What are the pros and cons of being a security guard?

Are you looking for a career change? Maybe a side gig while you are in school? In this article, we will take you through the pros and cons of being a security guard.

Pros

We will be starting of with the pros of being a security guard. Continue reading to learn more aobut pros and cons of being a security guard.

Pro number 1: 

Every day is different. As a security guard you tend to work more then one site, which lets you be exposed to different places,  and people. As well, by working multiple sites you will be able to pick up a variety of skills, for example, involving investigation, emergency intervention, first aid, supporting police, plain-clothes work, guarding foreign dignitaries (non-govt), tons of stuff. 

Pro Number 2: 

Working in the security industry gives you access. You get to see things others don’t like backstages at concerts, or bank vaults, private villas of the rich & famous, and government facilities.

Pro Number 3: 

Due to the variety of the work you can network with a broad amount of professions, for example, teachers, nurses, lawyers and business owners.

Pro Number 4: 

The demand for reliable and trained security guards is high in the market as each business demands security.

Pro Number 5: 

Due to the exposure to a broad amount of tasks and businesses, you are able to pick up many new skills and be a jack of all trades. For example, as a security guard, you can learn customer service, patrolling and more by performing several different duties.

Pro Number 5: 

If you don’t like working with others, this job is for you. More often then not you will be able to work independently. 

Pro Number 6: 

As a security guard, with the large amounts of skill you pick up and the vast opportunity to network, segueing into your own security business is the logical next step. 

Pro Number 7: 

If you’re 18 or older you can work as a security guard. You don’t need a degree, so if you are a student this is a good way to make some cash. 

Cons

There are some cons of working in the different security career paths. They vary based off the security companies you work with and your lifestyle.

Con Number 1: 

As a security guard, you can end up working long hours. For many this is not compatible with their lifestyle. 

Con Number 2: 

As a security guard, you can be exposed to violence. It can be a dangerous line of work. 

Con Number 3: 

As a guard, you can’t work from home. No pajamas and the comfort of your couch in this job!

Con Number 4: 

The starting salary is low, however there is room for improvement depending on your experience, and who you are working for. 

In Conclusion:

Hopefully this article helps you to understand what it’s like to work as a security guard and the positives and negatives of choosing this as your career. 

Looking for work in the security industry and are already a licensed security guard? There are lots of career opportunities in security. Working as a security guard is a great second career or student job, check out our available jobs on our site at security guard jobs in ontario.

If you don’t have training as a guard check out our security guard training programs at security guard training courses.