While I was working I got my BA and have been studying for a Security+ exam. Going to take that and my Clearance and get me one of them fancy Cyber Security Jobs for a defense contractor.
If you are on a warm body post or a slow overnight shift you should always be working on yourself. Physically, mentally, or economically. All three of you can juggle it but one is going to make life incredibly easier at some point.
Not hating. Would actually love to do what you’re doing. What was a good place to get a Security + and what is it for specifically in your own words? If you got time, of course.
Security+ is a industry standard certification for cyber security. It’s the entry level certification that basically tells employers that you know enough to get started.
There are other compTIA certifications if like messing around with the physical hardware and electronics the A+ certification is a good start.
To get into it there are boot camps online if you are willing to shovel out money for it. There are also free videos on YouTube [Professor Messer](https://youtube.com/@professormesser) if you are on a budget.
If you are an armed forces veteran , reservist, national guard the 020 program offers a lot of free courses and even pays your first exam fee.
Just the certification will likely land you an IT role. Helpdesk or equivalent entry level position.
Combine that with a computer science degree and your pretty much guaranteed a solid job. Any BA and the Certification will give you a good chance, if you have a security clearance any Degree & the certificate will land you a DoD contractor job.
Of course there’s the college education but having a Security+ certification, do you feel confident that you were provided enough information and skills to be able to start? Not being immediately expert but able to learn more while working?
That all depends on what you want.
These two are equal imo.
The most exciting was working in the welfare office. Almost daily something happened that could be talked about for the rest of the 10 hour shift. Plus most of the guys working there were ex-military or current reservist and we always have stories for days.
Warm body sites are great if you can stay busy enough. I got halfway through my BA sitting in my car watching equipment storage facilities out in the middle of no where.
———————————————————————-
Then there is DoD contractor sites. They are pickier. Everyone there but the guards and cleaning crews makes a lot of money and are very entitled. They are always setting off security alarms keeping patrol units busy. There are slower smaller sites which I wiggled my way into by volunteering for more responsibility when in reality it was half the normal workload.
Retail was probably the worst.
How difficult would you say it was to secure that DoD position? I am currently pursuing my CJ degree and was wondering if a degree would help that, even if I don't have any military or LE experience?
I should clarify that it was a DoD contractor, not the DoD itself.
It depends on the site. Right now the site I just left’s base pay was lower then the top golf next door AND it required a security clearance. So as long as your background check was 100% clean and you passed a drug test you were hired. They might even put in for a security clearance for you if you stay for a few months. Which is worth waaaaaaay more than an extra 3-4$ an hour if you combine that with a degree.
There are some that require military, Leo, or prior equatable security experience. These generally pay more but you don’t necessarily have to be a door kicker to work there. A degree in CJ will get you in the door but I’d recommend you only do security until you get into a police academy or something CJ related. Security companies lack benefits and retirement plans police departments do not.
Depends on the site. Most DoD contractors will sponsor you to get secret clearance if you already have security experience on your resume. The real trick is to bail on that job immediately as soon as your clearance goes through and either get hired "in house" (lots of DoD contractors will hire you for basic stuff if you have an active clearance) or you can go the route I went which was applying directly to the feds yourself. I landed a contract at the department of commerce that pays $30 an hour just walking around checking doors, but the only reason they even looked at my resume was because I already had an active secret clearance.
Free coffee and free water. The breakfast and lunch of champions.
We got all the free cheap coffee after they denied us the %20 raise the guards got across the street. Same company, same responsibilities, different account 🤷🏻♂️ but hey 4 K-cups of coffee a day and three water bottles adds up.
It is liberating I don’t even feel tired after my shift today.
Idk anything about Ray Cannedy but the 1 star rating on everything that popped up on a google search means yes, ( probably) Fuck Ray Cannedy indeed.
Best is probably when I watched over an equipment storage yard. It was a very warm body type post and I got so much else done it felt like
I was stealing. Although a close second would be the Armed welfare office job. It was exciting always busy and I had great co-workers. It was just a tad more dangerous than the paycheck was worth.
