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Any troubles while working as security?
Is there anything that made you reconsider your trade?
I've heard stories of bad security experiences but I wanna see if anyone here can give me some stories that may deter or maybe even encourage those seeking out this trade.
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3 answers
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Anthony !
If going to college is not in your career plan, being a Security Guard is an ideal career for you !
You would go for Security Guard Certification and renew your certification every two years in your State of California. You would most likely either be notified by e-mail, by your supervisor when to renew or your card will tell you when it expires.
The flexibility with being a security guard is very broad. You can almost choose where or when you want to work. A family friend was a Security Guard on the third shift at a huge major hospital in New York City. He was good at his job and never had any horror stories even though it was in a highly intense environment. I also knew a man that was the Security Guard at one of the major theatres I worked at in Los Angeles. With the exception of having to listen to "Evita" 8,000 times, his job was very peaceful and lots of down time. He had a very friendly demeanor as well as sharp eyes and ears and was a very smart guy.
I have also known Security Guards that worked on University Campuses - great career, great pay and great benefits if you work at a University. You might even be eligible for free course units/credits towards a college degree. I also knew one that worked in an Assisted Living. This one can range from slow work days to serious crisis intervention. Then there were the fine security guards that deserve a medal when I worked at a supportive housing building. That was never a dull moment. It's a lot of people to manage and you would constantly be telling people what they can or cannot do and keeping track of the "types" of visitors that come and go into the building.
So, although you can more or less choose your job as far as the venue, environment, work hours, etc. by only answering ads that fit your preferences, you would have to possess certain qualities in order to enjoy being a Security Guard. Number one is patience. You will also be writing a lot, reports and in logs and probably doing computer input as well as watching security monitors depending on where you work. It's not for the squeamish, either. I know security guards who have had to assist sick people, so adding CPR and First Aid Certifications to your Security Certification may be necessary but should be done.
My advice is to go for the Security Guard certification and apply for Security Guard positions at all nearby community colleges and Universities. Many places are very large and you may have to drive a vehicle while making your rounds outdoors, so keep a clean driving record. I think if you work through an employment agency they may just send you where they need you, so try private employers at first. People have always made a living by being a Security Guard so just figure out if you have the temperament, life experience and analytical skills that allow you to not jump to conclusions rather investigate things before taking action.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
If going to college is not in your career plan, being a Security Guard is an ideal career for you !
You would go for Security Guard Certification and renew your certification every two years in your State of California. You would most likely either be notified by e-mail, by your supervisor when to renew or your card will tell you when it expires.
The flexibility with being a security guard is very broad. You can almost choose where or when you want to work. A family friend was a Security Guard on the third shift at a huge major hospital in New York City. He was good at his job and never had any horror stories even though it was in a highly intense environment. I also knew a man that was the Security Guard at one of the major theatres I worked at in Los Angeles. With the exception of having to listen to "Evita" 8,000 times, his job was very peaceful and lots of down time. He had a very friendly demeanor as well as sharp eyes and ears and was a very smart guy.
I have also known Security Guards that worked on University Campuses - great career, great pay and great benefits if you work at a University. You might even be eligible for free course units/credits towards a college degree. I also knew one that worked in an Assisted Living. This one can range from slow work days to serious crisis intervention. Then there were the fine security guards that deserve a medal when I worked at a supportive housing building. That was never a dull moment. It's a lot of people to manage and you would constantly be telling people what they can or cannot do and keeping track of the "types" of visitors that come and go into the building.
So, although you can more or less choose your job as far as the venue, environment, work hours, etc. by only answering ads that fit your preferences, you would have to possess certain qualities in order to enjoy being a Security Guard. Number one is patience. You will also be writing a lot, reports and in logs and probably doing computer input as well as watching security monitors depending on where you work. It's not for the squeamish, either. I know security guards who have had to assist sick people, so adding CPR and First Aid Certifications to your Security Certification may be necessary but should be done.
