The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Security Guard
There are many things both for and against becoming a security guard. You will need to know and examine these pros and cons well before committing. This article explains some of the important trade-offs involved to help you make a decision that is right for you.
Pros:
1. It is relatively easy to find work as a security guard.
Look, since the September 11 attacks, security positions have increased dramatically in the United States. If you have ever been to the airport since 2001, you can easily see that this is true, and it is not only in airports that the number of guards has increased.
2. It’s a great starting point for a higher paying protective services job.
For example: opens the opportunity to possibly become an armed guard after completing the additional training required to obtain your firearms card. Also, you may be able to get a job as a janitor or room manager at a casino, or get hired for a private security position with a company that could pay you more. You may need to obtain additional training certificates to be hired in a higher paying position, but generally the training is not that difficult and can be done over the weekend if required.
3. You have the opportunity to protect your community and / or the company through which you are hired.
Simply put, it can be a really satisfying position because you can protect a property and / or a group of people, and people come to you for help when they need it. Many times, while you are on duty, you will be called in for help, almost in a customer service position. At other times, you may need to help communicate with the police or fire department in critical situations, and you could possibly prevent thieves and thugs from wreaking havoc.
If you take it into consideration, then it makes sense to become a security guard. But those are the advantages. There is also a bad side. These are some of the drawbacks that you should also consider before entering this field.
Cons
1. At first, it is a relatively low paying position.
When you enter the field of protective services in an entry-level position, chances are good that you will see a salary or salary not much higher than the minimum wage in your area. This is very common, especially if you work as a retail guard. Money is an important aspect of job selection, so if you need a high-paying position right away, this may not be the right path for you.
2. Work can be relatively unsafe.
You may be put in a position where your life is at risk, and that is something you will need to consider before entering this field.
3. You will have to write a lot of reports. Report writing is something all security guards should do, because it helps to record and track everything suspicious that happens while on duty. These reports can be used in court or to help clarify any incidents that may have occurred, so you need to be good at writing.
One final reason to avoid becoming a security guard is that you will potentially have to walk a lot. This may be perfect for some people, but not for others. If you prefer a desk job, although there are some security desk jobs (for example, surveillance monitors), those jobs are not widely available, so you will need to constantly move around and monitor your areas on foot. Everyone should think about this point very carefully, mainly because it could lead directly to lethargy and simply tiredness after a long day at work. On the other hand, you can enjoy exercising and losing some weight if you decide to become a security guard, which could work to your advantage.