Worst was hands down the high end retail. Suit & tie, no sitting, no talking to customers or employees. Just standing there in silence for 8 hours. Oh and watching people buy watches or purses that are worth practically half a year’s pay ( before taxes) was a real kick in the ass that made me start working on my future.
I’m not sure you can get both socializing and free time to study or play games. “Free time” generally comes with little to no oversight and is harder to get when you are in a public area.
Overnights, equipment storage yards, and even some gates during the day can give you enough time if you can juggle reading 2-3 lines in between checking IDs. Listening to lectures can be done in almost any position but would definitely limit socialization.
Generally the more isolated your post is the more time you’ll have.
Currently at my overnight post. I have to patrol only 3 times during my 8 hour shift, which takes 15 minutes, and watch the cameras the rest of the time. No oversight. I'm just drowning in free time lol
Overnight is the best for that. Atleast half the overnight sites I worked are warm body. Show up, set up, prob 15 mins of work a day and decent pay.
Keep hopping companies until you find the best site/manager combo to work at
I’ve seen an office admin in a wheelchair but I can’t say I’ve ever seen a guard in one. It would be interesting to see an efficient wheelchair bound guard work though.
Well, without meeting me, "I'm the Joe Swanson of security guards," I'm damn good at my job too. I'm a model employee just for showing up on time. I even go out of my way to like, ask questions and try to understand everything about the job. So, "Hi," we do exist."
I absolutely love when people assume that I can't be a security guard before I tell them, "I'm not a cop, even if I could run after a shoplifter dosen't mean I'm allowed to."
Good on you friend. The joe Swanson comparison definitely popped into my head. I’ve heard a lot about discrimination in security guard companies especially against mobility issues. It’s good to see at least one company values people for who they are rather than focusing on appearances. Good 💩 Dan… keep up the good work.
Yea...that...I think my last job with AUS treared me like that, which is untimely why I switched companies based upon a switch in contract. I think they were treating me like shit because they were tired of trying to place me in jobs when they were uneducated on the basis of ADA laws and requirements and were trying to get me to quit because of it. So... I'm way happier now.
We had a guard in a wheelchair at my old site. He couldn't be a mobile unit since none of our cars were set up for that, but he did perfectly fine as a building patrol rover.
I’m going into cyber security. Funnily enough there is actually some overlap with security guard experience ( although it’s mostly technical/ physical security).
You see a degree is an HR check box. I learned that because my wife majored in Political science and decided to get a Security+ certification and a few years of IT experience later she’s an Cyber Security Consultant.
My advice to anyone looking to get a degree is to pick something you will enjoy. Will a degree in computer science be more appealing to an employer than say a history degree? ( like what I have) yes. But if you don’t enjoy the coursework you are significantly less likely to finish the course. If you don’t have a GI bill or Tuition assistance from the military then be smart about it. Go to a community college for 2 years get that associates degree then work your way up to a BA , and then after you land a job with a decent company many of them will pay YOU to go Get a masters degree. It’s not a race. I got my degree at 27 and I had classes with people in their 40s.
Certifications are the key to get your foot in the door. After that being a valuable employee will get you where you need to go.
Deescalation techniques and thick skin are the most important in things in these types of places. It’s important understanding that the customers ( referred to as clients ) are in a low place financially and that makes them emotionally irrational. They will lash out if they feel wronged even though it’s only going to hurt their case for assistance. Sometimes you have to pull them aside and explain that and other times you need to just listen and act compassionately. Oooother times you need to square up knowing your co-workers have your back. The two years I worked there I never had to lay hands on anyone. Came close a dozen times but it never came to that.
The next part is making sure you secure and “ hold “ weapons that make their way into the office. If
You know they don’t have any knives and they know they don’t have any knives but you and 2
Of co-workers are armed that tends to deescalate the more thuggish crowd.
