A bit of context that might be important: Most of my time spent as a security guard was spent either taking the closing shift at an outlet mall on the outskirts of town, or a night or weekend shift at a large office building. I rarely did things like work at a busy mall during the day.
The best part frankly was that there was so little I actually needed to do. I filled out a few forms, I walked the whole site X times of Y period (usually once every 1-2 hours, but depended on the site). Beyond that I was largely just expected to be at my post, reasonably alert and professional looking. My time was my own to do homework, study, read, program, or whatever. I realize that a job without anything to do is a nightmare for some people, but I've never had a problem filling my own time.
Other pros:
* I knew my regular sites almost like my home. Sure during they day there were tons of people, but by the night/weekend when I took over, I was basically the only person in the building and it felt like it was mine.
* Eating lunch on the roof overlooking the city.
* Some of the chillest co-workers I've ever met, from the maintenance crew to the other guards.
* 12-hours shifts meant I was usually only working 3 days a week.
* On holidays me and the maintenance guy would have private movie showings in the building auditorium.
Cons:
* 99% boring, but when things get exciting they get real exciting. Only time I've had guns pointed in my direction, and they were cops.
* I think getting off work and going to bed a 7 a.m. for years has permanently kind of borked my sleep.
The best part frankly was that there was so little I actually needed to do. I filled out a few forms, I walked the whole site X times of Y period (usually once every 1-2 hours, but depended on the site). Beyond that I was largely just expected to be at my post, reasonably alert and professional looking. My time was my own to do homework, study, read, program, or whatever. I realize that a job without anything to do is a nightmare for some people, but I've never had a problem filling my own time.
Other pros:
* I knew my regular sites almost like my home. Sure during they day there were tons of people, but by the night/weekend when I took over, I was basically the only person in the building and it felt like it was mine.
* Eating lunch on the roof overlooking the city.
* Some of the chillest co-workers I've ever met, from the maintenance crew to the other guards.
* 12-hours shifts meant I was usually only working 3 days a week.
* On holidays me and the maintenance guy would have private movie showings in the building auditorium.
Cons:
* 99% boring, but when things get exciting they get real exciting. Only time I've had guns pointed in my direction, and they were cops.
* I think getting off work and going to bed a 7 a.m. for years has permanently kind of borked my sleep.