Why don't more people work security?

[CorpSec]

I started working security a couple of days shy of my 20th birthday. I just turned 35. One thing I kicked myself over was that I worked a fairly hard, thankless entry level job prior to working security. I would come home dirty and beat every day.

I literally couldn't believe my good fortune when I started security work. I got into it becuase I was originally planning a career in L.E. My perception of security work was WAY off. The only thing I had to base security on was the poor slobs at the mall that had to wear the campaign hats and got disrespected at every turn.

I ended up working in a posh insurance company building and a factory. We did a couple of rounds a night and sat around and read the paper or books, watched some TV, shot the breeze with various folks and just kind of hung out while providing security.

I thought to myself, "you mean I have been busting my hump for the last two years when I could have been doing this??" I would have been at the security company's door on my 18th birthday had I known.

I think about this often when I am at a gas station or a fast food joint. These people are making peanuts and working hard(well at least some of them). Of course a few of them probably have records that preclude them from doing security work, but that has to be a minority.

I wonder if these people knew how many cushy suburban office complexes are in need of a warm body if they wouldn't quit their jobs?

The only thing I can think of is that they are like I was before I started in security. They must have a big misconception about what the work entails at most companies and accounts.

[Maelstrom]

Q: Why don't more people work security?

A: Probably because security work isn't for everyone, I'd sooner be doing roving foot patrols than sitting at a desk pondering just how I was going to fill in the next 10 hours

[Guest]

Security isnt for everyone. It takes a person with a can do attitude and a zest for the unknown. As Mr Seman would tell me "No security guard should earn over 9 dollars an hour, keeping people safe is compensation in itself"

It took me 5 years to earn respect in this job. I work hard to teach my students the wise choice of ruling with an iron hand and earning the respect we security gods deserve.

Well I'm off to change proxies and reroute my internet through Taiwan.

[bigshotceo]

Well, I agree that various aspects found in most (but not all) security work (low wages, little opportunity for advancement, poor job security) make it unsuitable for many as a career-type job, it's definitely better than a lot of the McJobs out there. Interestingly, I find that a lot of the guards in offices and other less active security jobs used to be cleaners themselves, who quit and became security guards when they found out that the guy sitting at the lobby desk who reads magazines and plays on the computer most of the night makes the same amount of money as they do, without pushing a cart, mopping toilets or anything like that........

[CorpSec]

Security isnt for everyone. It takes a person with a can do attitude and a zest for the unknown. As Mr Seman would tell me "No security guard should earn over 9 dollars an hour, keeping people safe is compensation in itself"

It took me 5 years to earn respect in this job. I work hard to teach my students the wise choice of ruling with an iron hand and earning the respect we security gods deserve.

Well I'm off to change proxies and reroute my internet through Taiwan.

I get that you are being sarcastic, but I think your humor is lost on a lot of people here. Maybe intertwining some humor in a serious post would bolster credibility and not get you tagged as a troll.

[CorpSec]

Well, I agree that various aspects found in most (but not all) security work (low wages, little opportunity for advancement, poor job security) make it unsuitable for many as a career-type job, it's definitely better than a lot of the McJobs out there. Interestingly, I find that a lot of the guards in offices and other less active security jobs used to be cleaners themselves, who quit and became security guards when they found out that the guy sitting at the lobby desk who reads magazines and plays on the computer most of the night makes the same amount of money as they do, without pushing a cart, mopping toilets or anything like that........

In these parts, the guy at the desk makes a decent bit more money. I am not saying that one should strive to a static post where they do nothing but kill time. The best posts have variety and between patrolling, customer service, and access control should provide the officer a well rounded job where they feel they are making a difference.

[ValleyOne]

It took me 5 years to earn respect in this job.

Then imagine how long it will take to get respect here...

[Minneapolis Security]

In these parts, the guy at the desk makes a decent bit more money. I am not saying that one should strive to a static post where they do nothing but kill time. The best posts have variety and between patrolling, customer service, and access control should provide the officer a well rounded job where they feel they are making a difference.

