Q: Learning about database repair, client support, networking protocols, programming, and computer maintenance will allow you to take more contracts when you become a consultant. Volunteer to work on projects that push you outside of your comfort zone. Look for opportunities to improve and increase your mastery of different aspects of the field. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try to develop new skills. This will help make you a more valuable employee. Stay on top of your assignments and go the extra mile when it comes to your work. Showing your superiors that you are a reliable, knowledgeable employee will help you get the promotion you deserve. As you move up the ladder gaining new experiences in your job, you will accumulate a more impressive work history that will eventually allow you to branch out into your own consulting firm. Study IT forensics, software safety, virus protection, firewall management, and other topics whenever possible to prove you are an expert that can deal with a wide variety of problems.  You should continuously read information in your field to stay up-to-date on new security threats as they emerge. Read articles online from reputable websites, and subscribe to computer security journals and magazines – like Computers & Security or the Journal of Computer Security. Conducting research shows that you are a self-starter, an independent worker, and in tune with the trends in the field of computer security. Starting your own security consulting firm will allow you to be your own boss, choose the customers and accounts you work with, and keep a larger portion of the profit you receive from the work that you do. Write a business plan that will detail the number of employees you will need and the services you will offer. Make sure to spend time setting prices based on your expertise and competitors. Market your company to businesses and professionals. Start to build up a list of clients. Although this may take some time, you will start to get business based on the relationships you build with companies. You will need to file a business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.) to complete your company registration. You’ll also need to file a fictitious name certificate and employer identification number for tax purposes. You will also need business licenses to start an office in your county/city.  Call your Secretary of State and County Clerk offices to inquire about the necessary documents in your area. If you live outside of the United States, you should check in with your local chamber of commerce to find out what processes must be completed before you can create your own consulting company. One of the best ways to stay current in the field of computer security is by attending annual conferences. There are many conferences around the world held each year with the goal of advancing the field and sharing knowledge with attendees.  All conferences cost money to attend because the conference hosts have to pay for accommodations, speaker fees, equipment, and other costs of running a conference. Some conferences cost around $100 USD to attend, while others can cost over $2000 USD. Make sure you check the price ahead of time. Some of the most important conferences in the field include the SANS conferences, InfoSec World conferences, ShmooCon, and the IAPP Global Privacy Summit. Another great way to stay connected in the field of computer security is by engaging with other likeminded individuals on various social media platforms. There are many groups on sites like Facebook that allow members to share information.  This means that you can learn about new security developments or threats in real time, rather than waiting for information to be published online. You can also connect to people from different parts of the world, or from other companies, that you might not otherwise have the opportunity to interact with. Using social media is also a great tool to use in promoting your business – especially Twitter and Instagram. On platforms such as these, you can share photos, links, and information about your business to a wide group of people.
A: Develop your skillset. Position yourself for promotions. Conduct your own research on new security threats and methods. Launch a computer security consulting firm. File your business documents with the Secretary of State. Attend relevant conferences. Engage on social media.

Q: Many people find the decision to stop cutting first comes from within. Before reaching out to another person, it may be helpful to think about why you need and want to change your behavior.  People have different motivations for quitting. You may be motivated by a desire to manage your pain better. You may be fearful of the behavior getting worse, or getting sent to the hospital. You may also worry about how your cutting affects friends and loved ones. Whatever your reasons, identify why you want to quit. Starting a journal to write down how you are feeling when you want to cut can help understand how to stop or find other coping methods. It can even help to write down a list of reasons that you do not want to cut anymore. You can refer back to this list in moments when you feel tempted. It is very hard to stop cutting on your own. It can be helpful to open up to someone when you begin the quitting process. This person can provide you with support along the way.  Choose someone you know you can trust. You do not want to pick a friend who's notorious for gossip or someone who is judgmental. It may be a good idea to tell a parent, as your mom or dad can help you find professional help. It can be scary to admit to someone you have been cutting. You may be afraid of an adverse reaction. Keep in mind, however, you will probably feel relieved once you tell someone. It's very hard to keep things bottled up, and you will feel better once you've reached out and asked for support. Consider speaking with your pediatrician or family doctor as a first step. They can be a very helpful resource. It may be easier to tell your parents, too, if you have already talked about it with your doctor and you, your parents, and your doctor can discuss it together. Your comfort is very important. Telling someone you have been cutting is not easy, and it's important you open up in a way that makes you feel safe.  You do not have to have a face-to-face conversation right away. If the idea of telling someone directly is scary, try writing a letter or email. Allow the person to process, and then talk face-to-face later on. You don't have to share everything. If you're not ready to open up about some information, give yourself time. Make it clear to the person you may not answer all the questions they have. You do not have to show your injuries or explain any details you're not ready to share. Focus on your feelings when you talk to the other person. Do not talk primarily about the self-harm behavior. Talk about the feelings, situations, or emotions that led to the behavior. For example, "I've been so stressed about school. I think I'm having trouble managing my emotions about my senior year." It can be shocking to hear a loved one is cutting. The person you open up to may need time to process the information. Have some patience.  You may dislike someone's initial reaction. Remember, reactions are usually temporary. Just because someone responds with shock, fear, or anger does not mean they will feel this way forever. These reactions usually come out of concern for you. It can help to print out some pamphlets about cutting that you find online. Many people do not understand self-harm. Having some reading material can help them process. If you have already reached out for help from a health professional, such as your family doctor or a counselor at school, it may be helpful for you and your parents to meet with them so they can support you as you tell your parents. It's great to have someone to support you as you quit. However, a friend, family member, or loved one may not be able to help you during a crisis. In some situations, psychiatric or medical help is necessary.  If you ever feel suicidal, call 9-1-1. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255. If you find yourself in crisis without anyone to talk to, call (800) 366-8288. This is the number for the S.A.F.E Alternatives program, which offers support for those who engage in self-harm.
A:
Admit to yourself that you need to change. Find someone to tell. Communicate in a way that's comfortable for you. Allow the person to process. Get professional help in the event of a crisis.