roles together on my CV to present a more stable narrative. I’m anxious and unsure if that will help, but I feel it’s worth a try.

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