Losing my account, what a way to start 2013

[PolarDeer]

Well, looks like 2013 isn't starting off the way I'd liked given that our company lost the bidding contest to continue providing security to a big retailer employing about 100-200 of our guys. The contract's due to change to Securitas in March and we're very likely looking at dismissals since we are losing other accounts as well.

I'm not too positive about my chances to stay with the current employer (general dismissals + lack of suitable positions) so I'm already filling work applications. Applying to work for Securitas in their mall and mobile patrol divisions and to a domestic security company responsible for the commuter trains around here (to that particular division), and the Securitas mall division already invited me for an interview.

Hopefully this'll turn out well.

[Jaeger]

The year 2013 started out for me as being late from work for almost an hour due to the public transportation system breaking suddenly.

I'd see that your current situation brings about alot of potential for a new beginning in the ranks of another company more than anything else. Take it as a positive outcome if anything.

Switching between companies is very common in this line of duty, but naturally breaking yourself in as the new guy in every company you start with usually takes time.

and to a domestic security company responsible for the commuter trains around here (to that particular division),

Yes, that account is hiring again.

I'm lucky not to have been even close to being the target of a dismissal so far. I've kept myself busy for the past years while cross-breeding with the retail, reception and "local guarding"-divisions of the company, so hopefully I'm not even at risk if another threat of a dismissal looms over us again.

Still though, it is a tough situation to go through. I do believe however, that the security officers working at grossroots level often have to resort to this sort of switching between companies after a few years in order to get to better positions.

It happens.. but that's just life for us.

[PolarDeer]

I'd see that your current situation brings about alot of potential for a new beginning in the ranks of another company more than anything else. Take it as a positive outcome if anything.

Switching between companies is very common in this line of duty, but naturally breaking yourself in as the new guy in every company you start with usually takes time.

The positions I'm applying are those that I'm genuinely motivated to do, particularly the malls, plus I could get higher pay so I'm trying to look at the positive side of at least having a strong chance of coming out well in form of a new and more challenging position to work in.

Securitas seems to be the strongest bet at the moment. They're recruiting lots of people right now and I'll likely have way more training and experience than a lot of the applicants. Public transportation could be interesting too but is also more difficult to get in.

[SecTrainer]

The important thing is that you're taking immediate action and not waiting until the axe falls. I agree with Jaeger that your best asset will be maintaining that positive attitude and thinking about this as an opportunity to move onward and upward in your career. We do get stuck in our comfortable little ruts, not really going anywhere, until something like this comes along to shake us up. I'm sure you'll land on your feet!

[Jstar571]

I once worked for contract security company with a account for a world wide chemical company. We lost it to due to the Chemical company going to one security company...company wide ...Wackinhut (gag) I tried to work with that company for a few months and then I got the hell out of dodge.

I had to drive an hour to get INTERVIEWED for my own job, then the HR lady being surprised I showed up and didn't think I wanted my job (shift Sgt)

We lost good officers, Lost out vacation times and also lost good shift coverage officers. They had "floaters" that came from East Side of bumble**** and didn't know anything about working in a Chemical company

I wish you good luck.

[PolarDeer]

Thanks, guys. Due to interview for Securitas by next week or so, I figure at the very least I'll get a job doing what I do now what with knowing a load of the said retailer's locations that they are getting. If I'll get into the malls or public transit that'll be an interesting new challenge.

[Jaeger]

I'm guessing there's space enough in retail and the malls for Securitas.

Public transportation as in the Helsinki Metro account might be a little more distinguished to get into simply because of the grade IV pay and a large amount people sending their applications in constantly. I've actually heard that the metro account wouldn't be hiring very actively at the moment from a friend who works there, but then again I might be completely and utterly wrong about this.

If I'd be going for Securitas, I'd definitely try City Patrol. All that walking around might do me some good more than sitting on my back and you'd get to see alot of different and "interesting" things during the day.

[PolarDeer]

I'm guessing there's space enough in retail and the malls for Securitas.

From what I've heard and know of the accounts they're getting, they need to recruit well over a hundred employees, perhaps even two hundred. And that's not accounting the reception, local guarding and patrol places they also need to fill due to new accounts of other categories.

Apparently their recruitment is so clogged up in trying to find new employees that it's no wonder I haven't been scheduled that promised interview yet. I have enough trust in my credentials, though. :P

And yeah, the only public transit position I applied for is in the commuter trains but I'd be interested in the subway as well if there'd be spots open any time soon

[PolarDeer]

Update:

My current accounts will cease in April, so there's a good amount of time to find new work before that'll happen.

Interviewing at Securitas tomorrow for a hospital security position. As I understand it's fairly challenging especially in the emergency rooms and whatnot, but at the same time I'd possibly get higher pay plus it could be an interesting shift away from the retail environment.