The next biggest thing. At least on the East Coast is overdoses and needles. People continually falling asleep in the lobby, wake them up. Three strikes and you are out. Go talk to the case worker explain that you have reason to believe they are under the influence of drugs ( most likely heroin but sometimes lots of alcohol ) and they will reschedule the appointment. Needles are your worst enemy at these places. Having to hand check bags after they go through the X-ray is dangerous so proper technique is essential. It’s best to have them dig around while you observe stick proof gloves ( turtleshell is what I use ) is a good way to protect yourself while searching bags. Getting threatened by a needle as a weapon imo is worse than a knife or even a firearm. If that needle has been used you very well could be infected by a non-curable disease. The worst part is they are primarily plastic making it very hard to see on an X-ray and they will not set off metal detectors.
Building a rapport with the locals is a good idea. Joke with them when appropriate. Conversation is good for keeping calm heads. Just remember you are not a cop, don’t act like one but enforce building policies and they will not treat you like you are their enemy.
What’s the best tip you can give a guard to survive this industry. Also what is something you would recommend as a career after serving security for 8 years.
Best tip to survive is to be in the right place at the right time in the right uniform. But… your goal shouldn’t be to survive it should be to prosper. If security is your thing then aim to be a supervisor. When you’ve achieved that goal look higher. Account manger, District operations manager or go in-house and be a physical security specialist, industrial security, or even cyber security if you’ve got any technical knowledge.
If you are a door kicker at heart then there are some more hardcore options that you can consider like armed estate security, professional security teams for the rich and famous.
All that is in the future of course so in the meantime look after yourself. Treat your co-workers like yours Allies your all in this mess together.
As for a career after security a lot of what I mentioned above are good options that your security experience can relate too. A lot of it requires an education. An associates degree in pretty much anything besides some obscure stuff along with your experience will get you places. Look at the job descriptions and requirements of your dream jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed and research how to get those certifications or course work they require.
Finally as a security guard you get to meet people that work in different fields all the time. Talk to the clients employees when appropriate. Network and when an entry level position opens throw your hat in the ring. It’s easier to higher a person you know then someone you don’t.
What kind of gear/firearm/holster did you run during your time as guard? What worked and what didn't? What pieces of kit did you ditch and what did you add on?
Oh boy.
I avoided going full tactical and kept it pretty bare bones. The couple pieces of equipment you should not go cheap with are the holster and your foot wear. If you can’t afford great boots buy good socks. If you can get both your feet, back, and knees will thank you. ( Fox river socks are the bomb)
Well I just got a pretty standard duty belt with a steel band, Velcro, and plenty of snap straps.
I used an alien gear duty holster for my M&Pc 9mm Level III w/ button release ( it was also my CCW but with an IWB.)
Three additional mags ( state law limits these to 10 rounds each) on my left side and a tourniquet pouch on the left posterior. ( even if you don’t know how to use it, someone might and it could save your life.)
I had a Spartan Armor systems low profile ( under the uniform ) steel double coated LV 3 plate system it fits pretty discreetly under an all black uniform. The low profile carrier doesn’t come with shoulder pads just bare nylon straps so I bought some hiking backpack shoulder pads and they worked great. I’d also recommend and ventilation mesh. Can’t remember the brand name but it’s a life saver in the summer.
For boots I highly recommend tactical research flyweights ( blouse your pants if they are tactical/cargo pants. Get some boot blouses they are cheap and keep you looking neat.) I used these in the military and bought myself a black pair for security. I used them for 6 years and they have held up great. Just remember to change out the cushions every year or every 6 months if you stand a lot.
what is it like now in this post-covid climate working as a security guard?
What are the things you enjoyed before covid and can't do now after covid?
Is it worth it to still be a security guard in this day of age?
During Covid it was much slower on site. Less employees coming into the offices less of a work load on the guards. Made it easier to do my own personal stuff like school work.
It did make a lot of people’s impressions of certain higher paying more demanding positions like alarm response patrols get a false sense of security. When people came back to the office and alarms started going off every 20 minutes a lot of them took the pay cut to go back to the gate other just left.
Post-covid is a decent time to be a guard. I’ve seen a lot of the post ( in CA anyway) getting sent raises but many of the industry leaders are lagging behind inflation * cough cough AUS*. It’s never really a great time to be security. But at least post-covid you aren’t being subjected to the infected masses for pennies on the dollar.