My advice is to go for the Security Guard certification and apply for Security Guard positions at all nearby community colleges and Universities. Many places are very large and you may have to drive a vehicle while making your rounds outdoors, so keep a clean driving record. I think if you work through an employment agency they may just send you where they need you, so try private employers at first. People have always made a living by being a Security Guard so just figure out if you have the temperament, life experience and analytical skills that allow you to not jump to conclusions rather investigate things before taking action.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Anthony,
"Security" gets a bad rap. But, there are a wide range of jobs in Security. Some are more professional than others. For example, I knew someone who got hired to work at NASA, with no prior experience! The other extreme has you sitting out in a big parking lot watching over newly manufactured cars waiting to get shipped out. Great job for a loner, I guess, but the time draggggs out incredibly slowly! There are foot patrol and vehicle patrol options. There are those who rarely have to really "do" anything, other than be visible and make people feel safe (such as at condominiums). Then there are those places like Michelle mentioned, such as hospitals or low income housing, where it's really "hopping."
The good thing is that you have the option to move up, either within the company or by changing jobs, so you can pretty much chart your own career path. Importantly, no matter where you start, always do your best, take the job seriously, don't let the bad attitudes of co-workers rub off on you. And always treat everyone as a fellow human being. Everyone. Take pride in your appearance, and yourself. There's really no limit to where you go or what you do.
Oh, and always keep your resume current and keep an eye and ear open for other job opportunities. Most advancements will come by changing employers.
Good luck to you!
Kim
"Security" gets a bad rap. But, there are a wide range of jobs in Security. Some are more professional than others. For example, I knew someone who got hired to work at NASA, with no prior experience! The other extreme has you sitting out in a big parking lot watching over newly manufactured cars waiting to get shipped out. Great job for a loner, I guess, but the time draggggs out incredibly slowly! There are foot patrol and vehicle patrol options. There are those who rarely have to really "do" anything, other than be visible and make people feel safe (such as at condominiums). Then there are those places like Michelle mentioned, such as hospitals or low income housing, where it's really "hopping."
The good thing is that you have the option to move up, either within the company or by changing jobs, so you can pretty much chart your own career path. Importantly, no matter where you start, always do your best, take the job seriously, don't let the bad attitudes of co-workers rub off on you. And always treat everyone as a fellow human being. Everyone. Take pride in your appearance, and yourself. There's really no limit to where you go or what you do.
Oh, and always keep your resume current and keep an eye and ear open for other job opportunities. Most advancements will come by changing employers.
Good luck to you!
Kim
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Anthony, working in security definitely has its ups and downs. There are times when things are pretty routine—monitoring cameras, managing entry points, or patrolling a calm venue. But then there are moments when the situation can get tense, like dealing with unruly crowds or confronting someone who's upset. I’ve heard stories where a security pro had to de-escalate a heated argument at an event, and it was a real test of nerves and quick thinking.
Even though those tough moments can be stressful and might make you pause about the trade, many people in security say those intense experiences are balanced by long stretches of calm work and a great sense of teamwork. The challenges can really build your skills in problem-solving and staying cool under pressure. Plus, with solid training and supportive colleagues, you learn to handle the unpredictable with confidence.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what you’re looking for. If you appreciate a steady job with a clear purpose—keeping people safe—and you’re ready to face occasional high-pressure situations, then security might be a good fit. It’s not for everyone, but for many, the satisfaction and camaraderie make it worth the occasional rough day. Stay prepared, keep learning, and remember that every tough experience is a chance to grow. Take care and all the best out there pal! 😊
Even though those tough moments can be stressful and might make you pause about the trade, many people in security say those intense experiences are balanced by long stretches of calm work and a great sense of teamwork. The challenges can really build your skills in problem-solving and staying cool under pressure. Plus, with solid training and supportive colleagues, you learn to handle the unpredictable with confidence.
At the end of the day, it comes down to what you’re looking for. If you appreciate a steady job with a clear purpose—keeping people safe—and you’re ready to face occasional high-pressure situations, then security might be a good fit. It’s not for everyone, but for many, the satisfaction and camaraderie make it worth the occasional rough day. Stay prepared, keep learning, and remember that every tough experience is a chance to grow. Take care and all the best out there pal! 😊