here you go Don, its started on the blogosphere...

http://blog.isc2.org/isc2_blog/2008/06/ethical-hacking.html

http://blog.birchtree.ch/2008/06/ethical-hacking-careers.html

Thanks Don,

You don't know how much this has de-stressed me. I'm now in exactly the same position you were in 7 years ago. I recently quit my job, bag of poop that it was, in order to try my hand at pen testing but without a role to step into. I just started to give up hope of anyone taking me on, due to the catch 22 of experience needed/getting experience... but to hear someone has been down this exact road before and come out of it sucessful and respected fills me with hope.

Thanks again.


Chan

Hey All,

Thanks for your kinds words and compliments. Especially great are the stories of inspiration all of you have shared on and offline. I'm floored and humbled. Keep the great stories coming. In fact, share them with all of us in the Career Central Board.

UPDATE: As it says in the speech, I too follow the concept of self-induced peer pressure. So to keep you updated on the announcement made in the talk, I gave my notice at my day job yesterday. I am rolling the dice and giving all my time to my business, The Digital Construction Company. This is the corporation I formed for my side projects, EH-Net and ChicagoCon.

I'm excited and scared sh!tless! But thanks to a growing community, great feedback on the event and a very supportive wife (who makes a pretty good salary), I'm able to chase a dream.

And a new chapter begins...

Don

Wow .... Amazing presentation... the great thing about your presentation was, you mentioned that getting a life... Well some one will say ( my life IS  computers) thats not it! There is something more to it.
This is the part where I struggle the most, making associates, frnds , companions . But I am trying hard to be more socialistic. 

Thanks for the motivation... Suddenly since I started embracing my passion I have started encountering people, with similar mindsets, and attitudes, and also lot of material online that keeps me motivated...I know I will be there, I just need to sustain my enthusiasm.