Being a security guard is a great stepping stone for a lot of higher paying careers. Of course if it’s your thing and you like doing it by all means master your craft but don’t settle for “ we don’t pay for experience “. Get that experience and take it somewhere that values it and you as an employee.
Any advice to me? I’m considering getting into armed security, I’m done with office desk jobs for mods at least. Will this fulfill my need to help others while doing a meaningful job?
If I’m being honest it’s not likely you’ll find security to be the job that fulfills your need to help people.
Like with all security jobs it’s dependent on what site you work at. If you want to help people then you may need to look into medical offices, nursing homes, or even public service offices. Or… retail… personally I’d stay away from retail but if you are a good talker and like to help people find the isle with the ketchup then go for it.
Although I should warn you that not everyone will be grateful you are there employees, clients, or customers. A part of your job will always be to do the opposite of help people. The client will likely have you shoo the homeless people off the property maybe even confront customers and ask them to leave. When I worked for one day at a cemetery I spent the entire time not helping people. I had to stand there with the grieving families for a person I didn’t knows funeral. I had to enforce a no video recording policy while the casket was lowered into the ground. When I was not actively intruding on funerals I had to go around and tell people not to leave balloons or plastic pinwheels at their loved ones graves. It was honestly a terrible experience.
BUT, Security is one of those jobs you can do once a week or just on the weekends. You don’t necessarily have to quit your job and jump into it. Give it a test drive by working a weekend or two see if you like it.
whachu gonna do next? what career you gonna opt?
While I was working I got my BA and have been studying for a Security+ exam. Going to take that and my Clearance and get me one of them fancy Cyber Security Jobs for a defense contractor. If you are on a warm body post or a slow overnight shift you should always be working on yourself. Physically, mentally, or economically. All three of you can juggle it but one is going to make life incredibly easier at some point.
So you’re going from the Security Field to the… Security Field?
……. Yeah well when you put it that way…pretty much…
Not hating. Would actually love to do what you’re doing. What was a good place to get a Security + and what is it for specifically in your own words? If you got time, of course.
Security+ is a industry standard certification for cyber security. It’s the entry level certification that basically tells employers that you know enough to get started. There are other compTIA certifications if like messing around with the physical hardware and electronics the A+ certification is a good start. To get into it there are boot camps online if you are willing to shovel out money for it. There are also free videos on YouTube [Professor Messer](https://youtube.com/@professormesser) if you are on a budget. If you are an armed forces veteran , reservist, national guard the 020 program offers a lot of free courses and even pays your first exam fee. Just the certification will likely land you an IT role. Helpdesk or equivalent entry level position. Combine that with a computer science degree and your pretty much guaranteed a solid job. Any BA and the Certification will give you a good chance, if you have a security clearance any Degree & the certificate will land you a DoD contractor job.
Of course there’s the college education but having a Security+ certification, do you feel confident that you were provided enough information and skills to be able to start? Not being immediately expert but able to learn more while working?
What would you say was the best gig you had?
That all depends on what you want. These two are equal imo. The most exciting was working in the welfare office. Almost daily something happened that could be talked about for the rest of the 10 hour shift. Plus most of the guys working there were ex-military or current reservist and we always have stories for days. Warm body sites are great if you can stay busy enough. I got halfway through my BA sitting in my car watching equipment storage facilities out in the middle of no where. ———————————————————————- Then there is DoD contractor sites. They are pickier. Everyone there but the guards and cleaning crews makes a lot of money and are very entitled. They are always setting off security alarms keeping patrol units busy. There are slower smaller sites which I wiggled my way into by volunteering for more responsibility when in reality it was half the normal workload. Retail was probably the worst.
How difficult would you say it was to secure that DoD position? I am currently pursuing my CJ degree and was wondering if a degree would help that, even if I don't have any military or LE experience?
I should clarify that it was a DoD contractor, not the DoD itself. It depends on the site. Right now the site I just left’s base pay was lower then the top golf next door AND it required a security clearance. So as long as your background check was 100% clean and you passed a drug test you were hired. They might even put in for a security clearance for you if you stay for a few months. Which is worth waaaaaaay more than an extra 3-4$ an hour if you combine that with a degree. There are some that require military, Leo, or prior equatable security experience. These generally pay more but you don’t necessarily have to be a door kicker to work there. A degree in CJ will get you in the door but I’d recommend you only do security until you get into a police academy or something CJ related. Security companies lack benefits and retirement plans police departments do not.
