There are many things both for and against becoming a security guard. You will need to be well aware of and consider these pros and cons before committing. This article explains some of the important pros and cons involved to help you make a decision that’s right for you.
Advantages:
1. It is relatively easy to find a job as a security guard.
Look, since the 9/11 attacks, security positions have increased dramatically in the United States. If you’ve ever been to an airport since 2001, you can easily tell this to be true, and it’s not just airports where the number of guards has increased.
2. It’s a great starting point for higher paying protective services jobs.
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 bouncer or floor manager at a casino, or get hired for a private security position at a company that might pay you more. You may need to get additional training certificates to get hired in a higher paying position, but training is usually not that difficult and can be done over the weekend if necessary.
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 rewarding position because you can protect property and/or a group of people, and have people come to you for help when needed. Help, almost in a customer service position. Other times, you may be needed to help contact the police or fire department in critical situations, and could possibly stop thieves and thugs from wreaking havoc.
If you take that 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. It’s a relatively low paying position at first.
When you enter the field of protective services in an entry-level position, you will most likely see a salary not much higher than the minimum wage in your area. This is very common, especially if you work as a store attendant. Money is an important aspect of job selection, so if you need a high-paying position right away, this might not be the path for you.
2. The job 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. Writing reports is something every security guard should do, because it helps to record and keep track of anything suspicious that happens while you’re on duty. These reports can be used in court or to help clear up any incidents that may have occurred, so you should know how to write well.
A final reason to avoid becoming a security guard is that you may have to do a lot of walking. This may be perfect for some people, while not for others. If you prefer a desk job, although there are some security desk job type positions (e.g. surveillance monitors), those jobs aren’t widely available, so you’ll 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 exhaustion after a long day at work. On the other hand, you may enjoy exercising and lose some weight if you decide to become a security guard, which could work in your favor.