3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Dear Lorraine,
I've dedicated over ten years of my life to various roles, predominantly within the transportation sector. My choice to venture into this field over others was influenced by several factors. One of the most significant reasons was my lifelong adherence to policies and rules, even during my younger years. In this industry, regardless of the company you're affiliated with, you'll inevitably find yourself navigating both explicit and implicit regulations. My role involves scrutinizing contracts, gaining a comprehensive understanding of every facet of the business, and striving to simplify daily operations for everyone. It's a position that heightens your awareness of numerous elements, including physical security measures, flaws in environmental design, and behavioral indications. You'll find yourself instinctively identifying all exit points in any location you visit, even outside of work.
Those of us who choose this career path are well-aware that we'll frequently encounter weather-related challenges, interact with individuals facing mental health issues, or potentially risk physical injury. However, I wouldn't label these as the "worst" aspects of my job, as there are methods to enhance positive outcomes. The real struggle lies in the undervaluation and societal stigma associated with our profession. The duties, permissible level of force, and educational backgrounds of security personnel vary widely. I'm on the verge of completing my doctoral degree, yet during job interviews for roles outside of this field, the interviewers often equate my experience to that of someone who merely operates a gate or checks store receipts. For those of us who've progressed beyond entry-level positions, dispelling this public misconception is a formidable challenge.
I've dedicated over ten years of my life to various roles, predominantly within the transportation sector. My choice to venture into this field over others was influenced by several factors. One of the most significant reasons was my lifelong adherence to policies and rules, even during my younger years. In this industry, regardless of the company you're affiliated with, you'll inevitably find yourself navigating both explicit and implicit regulations. My role involves scrutinizing contracts, gaining a comprehensive understanding of every facet of the business, and striving to simplify daily operations for everyone. It's a position that heightens your awareness of numerous elements, including physical security measures, flaws in environmental design, and behavioral indications. You'll find yourself instinctively identifying all exit points in any location you visit, even outside of work.
Those of us who choose this career path are well-aware that we'll frequently encounter weather-related challenges, interact with individuals facing mental health issues, or potentially risk physical injury. However, I wouldn't label these as the "worst" aspects of my job, as there are methods to enhance positive outcomes. The real struggle lies in the undervaluation and societal stigma associated with our profession. The duties, permissible level of force, and educational backgrounds of security personnel vary widely. I'm on the verge of completing my doctoral degree, yet during job interviews for roles outside of this field, the interviewers often equate my experience to that of someone who merely operates a gate or checks store receipts. For those of us who've progressed beyond entry-level positions, dispelling this public misconception is a formidable challenge.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Lorraine
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Hello! The field of Security and Protective Services provides numerous advantages, including consistent employment, potential for career growth, and the gratifying experience of safeguarding individuals and assets. Serving as a security guard can be a rewarding profession, where you are instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of others, resulting in a sense of fulfillment. The most challenging aspect of this role can differ for everyone, but it frequently involves handling tough or potentially hazardous situations while maintaining a professional demeanor and calmness. The riskiest aspect of a security guard's job can involve dealing with violent or hostile individuals, operating in high-risk settings, or reacting to urgent situations such as thefts or physical attacks.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Lorraine,
Benefits of Security and Protective Services:
Security and protective services play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals, properties, and assets. Here are some of the key benefits associated with working in this field:
Sense of Purpose: One of the most significant benefits of working in security is the sense of purpose that comes from knowing you are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of others. This can be highly rewarding for individuals who value making a positive impact on their community.
Varied Work Environments: Security professionals have the opportunity to work in a wide range of environments, including office buildings, retail stores, event venues, hospitals, schools, and more. This variety can make the job interesting and dynamic.
Career Advancement: The security industry offers opportunities for career advancement and professional development. With experience and additional training, security guards can progress to supervisory or managerial roles within security companies or transition to related fields such as law enforcement or private investigation.
Job Stability: Security is a field that is always in demand, as organizations and individuals will always require protection against potential threats. This can provide a high level of job stability for those working in security roles.
Skill Development: Working in security can help individuals develop valuable skills such as communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and emergency response. These skills are not only beneficial for a career in security but also transferable to other professions.
Community Engagement: Security professionals often interact with members of the community on a daily basis, which can help build strong relationships and foster a sense of trust between the security personnel and those they are protecting.
