6 answers
Devin
Student
Springdale, Oregon
2
Questions
Updated
672 views
What will my hours look like if I work in security?
I want to know what a regular day looks like.
Login to comment
6 answers
Dr. Kelly Desso
Protective Services
235
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
It seems like you're keen on stepping into the role of a security officer, so let me share some insights from my time in the field. Over the years, I've seen companies bring in part-time officers for shifts that can last 4, 6, 8, or even 12 hours. Occasionally, I've come across 10-hour shifts too, typically to cover company lobby or visiting hours.
Most part-time assignments hover around 29 hours or less per week, although I've seen some capped at 20 hours. On the other hand, full-time roles usually require 30 or more hours each week. Most companies I've worked with expect their full-time employees to clock in 40 hours weekly. However, it's not uncommon to see weeks that go beyond 40 hours due to additional duties.
Interestingly, I noticed the 30-hour threshold for full-time roles becoming more common after the Affordable Care Act was signed. This law requires certain employers to offer medical insurance to their team members.
Remember, security is a round-the-clock profession. Be ready to work at any time, during any shift. People opt for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift based on various factors such as personal preference, available job openings, pay rates, scheduling, and so on. Don't hesitate to ask your colleagues why they chose their particular shift. Every time I've done this, I've received a unique response from each person!
Most part-time assignments hover around 29 hours or less per week, although I've seen some capped at 20 hours. On the other hand, full-time roles usually require 30 or more hours each week. Most companies I've worked with expect their full-time employees to clock in 40 hours weekly. However, it's not uncommon to see weeks that go beyond 40 hours due to additional duties.
Interestingly, I noticed the 30-hour threshold for full-time roles becoming more common after the Affordable Care Act was signed. This law requires certain employers to offer medical insurance to their team members.
Remember, security is a round-the-clock profession. Be ready to work at any time, during any shift. People opt for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd shift based on various factors such as personal preference, available job openings, pay rates, scheduling, and so on. Don't hesitate to ask your colleagues why they chose their particular shift. Every time I've done this, I've received a unique response from each person!
Jennifer King
Talent Acquisition
30
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hello there! The work schedule you'll have can greatly vary depending on your chosen career path.
For instance, if you're venturing into the retail industry, it's common to have your work hours scheduled during evenings and weekends. On the other hand, if you're stepping into the IT sector, you might find yourself working late to accommodate system implementations and upgrades that usually occur outside standard work hours.
As for me, I'm part of a consulting firm where my usual work schedule runs from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. However, there are instances when I need to adjust my schedule to meet the needs of candidates or to catch up on some extra work, which might extend into the weekend.
When you're in a job interview, I suggest asking about the typical and atypical work hours. This will give you a clearer picture of what to expect from your potential work schedule. It's always good to know ahead!
For instance, if you're venturing into the retail industry, it's common to have your work hours scheduled during evenings and weekends. On the other hand, if you're stepping into the IT sector, you might find yourself working late to accommodate system implementations and upgrades that usually occur outside standard work hours.
As for me, I'm part of a consulting firm where my usual work schedule runs from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. However, there are instances when I need to adjust my schedule to meet the needs of candidates or to catch up on some extra work, which might extend into the weekend.
When you're in a job interview, I suggest asking about the typical and atypical work hours. This will give you a clearer picture of what to expect from your potential work schedule. It's always good to know ahead!
Matthew Baker
Operations Analyst
2
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hey Devin, the number of work hours can sometimes differ based on the nature of your job and the requirements of the company. Throughout my journey, I've found that occasionally giving up a few nights and weekends has helped me secure the position and timetable I desired. Remember, these sacrifices are often temporary and can lead to great rewards!
James Hanzel
Corrections and Security
236
Answers
Cape Coral, Florida
Updated
James’s Answer
In my journey as a civilian, I held a variety of jobs, each with its own unique work schedule. Now, I've been serving in the Marine Corps for nearly half a decade. Let me walk you through the typical schedules I had at each position.
While working in Loss Prevention, my schedule was largely dictated by the season, with almost all weekends and holidays included. My shifts typically ran from the evening into the night, say from 4 pm to midnight.
Next, I moved into Financial Crimes. My work week ran from Sunday to Thursday, with my hours being 8 am to 5 pm. On Sundays, I had the advantage of working from home, a real perk considering my commute was almost an hour and a half each way.
When I transitioned to Corrections within the Marine Corps, my schedule became more intense. I worked 24-hour shifts, typically every three days.
Currently, as part of Embassy Security, my shifts are far from consistent. They change approximately every two months. In any given month, I could be working from 8 am to 4 pm, 4 pm to midnight, or midnight to 8 am.
Each job I've held has offered a different experience and a different schedule. Depending on your chosen career path, you may not always have the privilege of predictable, regular hours.
While working in Loss Prevention, my schedule was largely dictated by the season, with almost all weekends and holidays included. My shifts typically ran from the evening into the night, say from 4 pm to midnight.
Next, I moved into Financial Crimes. My work week ran from Sunday to Thursday, with my hours being 8 am to 5 pm. On Sundays, I had the advantage of working from home, a real perk considering my commute was almost an hour and a half each way.
When I transitioned to Corrections within the Marine Corps, my schedule became more intense. I worked 24-hour shifts, typically every three days.
Currently, as part of Embassy Security, my shifts are far from consistent. They change approximately every two months. In any given month, I could be working from 8 am to 4 pm, 4 pm to midnight, or midnight to 8 am.
Each job I've held has offered a different experience and a different schedule. Depending on your chosen career path, you may not always have the privilege of predictable, regular hours.
Sean Conroy
Manager
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sean’s Answer
It would depend on the job. For me to give you a better answer, can you tell me where you are considering working?
Based on the tag and previous question, it looks like a security officer position.
Dr. Kelly Desso
Raya Makawi
Regional Sustainability Leader
9
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Raya’s Answer
Thank you Devin for your question, good to think pro-actively ;)
It does indeed vary depends on the nature of the job and your roles and responsibilities. At this point, you need to understand the country's work laws and regulations - this is considered the bottom line of regulating working hours.
You will then look into the sector; whether public or private and then the nature of the organization you will be joining. So there are multiple aspects you need to consider when joining any organization.
Hope this helps
It does indeed vary depends on the nature of the job and your roles and responsibilities. At this point, you need to understand the country's work laws and regulations - this is considered the bottom line of regulating working hours.
You will then look into the sector; whether public or private and then the nature of the organization you will be joining. So there are multiple aspects you need to consider when joining any organization.
Hope this helps