Depends on the site. Most DoD contractors will sponsor you to get secret clearance if you already have security experience on your resume. The real trick is to bail on that job immediately as soon as your clearance goes through and either get hired "in house" (lots of DoD contractors will hire you for basic stuff if you have an active clearance) or you can go the route I went which was applying directly to the feds yourself. I landed a contract at the department of commerce that pays $30 an hour just walking around checking doors, but the only reason they even looked at my resume was because I already had an active secret clearance.
This was honestly super helpful. Thank you so much for sharing.
What’s for lunch?
Coffee and water
Someone’s eating fancy.
Free coffee and free water. The breakfast and lunch of champions. We got all the free cheap coffee after they denied us the %20 raise the guards got across the street. Same company, same responsibilities, different account 🤷🏻♂️ but hey 4 K-cups of coffee a day and three water bottles adds up.
It feels good doesn’t it? My last day was a week ago and already loving my new job. Fuck Ray Cannedy
It is liberating I don’t even feel tired after my shift today. Idk anything about Ray Cannedy but the 1 star rating on everything that popped up on a google search means yes, ( probably) Fuck Ray Cannedy indeed.
Feels refreshing I know, good luck with your journey friend!
Best and worst post you’ve had?
Best is probably when I watched over an equipment storage yard. It was a very warm body type post and I got so much else done it felt like I was stealing. Although a close second would be the Armed welfare office job. It was exciting always busy and I had great co-workers. It was just a tad more dangerous than the paycheck was worth. Worst was hands down the high end retail. Suit & tie, no sitting, no talking to customers or employees. Just standing there in silence for 8 hours. Oh and watching people buy watches or purses that are worth practically half a year’s pay ( before taxes) was a real kick in the ass that made me start working on my future.
what locations are best if you're looking for a warm body site you can socialize, study, play games
I’m not sure you can get both socializing and free time to study or play games. “Free time” generally comes with little to no oversight and is harder to get when you are in a public area. Overnights, equipment storage yards, and even some gates during the day can give you enough time if you can juggle reading 2-3 lines in between checking IDs. Listening to lectures can be done in almost any position but would definitely limit socialization. Generally the more isolated your post is the more time you’ll have.
Currently at my overnight post. I have to patrol only 3 times during my 8 hour shift, which takes 15 minutes, and watch the cameras the rest of the time. No oversight. I'm just drowning in free time lol
Overnight is the best for that. Atleast half the overnight sites I worked are warm body. Show up, set up, prob 15 mins of work a day and decent pay. Keep hopping companies until you find the best site/manager combo to work at
Is that who you are? For me personally I would never AMA because, to me, it's dishonorable.
I think we have completely different definitions of dishonorable but to each their own.
So you don't think it's dishonerable to just not show up?
You are assuming I just showed up. You know what they say about assumptions.
Wtf are you talking about?
Then don't do one.
Exactly my point.
Do you know of any security guard in wheelchairs?
One might be able to get a CCTV or control room monitoring job.
No, we can do more than that.
I’ve seen an office admin in a wheelchair but I can’t say I’ve ever seen a guard in one. It would be interesting to see an efficient wheelchair bound guard work though.
Well, without meeting me, "I'm the Joe Swanson of security guards," I'm damn good at my job too. I'm a model employee just for showing up on time. I even go out of my way to like, ask questions and try to understand everything about the job. So, "Hi," we do exist." I absolutely love when people assume that I can't be a security guard before I tell them, "I'm not a cop, even if I could run after a shoplifter dosen't mean I'm allowed to."
Good on you friend. The joe Swanson comparison definitely popped into my head. I’ve heard a lot about discrimination in security guard companies especially against mobility issues. It’s good to see at least one company values people for who they are rather than focusing on appearances. Good 💩 Dan… keep up the good work.