Ah variety, the spice of life! I have to agree with that. Nothing more boring than sitting at a desk all night.

[Black Caesar]

Well, I agree that various aspects found in most (but not all) security work (low wages, little opportunity for advancement, poor job security) make it unsuitable for many as a career-type job, it's definitely better than a lot of the McJobs out there. Interestingly, I find that a lot of the guards in offices and other less active security jobs used to be cleaners themselves, who quit and became security guards when they found out that the guy sitting at the lobby desk who reads magazines and plays on the computer most of the night makes the same amount of money as they do, without pushing a cart, mopping toilets or anything like that........

I was 20 and working at UPS making $8 an hour part time when I found out the gate unarmed guard was 18 and making $7.50 full time.....

I got a security job 2 weeks later, which led me to examine Law Enforcement as a career choice, which led me to the Academy and the rest is history.

[Black Caesar]

Why don't more people work security

Lots of reasons, some good, some bad, but 1 that sticks out is:

The only thing I had to base security on was the poor slobs at the mall that had to wear the campaign hats and got disrespected at every turn.

I honestly thing fast food worker have a better "rep" than security officers. I thought I was getting disrespected when I worked at a fast food joint when I was 18, I learned better when I became a S/O at 20. It was terrible sometimes.

AND There are too many in security that don't project a professional image, and those that do are "walking up hill" trying to carry the image of an entire industry on their backs, which is impossible.
People (especially bad folks who've had run ins with them) WANT to believe security officers are "bottom-feeders", and there are too many who project just that image. I've worked with enough 2 tooth hillbillies to see it.

Then look at the Security guards depiction in the media. with the police it could go either way, good or bad, and with private investigators the depiction is usually pretty cool, but rank and file S/Os are NEVER depicted in a good way, at least I cant remember seeing a good depiction. THEN look at all the Youtube like "security guard vs" videos, more negative press.

It all adds up to a less than desireable image. No one wants to be looked down on.

[bigshotceo]

Were you tired when you wrote this post? You're slipping. No out-right insult this time.

I think you may be confusing me for another member. I agree that security often involves a lot more than playing on the computer and reading magazines; my point is that it's not always obvious to outsiders and therefore to them security can often be seen as an "easy job".

[HotelSecurity]

I think you may be confusing me for another member. I agree that security often involves a lot more than playing on the computer and reading magazines; my point is that it's not always obvious to outsiders and therefore to them security can often be seen as an "easy job".

I'm really sorry. I must have been asleep. I thought I clicked on the quote by phoneysecurity, sorry I mean realsecurity. I've deleated my mistake.

My original post was pointing out that realsecurity seems to be loosing it a little. His last post was only sarcastic not sarcastic & insulting.

[locknid]

I can think of all sorts of reasons why more people don't do security.

1. can't handle it or don't want to be put in situations which security sometimes are

2. not enough pay for the majority of positions

3. mostly graveyard

4. criminal record

i am sure there are more but those are up there.

[jbaerbock]

Takes odd ones like myself who actually like overnight work compared to working in the hot sun. In my current setting I get to mostly decide what to do and it is a nice job in that you are your own boss after a fashion. My only order is to lockup and respond to calls other than that I can make as many or as few patrols as I want. Also I get a paid break one hour long. I did a few jobs between my security stints and I always came back to the same job. It pays better than anything else I have had and the more I learn about LE the more the director pays me . I am an active guard in that I like to interact with people and help out where I can, even if it means jump starting someone's vehicle or helping with a tire change. I want to be seen as a help not a hinderance.

I get asked by people what my career future entails. I keep telling them at the moment I am happy where I am, many of them look at me like I am crazy but oh well. A lot of people wonder why we get paid so well compared to their jobs, I respond because when the **** hits the fan we deal with it when no one else wants to.