What Is It Like To Be A Security Guard?

Written by Holly Savage

12th May 2021

Working as a security guard is becoming a more popular job option within the UK. According to the UK government, there were 64,226 active security guard licences last year. So, if you’re considering a career in the security industry as a security guard, then it is important to know as much about the role as possible.

But what is it like to be a security guard? We’ll be discussing this and more, such as if being a security guard is dangerous, and who can become a security guard.

Can Anyone Be A Security Guard?

It is possible for anyone to be a security guard, and it is even possible to sometimes become a guard when you have a criminal record. But there are some particular skills which you will need in order to be successful in the job. Some of these are:

 

  • A security guard needs to have good communication skills. As security guards will often interact with others or members of the public.
  • It is important that security guards can think on the spot. As there will be some incidents, where security officers will have to use quick thinking before a situation gets out of control.
  • Security guards need to be adaptable. Being a security guard is more than just patrolling your surroundings. You will need to be able to adapt to a number of different conditions and demands in order to successfully perform your job.
  • Security guard needs to always keep learning. With technology ever-changing, there is a need for security guards to be highly trained and tech-savvy, including familiarity with many devices and systems. Continuous professional training is almost a prerequisite for today’s security guards to meet industry requirements.

Can You Be A Security Guard At 18?

Yes, it is possible to be a security guard whilst you are 18 years old. Being 18 years old is the youngest age that you can become a security guard in the UK.

can a woman be a security guard

Can A Woman Be A Security Guard?

Although, the security industry is more of a male-dominated industry, many women will work as security guards. According to the UK government website, there was a least 68,357 working female security guards in 2020.

Can You Be A Self-Employed Security Guard?

A huge factor in determining what the experience of working as a security officer is like is who they are working for. Yes, a security guard can be self-employed, as it will depend on the company that they work for and the type of contract that they have. Some security officers will be employed by workplaces independently and while others may be self-employed security officers.

Some companies may hire a freelance security guard who would still be classed as self-employed, while other companies treat their staff as employees. The main difference is that a self-employed security guard needs to determine their own tax and national insurance, while the company does this for employed security guards.

working as a security guard

What Is It Like To Be A Security Guard?

So what’s it like to be a security guard? There is no easy way to answer this question, as although many guards will have similar tasks and responsibilities; the experience that you have working as a security guard will always be different as it will often be tailored to the type of job you are doing and the area that you are working in.

Many people believe that working as a security guard can be an interesting job as there are many job opportunities, as so many different businesses require guards. Security guards will work in a range of job sectors ranging from construction sites to retail stores, and some of these job sectors will be more dangerous than others.

Is Being A Security Guard Dangerous?

There is a common misconception working in security can be dangerous and too risky. This misconception can put people off considering this particular career path. While security guards are put in place to protect people and businesses, it is also important to note that SIA-licenced guards receive robust training that helps prepare them for these situations, limiting the risk as they are trained on how to handle a variety of scenarios correctly. This means that security guards are trained on how to effectively de-escalate situations before they become an issue.

what is it like being a security guard

Is Being A Security Guard Easy?

A common question which is asked about security guards is, is being a security guard easy? Being a security guard is not a walk in the park – it requires training that you have to pass to ensure that you can do your job safely.

Additionally, when on the job, security guards are there to protect the business that they are working for. Therefore, it is important that security guards do not become too laid-back as they need to stay vigilant and alert. If a security guard follows the training and guidance that they are given, it is easy to do your job correctly.

Is Being A Security Guard Boring?

Being a security guard is like many other career paths, some people love it, and some do not. A security guard’s job is far from boring, as it can change every day as security guards will often find themselves in different situations.

Furthermore, being a security guard gives you training and experience that you can use in many different fields and can lead to further opportunities in the security sector. This will depend on the type of security guard that you are, the job can have regular hours or shift work.

is being a security guard easy

Is Being A Security Guard A Well Paid Job?

Like many of the other questions on this list, there is no definitive answer to this question as a security guard’s pay will depend on where they are located, the remit of their role, and the company that they work for.

