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Welcome to Edition #41 of The Career Compass! In this week's issue, we’re diving into the rise of freelance cybersecurity, new trends in hiring, and five bold strategies to help you break free from career stagnation. Plus, discover how to prepare for in-demand roles like Digital Forensics Analyst.

Video of the Week: Cybersecurity: Freelance Vs In-House – Which One Should You Do?

Are you considering a career in cybersecurity and wondering whether freelancing or working in-house is the better path in 2025? This video breaks down the pros and cons of freelance cybersecurity versus in-house roles, including salary comparisons, job security, work-life balance, and career growth opportunities.

Discover:

• The real differences between freelance and in-house cybersecurity jobs

• Which path offers higher earning potential in 2025

• Insights on building a client base as a cybersecurity freelancer

• How job stability, benefits, and lifestyle compare

• Tips for making the right cybersecurity career choice for your goals

Whether you’re exploring consulting or seeking your next full-time move, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

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News & Trends in Career Development

Cybersecurity Contracting Booms in 2025

With escalating threats and evolving compliance mandates, companies are increasingly turning to cybersecurity contractors to fill critical gaps. Roles in cloud security, threat intelligence, and GRC are in high demand.

🔹 Why it matters: Contracting offers attractive perks—flexibility, higher pay, and exposure to diverse environments. It’s a great path for professionals seeking rapid growth and autonomy without long-term commitment.

Remote-First Companies Demand Self-Starters

More organisations are embracing remote-first cultures—but they expect candidates to thrive with minimal supervision. The top traits being hired for: autonomy, time management, and proactive communication.

🔹 Why it matters: To stand out, demonstrate your ability to work independently. Highlight past remote projects, side hustles, or initiatives where you’ve delivered without hand-holding.

Soft Skills Now Drive Career Mobility

In 2025, technical skills are still essential—but employers are doubling down on soft skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration. Teams need communicators who can navigate change.

🔹 Why it matters: Prioritise developing your interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise. Include leadership development, feedback culture, and communication in your personal development plan.

Cyber Career Spotlight: Digital Forensics Analyst

Digital Forensics Analysts play a vital role in modern investigations—recovering and analysing digital evidence to trace breaches and support legal action.

🔹 Responsibilities:

• Recover deleted files and trace breach activity across devices

• Collaborate with legal or law enforcement to ensure evidence integrity

• Create incident reports and court-admissible documentation

• Support future incident prevention with lessons learned

🔹 Key Skills:

• File system and operating system expertise (Windows, Linux, Mac)

• Proficiency with tools like EnCase, FTK, X-Ways, and Autopsy

• Deep understanding of malware behaviour and digital traces

• Precision, critical thinking, and strong written communication

🔹 Career Path: SOC Analyst → Incident Responder → Digital Forensics Analyst → Lead Forensics Consultant / Cybercrime Investigator

This is an ideal path for professionals who enjoy puzzles, detail-oriented work, and direct impact on legal and organisational outcomes.

Feeling Stuck? 5 Game-Changing Career Moves to Unlock Your Potential

Struggling to move forward in your career? Whether it’s burnout, boredom, or fear of change—these five moves will help you reset and gain momentum:

1. Reevaluate Your Career Vision

Take a step back and ask yourself: What do you really want from your work life over the next 12 months? Rebuild your direction based on clarity and meaning.

2. Say Yes to Stretch Projects

Volunteering for a project outside your comfort zone can accelerate your growth and increase visibility. It signals ambition and adaptability.

3. Find a Mentor or Join a Peer Circle

Accountability and encouragement from others is game-changing. Reach out to someone a few steps ahead of you, or form a peer group for regular check-ins and idea sharing.

4. Learn a Market-Aligned Skill

Pick a skill in demand—cloud computing, AI literacy, or public speaking—and master it. Share your learning journey online to build both skill and visibility.

5. Refresh Your Online Presence

Update your LinkedIn profile, create a new headline, share an insight or story, and make your current goals visible. This is your personal brand in action.

Even one small step today can create a ripple that leads to big change. Choose your move—and act.

Book a Free 15-Minute Exploratory Call

Need tailored advice on your job search, interview prep, or career transition? I'm offering a free 15-minute exploratory call to help you clarify your goals and uncover your next best move.

🔗 Book your spot here: https://lukegough.as.me/

Let's talk about how I can support your career journey.

Career Mindset – How to Build Long-Term Motivation

Motivation is the spark that ignites action and sustains progress. But staying motivated isn't about endless energy—it's about building systems and strategies that support your drive.

🔹 Break Goals Into Milestones: Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them down into weekly or monthly achievements, and reward yourself when you reach them.

🔹 Visualise Your 'Why': Create a digital vision board, set a motivational phone wallpaper, or write a note on your mirror. Daily reminders keep your purpose front and center.

🔹 Track Your Progress: Use a journal or digital tracker to document progress. Even small wins build momentum.

🔹 Surround Yourself with Positivity: Who you listen to matters. Follow people who inspire you, and spend time with those who believe in your potential.

🔹 Rest and Reset: Don’t mistake burnout for lack of motivation. Sometimes, the best strategy is a short break, followed by a refreshed return.

Motivation isn’t magic—it’s built. And you’re capable of building it every day.

Thank you for being part of The Career Compass community. Keep growing, learning, and sharing your journey.

P.S. Remember to share The Career Compass with your network, and let's work together to empower more careers!

Best wishes,
Luke Gough
Career Coach / Founder of The Career Compass