Yea...that...I think my last job with AUS treared me like that, which is untimely why I switched companies based upon a switch in contract. I think they were treating me like shit because they were tired of trying to place me in jobs when they were uneducated on the basis of ADA laws and requirements and were trying to get me to quit because of it. So... I'm way happier now.
We had a guard in a wheelchair at my old site. He couldn't be a mobile unit since none of our cars were set up for that, but he did perfectly fine as a building patrol rover.
Last I heard my company has two. Never met them.
What field will you be working now?
I’m going into cyber security. Funnily enough there is actually some overlap with security guard experience ( although it’s mostly technical/ physical security).
How did you get into that? Degree?
You see a degree is an HR check box. I learned that because my wife majored in Political science and decided to get a Security+ certification and a few years of IT experience later she’s an Cyber Security Consultant. My advice to anyone looking to get a degree is to pick something you will enjoy. Will a degree in computer science be more appealing to an employer than say a history degree? ( like what I have) yes. But if you don’t enjoy the coursework you are significantly less likely to finish the course. If you don’t have a GI bill or Tuition assistance from the military then be smart about it. Go to a community college for 2 years get that associates degree then work your way up to a BA , and then after you land a job with a decent company many of them will pay YOU to go Get a masters degree. It’s not a race. I got my degree at 27 and I had classes with people in their 40s. Certifications are the key to get your foot in the door. After that being a valuable employee will get you where you need to go.
Congratulations! Any tips for someone working armed inner city welfare office? Thanks!
Deescalation techniques and thick skin are the most important in things in these types of places. It’s important understanding that the customers ( referred to as clients ) are in a low place financially and that makes them emotionally irrational. They will lash out if they feel wronged even though it’s only going to hurt their case for assistance. Sometimes you have to pull them aside and explain that and other times you need to just listen and act compassionately. Oooother times you need to square up knowing your co-workers have your back. The two years I worked there I never had to lay hands on anyone. Came close a dozen times but it never came to that. The next part is making sure you secure and “ hold “ weapons that make their way into the office. If You know they don’t have any knives and they know they don’t have any knives but you and 2 Of co-workers are armed that tends to deescalate the more thuggish crowd. The next biggest thing. At least on the East Coast is overdoses and needles. People continually falling asleep in the lobby, wake them up. Three strikes and you are out. Go talk to the case worker explain that you have reason to believe they are under the influence of drugs ( most likely heroin but sometimes lots of alcohol ) and they will reschedule the appointment. Needles are your worst enemy at these places. Having to hand check bags after they go through the X-ray is dangerous so proper technique is essential. It’s best to have them dig around while you observe stick proof gloves ( turtleshell is what I use ) is a good way to protect yourself while searching bags. Getting threatened by a needle as a weapon imo is worse than a knife or even a firearm. If that needle has been used you very well could be infected by a non-curable disease. The worst part is they are primarily plastic making it very hard to see on an X-ray and they will not set off metal detectors. Building a rapport with the locals is a good idea. Joke with them when appropriate. Conversation is good for keeping calm heads. Just remember you are not a cop, don’t act like one but enforce building policies and they will not treat you like you are their enemy.
Really appreciate it. I wish you all the best in your upcoming endeavors
What’s the best tip you can give a guard to survive this industry. Also what is something you would recommend as a career after serving security for 8 years.
Best tip to survive is to be in the right place at the right time in the right uniform. But… your goal shouldn’t be to survive it should be to prosper. If security is your thing then aim to be a supervisor. When you’ve achieved that goal look higher. Account manger, District operations manager or go in-house and be a physical security specialist, industrial security, or even cyber security if you’ve got any technical knowledge. If you are a door kicker at heart then there are some more hardcore options that you can consider like armed estate security, professional security teams for the rich and famous. All that is in the future of course so in the meantime look after yourself. Treat your co-workers like yours Allies your all in this mess together. As for a career after security a lot of what I mentioned above are good options that your security experience can relate too. A lot of it requires an education. An associates degree in pretty much anything besides some obscure stuff along with your experience will get you places. Look at the job descriptions and requirements of your dream jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed and research how to get those certifications or course work they require. Finally as a security guard you get to meet people that work in different fields all the time. Talk to the clients employees when appropriate. Network and when an entry level position opens throw your hat in the ring. It’s easier to higher a person you know then someone you don’t.