Some security jobs do pay lower wages that are close to minimum wage, while others pay well above this. Security guards with good levels of training that hold an SIA licence receive higher pay than others as they have more skills and expertise. Once in a role, you can also improve your skills and qualifications that will be valuable to your employer, which can earn you more money. If your employer does not wish to increase your wage, there are others that will.

Is Being A Security Guard Fun?

A lot of people wonder whether it can be fun to work as a security guard, and yes sometimes it can be fun. A security officer’s job is always quite active, so the job is never boring as guards will always have something to do.

is being a security guard fun

Is Being A Security Guard Hard?

Working as a security guard is no harder than any other job. There will be some days when a guard’s job will be harder than others, but this will often depend on the different duties that a guard has that day.

is being a security guard scary

Is Being A Security Guard Scary?

Security guarding isn’t a scary job. However, guards may have to deal with situations that could be considered to be daunting or scary at times, such as dealing with criminals.

Is Being A Security Guard Worth It?

Many security guards experience great job satisfaction as they know that they are keeping people safe and protecting a business from harm. Security guards love the variety that can come with their role and are constantly improving their skill set with training.

Is Being A Security Guard Stressful?

There may be stressful aspects to being a security guard. For example, security guards will often work in high-pressure situations. But like any job, stressful situations can be dealt with, and security guards will deal with any stressful situations by following protocols and training.

being a security officer

Is Being A Security Guard A Good Job?

Being a security guard is a great career path if you are the right person and you have a keen interest in security. If you are interested in law enforcement, enjoy working in a physical environment, and are passionate about protecting people, then you may find that being a security guard is a good job for you.

Another reason, why many people consider being a security guard as a good career is because many businesses require security so security guards will work in many different job sectors.

Why do you want to be a security officer

Do Security Guards Get Hazard Pay?

Hazard pay is extra pay that some employees receive if they work in hazardous situations. Generally, there is no extra hazard pay involved as the role of a security guard is clear to those applying for it. Many companies do competitively pay their staff and give them additional training to tackle any hazards. A security guards’ pay will often be dependent on the company that they work for, what their job role is, and where they are located.

Are Security Guards Key Workers?

According to UK Government Guidance, security guards can be classed as key workers but only in certain circumstances. The guidance states “that the current definition of key worker DOES include regulated (licence holding) security professionals, essential to national infrastructure, operating in critical roles”. However, it is important to note that not all licence holders are considered key workers as it is dependent on their role.

Is working security hard

What Rights Does A Security Guard Have?

Like all workers in the UK, security guards have a right to fair working conditions and a base level of pay. Security Guards in the UK do not have the right to carry any weapons however can wear protective clothing, use reasonable force and carry handcuffs.

What Are The Benefits Of Being A Security Guard?

We spoke above about what it is like working as a security guard. But now, let’s talk about some of the benefits you receive working as a guard. We’ve listed some of the most common benefits of being a security guard.

The Amount Of Training

Security guards will receive a lot of training and can develop a variety of skills that make them more employable and experienced.

This means that even if you are looking to become a security guard for a few years, you will benefit from the role.

being a security guard

Flexible Scheduling

The role of a security guard comes with a variety of scheduling possibilities.

Many businesses require protection around the clock rather than just during the day – this means that you can request shifts that fit around your schedule.

why be a security officer

Lots Of Job Opportunities

Being a qualified security guard can lead to many different kinds of job opportunities depending on the company that you work for and where you are located.

This means that you can find a role that suits you – whether it is monitoring CCTV, being on patrol during the day, or working the quieter night shift.

advantages of being a security officer

So, What’s It Like To Be A Security Guard?

Overall, there are many job opportunities working as a security guard as many businesses require them. Your overall experience working as a guard will differ from person to person, but many people enjoy working as a guard and believe it is an interesting and rewarding job.

So now you know what is it like to be a security guard. If you’re interested in reading more security guard news, why not head over to our blog where you can find articles about how much a guard makes and whether security guards have to wear body armour?

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