5 Questions to Help You Choose a More Fulfilling Security Guard Job

Job satisfaction probably isn’t high on your list of requirements when you start a search for security jobs. After all, it’s not like you have a crystal ball to divine the future. How can you know whether you’ll find a particular post fulfilling? How can you tell that a guard job that seems fantastic now won’t turn into a nightmare in a few months from now?

The key is to find a job that fits your personality and lifestyle. And here are five questions to help you get started…

1) Do you want a temporary or permanent position?

If you’re new to professional security, a temporary position can let you test the waters and decide whether a guard job is right for you. It can also help you get the experience you need to move into a better paying, higher skilled, permanent position.

If you’re having a hard time finding a long-term guard job, don’t discount what a temporary position can offer. The connections you make and skills you pick up could pay off in the long run.

2) Do you want to work at a larger company or a smaller one?

Working for a large security company can give you several benefits including:

• Better job security
• More opportunities for promotion or advancement
• A greater variety in available positions

But you shouldn’t discount smaller security companies.

A small firm can lead to a more family-like atmosphere. You’ll likely get to know everyone in the company. Plus, you may get the chance to interact directly with the owner of the company. While the chances for advancement may not be as great, you may feel that you have more say in how you perform your duties.

3) How far are you willing to commute for a good security job?

Before you take a guard job that requires a long commute, consider the drawbacks. The time you spend behind the wheel to get to work, in addition to the cost of gas and car maintenance, could outweigh any extra money you make. Also, consider the potential for problems like accidents, construction, and bad weather.

4) What kind of environment do you prefer?

Working conditions are a major contributor to job satisfaction. If you’re a night owl but you have to get up at 5:00am to go to work every day, it’s going to take a toll on both your mood and job performance as time goes on.

Think about the kind of security work that would most appeal to you, including:

• Do you want to work indoors or outdoors?
• Do you want to interact with people (e.g. office workers or other security guards) or keep to your self?
• What kind of post would you prefer: stationary or patrol-based?
• What time of day are you most productive and ready to work?

With these basic parameters, you can narrow your list of job opportunities to find a security job in an environment that works best for you.

5) What kind of training or experience do you have?

You don’t need to go to school to be a security guard, but a basic guard card will only get you so far. A lot of the higher profile, better paying security jobs require two or more years of experience along with additional training, such as baton or firearm licenses.

The trick is to plan now for the security job you want in the future. Take a part-time job to get some extra experience, or save for training classes to get the skills that your dream job requires.

Make quality of life your first priority

While it’s entirely possible to manufacture job satisfaction, it’s much easier to find a fulfilling security guard job when you put quality of life issues first.

Sure, you can take the first job that comes your way. The money may be really good or you might be afraid you won’t get another opportunity. But ask yourself this: Is that job going to be the best choice for you in the long run?

Think about how a particular security job will fit with your personality and lifestyle. If you make those concerns a priority, you’ll end up with a career that you can enjoy for a lifetime.