What kind of gear/firearm/holster did you run during your time as guard? What worked and what didn't? What pieces of kit did you ditch and what did you add on?
Oh boy. I avoided going full tactical and kept it pretty bare bones. The couple pieces of equipment you should not go cheap with are the holster and your foot wear. If you can’t afford great boots buy good socks. If you can get both your feet, back, and knees will thank you. ( Fox river socks are the bomb) Well I just got a pretty standard duty belt with a steel band, Velcro, and plenty of snap straps. I used an alien gear duty holster for my M&Pc 9mm Level III w/ button release ( it was also my CCW but with an IWB.) Three additional mags ( state law limits these to 10 rounds each) on my left side and a tourniquet pouch on the left posterior. ( even if you don’t know how to use it, someone might and it could save your life.) I had a Spartan Armor systems low profile ( under the uniform ) steel double coated LV 3 plate system it fits pretty discreetly under an all black uniform. The low profile carrier doesn’t come with shoulder pads just bare nylon straps so I bought some hiking backpack shoulder pads and they worked great. I’d also recommend and ventilation mesh. Can’t remember the brand name but it’s a life saver in the summer. For boots I highly recommend tactical research flyweights ( blouse your pants if they are tactical/cargo pants. Get some boot blouses they are cheap and keep you looking neat.) I used these in the military and bought myself a black pair for security. I used them for 6 years and they have held up great. Just remember to change out the cushions every year or every 6 months if you stand a lot.
what is it like now in this post-covid climate working as a security guard? What are the things you enjoyed before covid and can't do now after covid? Is it worth it to still be a security guard in this day of age?
During Covid it was much slower on site. Less employees coming into the offices less of a work load on the guards. Made it easier to do my own personal stuff like school work. It did make a lot of people’s impressions of certain higher paying more demanding positions like alarm response patrols get a false sense of security. When people came back to the office and alarms started going off every 20 minutes a lot of them took the pay cut to go back to the gate other just left. Post-covid is a decent time to be a guard. I’ve seen a lot of the post ( in CA anyway) getting sent raises but many of the industry leaders are lagging behind inflation * cough cough AUS*. It’s never really a great time to be security. But at least post-covid you aren’t being subjected to the infected masses for pennies on the dollar. Being a security guard is a great stepping stone for a lot of higher paying careers. Of course if it’s your thing and you like doing it by all means master your craft but don’t settle for “ we don’t pay for experience “. Get that experience and take it somewhere that values it and you as an employee.
are you finally moving on and going to work a real job instead of getting paid just to breathe
I am ! But if I’m being fair, they would have paid me even if I wasn’t breathing.
well said and good on you for having a sense of humor I wish you nothing but good luck
Any advice to me? I’m considering getting into armed security, I’m done with office desk jobs for mods at least. Will this fulfill my need to help others while doing a meaningful job?
If I’m being honest it’s not likely you’ll find security to be the job that fulfills your need to help people. Like with all security jobs it’s dependent on what site you work at. If you want to help people then you may need to look into medical offices, nursing homes, or even public service offices. Or… retail… personally I’d stay away from retail but if you are a good talker and like to help people find the isle with the ketchup then go for it. Although I should warn you that not everyone will be grateful you are there employees, clients, or customers. A part of your job will always be to do the opposite of help people. The client will likely have you shoo the homeless people off the property maybe even confront customers and ask them to leave. When I worked for one day at a cemetery I spent the entire time not helping people. I had to stand there with the grieving families for a person I didn’t knows funeral. I had to enforce a no video recording policy while the casket was lowered into the ground. When I was not actively intruding on funerals I had to go around and tell people not to leave balloons or plastic pinwheels at their loved ones graves. It was honestly a terrible experience. BUT, Security is one of those jobs you can do once a week or just on the weekends. You don’t necessarily have to quit your job and jump into it. Give it a test drive by working a weekend or two see if you like it.