It’s no secret that people in the information security field are stressed out especially Chief Security Officers – and it’s also unfortunate that there’s a huge talent gap in the technology sector.

We’re not surprised to see the two are connected by occupational burnout– according to a new report by the International Data Corporation (IDC).

There are still new, talented, hungry people entering the information security field but unfortunately, the industry is seeing record low retention figures facilitated by occupational burnout at higher levels.

For entry-level IT professionals, live is for the most part good. Expectations for entry-level IT employees are basic enough and companies are more willing to be flexible. After working up the corporate ladder, things get tougher, blood pressure rises and turnover becomes more inevitable.

IT jobs that require more than 10 years of experience take more than a year to fill 21% of the time and more than 50% of jobs in the information security field requiring 20 years of experience take more than a year to fill.

In reality, for a company who needs a CSO a year is way too long to wait, especially when you are really counting on this experienced individual to lead your staff and manage key business processes.

The No. 1 Reason for CSO Occupational Burnout

According to the report, those in the information security field get paranoid, and paranoia can be a serious mental drain.

Put yourself in the shoes of a CSO at a Fortune 500 Company. You’re always hearing about the latest data breach – this many million customers have had their identity stolen and/or leaked. This many million dollars were lost as a result of credit card information being stolen.

While other technology jobs are more focused on improving infrastructure and creating technology designed to bring in new business, you’re trying to be proactive about something bad happening, and you’re always worried about having to go reactionary when something bad happens. That leads to faster occupational burnout.

If something bad does happen, it’s on you.

That’s a lot of stress, and frankly, not something many IT executives want to deal with. Human nature is to be working for a greater good – something positive that makes a difference. It’s not fun for those in the information security field to always be working against something negative.

There’s no clear endpoint either, as technology is always adapting and changing. You may win a few battles, but the war is never over. When a firefighter puts out a fire, his job is done for the day – until the next fire, of course. Your fire never quite extinguishes.

Being a CSO comes with stress and unrealistic expectations. Sure, you’re getting paid well, but one big breach could bring your career to a screeching halt.

Should Small Businesses Worry As Much As The Big Guys?

A Chief Security Officer is undoubtedly a necessity at larger companies, and it’s unfortunate to see so few people wanting to do it, and even less making it to retirement in that role.

Thankfully, small businesses don’t need a CSO – and don’t need to get all worked up about what can happen.

For small businesses, your technology staff should be focused on growing your business, streamlining your processes and improving your company’s earnings potential. You need to leave the more complicated matters in the hands of someone you can trust, without sweating about looming threats.

ThrottleNet’s Managed Network Solutions allow your small business to focus on the things that really matter at a fair price. Our bundled services include Remote Monitoring, Anti Spyware and Virus Software on all network connected devices and a Virtual CIO dedicated to improving your security and data integrity.

We’ll handle keeping your network secure and develop a customized solution for your business. When talent is hard to come by, we’re always here, providing a technology staff dedicated to the unique needs of your business.

Ready to talk IT? Don’t get stressed out. Try ThrottleNet for free today.