Security Testing Journal Entry | w/e Friday January 16, 2026 - "New Year, New Cruise '26" Ed.

Highlights for the week

It's a precarious situation that I find myself in. I want to find work, but unable to start immediately. Anything would have to come after February.

And what a week it was! Although the employment situation remains hot garbage, a lot was accomplished and learned, starting with finishing another pen test. Seven months and I'm learning where I really failed at SI (and other employers) and where I will improve.

• I will continue to improve my testing fundamentals, my writing, and my discipline for working through challenges.
• I will make sure to ask clarifiying questions to make sure I understand the assignment fully.
• I will then follow-up when I've completed the assignment to ensure I've completed the task.
• I will work double-hard to make sure I have full context / clarity on the project I'm working on. No more struggling with context.
• I'm also going to learn not to be so gung-ho about a new job; no more rose-colored glasses. Both eyes wide opened and staying grounded.
• I will set daily and weekly goals, making sure they are aligned with the work I am assigned to doing. No time wasted!!

MOST IMPORTANT PROMISE TO MYSELF: I will work my a!@# off to be an asset to the team, not a liability.

What We’re Grateful For

1. Grateful to be able to have provided for another cruise. I am the richest poor person I know :)
2. Grateful to be going on vacation and away from the negativity for a few days.
3. As always, grateful that I get to wake up in a bed, with food in the 'fridge, and a warm meal.
4. Last but never the least: eternally grateful for the loving family I have, near and abroad.

What We Loved

1. Getting back into python was always a pleasure. I'll probably continue on this path.
2. Loved that I'm feeling the work I'm putting in to heal mentally is paying off. The negative self-talk has been replaced with positive affirmation!!

What We Learned

1. AI Training [Status: Not Started!] - Going to schedule time for it .. pinky-promise!!
2. Writing: Chapter "War Cry" [Status: IN PROGRESS!]. Been delayed writing this week. Saved for the weekend.
3. Python for Ethical Hacking: [Status: DONE!] - Finished the book in record time and pulled in some great code snippets for future use.
4. New Pen Test: USAA [Status: DONE!] - Scope was large, but after verifying the targets, it was whittled down to a web pen test. APIs were inaccessible.
5. QA DAY: [Status: BACKLOGGED!] - Scheduled time for python for ethical hacking.
6. Mentor/Mentee w. IMANI, Project Planning Lesson: [Status: PAUSED!] - Postponed until February

What We Longed For

1. A job .. like now!! I will be in the red end of this month. Something's got to give!

What We Loathed

1. Monday's are the worst for job hunting.
2. What's not working, besides me! ... job hunt. Seven months, zero phone calls or invites to first-round interviews. More rejections than I can count.
3. Also, starting my morning at 10:30 (or so) is hurting my productivity. Then again, job hunt has been a dumpster fire.