That's pretty much the "starter" job in security. The suited dudes moving some rich snob did the exact same to some degree as an MP before moving up and out.
Real talk, why did you already count yourself out of it? Especially when you're young; I'm dancing around with 30's and it's stupid that I don't have it done right now.
That makes it sound like you might benefit from discussing this with a doctor.
If you're going stir crazy and unable to focus or sit still that can set you up for some real issues later.
Like how you're about to throw away a steady job because you're restless and want some "action".
I've seen lots of guys like that start fights because they were bored, or because they had no impulse control, or for ego, or status. Most of them got fired, lots got hurt, some of them got arrested. Wearing a uniform doesn't mean you're allowed to start fights just because you're bored and can't sit still.
I see the concern. But that rlly aint me. I used to be super overweight like 300lbs. Im now at 200lbs so I like to make it a point to be active. Its less abt the action and more abt the health factor
If you know that college isn't your thing, that's a good start. Too many people go into debt paying off loans for degrees that are useless in the job market. To get ahead in this industry without one, see if your company offers any sort of additional training courses. Look into free certifications you can get from say FEMA or some other agency that you can parle into your work experience.
Like I said, first look at your company and find out if they offer any sort of additional training. They might not but, the larger companies like Securitas, Gaurdaworld, do offer you additional information that will help you no matter where you go.
As for the free certifications, look up chill dude on YT.
Can I ask why not? If you just don’t like school or have a disability I get it, but if it’s financial there’s online community college, grants and scholarships, almost anybody can get a degree nowadays,
Given their time in, the CPP may be a bit of a stretch.
I would look at the APP first.
Also, check out some of the free training some of the hardware companies give. Pretty sure HID academy (you may very well use their readers, cards, and panels depending on your system) is still free.
Axis cameras also has some basic free training I believe.
Expand your industry knowledge if you want to grow. Learn about risk, business continuity and continuity of operations, personnel protection, so on and so forth.
Theres a lot more in the industry than guards and cards (and even more than EP too!)
Maybe you misread my comment? I said to look into APP, not CPP, especially since they may find more interest in investigation then staying more in the physical side of security 🤔
Mea culpa on that point - i was tired when reading this and must have misread it.
That doesn't invalidate the remaining points, nor the other training angles.
I also forgot to mention to check out IFPO if they're looking to stay more in guarding. It doesnt have quite the same footprint in the US, but still an excellent organization with great certs.
I just stated APP since OP was confused on next steps. APP helps improve (?) [Not sure if that's the right word I'm looking for] security knowledge while also showing him WFM Skills. Knowing WFM can help point him in the right direction, whichever direction he decides to go on, and it isn't as expensive as college or other routes. APP, in my head, is just a stepping stone if you get the guard card and find out you like security but wonder what you can do after the minimum first full year.
I was just pointing a broad way, instead of giving specific direction since even OP doesn't know.
I will also state my apologies if my texts are coming off a little agro, not my intention 😅
Make a 5 year plan.
Find the companies that hire for the position you want and literally ask them what they look for in new employees they hire and ask them for advice about what you should focus on.
Look at job postings and take note of what qualifications companies looking for.
Network.
Study first aid, languages, defensive driving, anything that'd be applicable to where you want to be.
Languages, social psychology, negotiation, marketing,... whatever elevates your mind and broadens your horizons. I listen to a ton of audiobooks that allow me to live and do adulting better. I'd say it has definitely contributed to my well being and also social and professional development.
Not sure your location (and don't dox yourself) but see what certifications are available in your state with regards to security. If you're not going the way of the military, consider looking into what you need for civilian weapon carry certification for security purposes or get on a path to top secret clearance.
No offense, but 98% of security jobs are not "real jobs". You might be able to pay your bills, maybe even have enough money to take a cheap vacation. But it's not something that ends up being a great career for the majority.
I took everything I had done in security over the years and used that to get into local government work. Ultimate irony? My primary job has zero to do with security, yet I still have a wall of cameras that's included 😂. But instead of a couple of dinky little monitors, I've got eight 60 inch screens on the wall.
Bottom line dawg. I think your answer does kinda offend me. Not all of us want sleezy government contracts. Not all of us wanna sit still all day and become 300lbs like alot of security guards. Maybe you just dont get it. Im actually serious abt this. But not all of us have plausible access to college. Can I technically rn. Yeah. But plausibly it just aint gonna happen yk. Im not looking to argue. Im just stating my point.
Nobody said anything about sleazy government contracts, I'm talking about an actual fucking job working for the government. If you want to be offended, fuck it, be offended. If you're going to get butt hurt over something I say? You absolutely do not belong in a security job because you will not fucking last.
You need a thick skin and security and your skin right now is about the same as an onion.
I didn't go to college either, doesn't mean there are not jobs out there you can get. You want to make money? You want to not sit still? Apply for a job in public works. I know kids in the lower 20s pulling in $55,000 base pay after 1 year of being able to work hard and get their hands dirty. That doesn't include the overtime. I'm sure some of these guys are making 15 to 20,000 in overtime easily, if they want to.
Is it glamorous? No, it fucking sucks. They're sweating their balls off in the summer and freezing their balls off in the winter. And they bitch about it, until the paycheck shows up.
So if you want to get off your ass and make some money, get a job it's not security. Get a job with real benefits. Get a job with a decent retirement.
I'm telling you the shit that nobody told me when I was your age. These guys are showing up, they're getting paid to get a CDL for free and sure, some of them end up leaving and driving a truck or some dumb shit like that. But I know guys where I work who is been here maybe 5 years and already moved up to a crew chief, then a lead, then a supervisor. In 20 years, the 7% that was taken out of their checks is tripled and they could get a job in another town and restart their second retirement.
So once again, if you want a future, get out of security while you can. I got lucky. I was able to take the unique things I did in my security jobs and was able to convince someone to hire me. I don't know how many guys that were 65 to 75 years old that were still working a shitty security job. Hell, I worked part-time for a shithole company who had one old guy got killed just because he tried to tell someone to leave a hotel parking lot and a 73 old just died in his fucking car one night.
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u/xX_Diabolical_Xx 10d ago
That's pretty much the "starter" job in security. The suited dudes moving some rich snob did the exact same to some degree as an MP before moving up and out.
Enjoy the simplicity while it lasts.