What Makes Being a Security Guard Worthwhile:
Being a security guard can be worthwhile for several reasons:
Contributing to Safety: Security guards play a vital role in maintaining safety and order within their assigned areas, contributing to the overall well-being of individuals within those spaces.
Building Relationships: Security guards often have the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of people, allowing them to build connections and positively impact those around them.
Professional Growth: Working in security provides opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and personal growth through facing new challenges and responsibilities.
The Hardest Part of Being a Security Guard:
The challenges faced by security guards may include:
Long Hours: Security guards often work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, which can lead to fatigue and disrupt work-life balance.
Risk of Confrontation: Dealing with potentially dangerous situations or difficult individuals can be mentally and emotionally taxing for security guards.
Monotony: Some security roles may involve long periods of monitoring surveillance cameras or patrolling designated areas, which can become monotonous over time.
The Most Dangerous Part of Being a Security Guard:
The most dangerous aspects of being a security guard may include:
Physical Threats: Security guards may face physical altercations with intruders or individuals intent on causing harm.
Exposure to Hazardous Situations: Depending on their assignment, security guards may be exposed to hazardous materials or environments that pose risks to their health and safety.
Lack of Proper Training or Equipment: Inadequate training or lack of appropriate equipment can increase the risk faced by security guards when dealing with emergencies or dangerous situations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends, job outlooks, wages, and occupational information related to the security industry.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA sets standards for workplace safety and health regulations that are relevant to the protection of security personnel.
Security Industry Association (SIA): SIA offers insights into best practices, industry standards, training resources, and emerging trends within the security sector.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Benefits of Security and Protective Services:
Security and protective services play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals, properties, and assets. Here are some of the key benefits associated with working in this field:
Sense of Purpose: One of the most significant benefits of working in security is the sense of purpose that comes from knowing you are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of others. This can be highly rewarding for individuals who value making a positive impact on their community.
Varied Work Environments: Security professionals have the opportunity to work in a wide range of environments, including office buildings, retail stores, event venues, hospitals, schools, and more. This variety can make the job interesting and dynamic.
Career Advancement: The security industry offers opportunities for career advancement and professional development. With experience and additional training, security guards can progress to supervisory or managerial roles within security companies or transition to related fields such as law enforcement or private investigation.
Job Stability: Security is a field that is always in demand, as organizations and individuals will always require protection against potential threats. This can provide a high level of job stability for those working in security roles.
Skill Development: Working in security can help individuals develop valuable skills such as communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and emergency response. These skills are not only beneficial for a career in security but also transferable to other professions.
Community Engagement: Security professionals often interact with members of the community on a daily basis, which can help build strong relationships and foster a sense of trust between the security personnel and those they are protecting.
What Makes Being a Security Guard Worthwhile:
Being a security guard can be worthwhile for several reasons:
Contributing to Safety: Security guards play a vital role in maintaining safety and order within their assigned areas, contributing to the overall well-being of individuals within those spaces.
Building Relationships: Security guards often have the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of people, allowing them to build connections and positively impact those around them.
Professional Growth: Working in security provides opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and personal growth through facing new challenges and responsibilities.
The Hardest Part of Being a Security Guard:
The challenges faced by security guards may include:
Long Hours: Security guards often work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, which can lead to fatigue and disrupt work-life balance.
Risk of Confrontation: Dealing with potentially dangerous situations or difficult individuals can be mentally and emotionally taxing for security guards.
Monotony: Some security roles may involve long periods of monitoring surveillance cameras or patrolling designated areas, which can become monotonous over time.
The Most Dangerous Part of Being a Security Guard:
The most dangerous aspects of being a security guard may include:
Physical Threats: Security guards may face physical altercations with intruders or individuals intent on causing harm.
Exposure to Hazardous Situations: Depending on their assignment, security guards may be exposed to hazardous materials or environments that pose risks to their health and safety.
Lack of Proper Training or Equipment: Inadequate training or lack of appropriate equipment can increase the risk faced by security guards when dealing with emergencies or dangerous situations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on employment trends, job outlooks, wages, and occupational information related to the security industry.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA sets standards for workplace safety and health regulations that are relevant to the protection of security personnel.
Security Industry Association (SIA): SIA offers insights into best practices, industry standards, training resources, and emerging trends within the security sector.
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
James Constantine, thank you!
Lorraine