Week 4: A Drive to Recharge and Reconnect

Date: 25 Nov 2024 to 1 Dec 2024

The Break That Changed the Pace

This week, I decided to step back — not just from bug hunting but from the relentless grind that life sometimes turns into. Social media notifications, work pressures, and even the familiar clicks of my keyboard — everything was put on hold. It wasn’t easy, but it felt necessary. The focus was entirely on myself, my family, and the people who matter most.

For three days, I found myself in Nagpur, wandering through car showrooms with one goal in mind: finding the perfect birthday gift for my father. The joy of imagining his smile when he saw the new car kept me going. And on November 30th, the search ended. I handed over the keys to his brand-new car — a moment of pure happiness that felt worth every bit of effort.

A Friend in Need

Amidst all this, a close friend confided in me about his struggles. He’s been a full-time bug hunter for four years, but lately, he’s been feeling burnt out. The weight of expectations, self-doubt, and the relentless chase for bugs had worn him down. He began to question his capabilities, even considering stepping away from the field altogether.

I could relate to the feeling, having faced similar moments myself. Burnout is a silent thief; it robs you of your confidence and clouds your perspective. I spent hours talking to him, trying to help him see things differently.

The First Step Is Enough

We talked about starting small — really small. “Go back to basics,” I told him. “Don’t aim for something that feels like a mountain right now. Look for open redirections. Search for parameters like redirect_url, URL, or URI in wayback data. It’s a valid finding, and once you get that first success, you’ll feel the motivation to do more."

It’s a principle I live by. When you’re burned out, don’t force yourself into unfamiliar territory. My friend was chasing SQLi bugs — a skill he’d never been confident in. It was no surprise he felt stuck. I reminded him of something I’ve learned the hard way: stick to what you’re good at. For me, that’s IDOR and BAC vulnerabilities. I’ve focused on these for years and built confidence through consistent results. If I were to dive into recon or fuzzing tomorrow, I’d likely find nothing and feel frustrated.

The Lesson

This week wasn’t about hacking tools or complex payloads. It was about stepping back, reflecting, and realizing that sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when we slow down. Whether it was finding a car for my dad, supporting a friend, or simply taking time for myself, it all reinforced the idea that balance matters.

If you’re feeling burnt out, remember: you don’t have to conquer the mountain in one go. Find that first step, however small, and take it. It’s enough to get started again.

Oh, and before I forget, I managed to publish a blog this week! If you’re into bug hunting, check it out: The P2 Bug You Could Miss Without Reading the Documentation.

Here’s to taking breaks, finding purpose, and moving forward — one small step at a time.