Experience as a Female Security Guard

So I’ve just started a job as a security guard. I obviously will not disclose the location or company, but my first couple of days have been interesting. Nothing too crazy or concerning, but interesting. It’s probably not mind blowing but I just thought I’d share this experience with whoever’s interested.

It’s just as you would expect. You gotta wear a suit and tie, make sure you’re nice and tidy. Can’t represent a company if you’re a hot mess, right? It's probably one of the hottest, most uncomfortable things I've ever had to throw onto my body, but it wouldn't be work if you were comfortable, I guess. You strut around in this suit, dying to peel this thing off the second you put it on. But it's all part of the job.

Speaking of part of the job, every security gig is different but mine is fairly simple. My sole purpose is pretty much to use the hands and feet that God gave me. Patrol countless floors, check for any busted lights or door knobs, and make sure the room with those humungous motherboards don't literally explode due to heat. Ya get the occasional delivery (which I have to escort) but it's really nothing crazy. You're just on your feet all day. Except for the days your stuck at the front desk, checking people in. Then you get the luxury of sitting.

It's weird though. You're supposed to be somewhat of an authority over the masses in this building, especially in case of an emergency, but almost none of the employees view security that way. To be honest, I personally feel like a glorified mall cop. That's only because I don't have a background in the military or police force like some of the other guards. I mean, you should see the way some of these employees look at security guards though.

Maybe it's my insecurity or in my head, but there are way too many times that the fancy, handsomely paid finance employees that work in the building seemingly look down on the security. Like security guards are beneath them, and there to serve them. There are too many times where I open a door for someone, and they pretty much ignore my existence. Just going straight, head down, beelining it to whatever meeting they have. Seriously? The word "thank you" doesn't take that long to say or even utter.

The social and professional hierarchy definitely obvious. It's impossible not to see. Security are public servants, while the employees serve nothing but business casual. They talk about god knows what, sipping on that Starbucks iced coffee, and paying no mind to the people that are meant to keep them safe. It's the kind of thing you don't realize until you experience that perspective yourself.

Then... there's the locker room situation. Now, my assumption was that the female security guards would get their own locker room. But that is not the case. It's an odd case, but while the women do not get their own locker room, they get two little dressing rooms inside of the locker room. While the men change just outside. It's a little off putting. Again, this is just the location I work at. This is not to say every location will be this way.

Aside from some insecurities and some... interesting choices made by building management, the gig isn't half bad. Is it a dream job? I certainly don't think so, but it is a job. Not only that but in a time where the job market is ABSOLUTE SHIT, you can't help but be grateful. If you don't mind standing for long periods of time, give security work a try. It's a quick buck, and you might see how you make security guards feel when you behave or interact with them a certain way.