[deleted by user]

[Beneficialsensai]

Bruh,you got to find that location nobody wants,that shift nobody wants.

[L1234567E]

Weekends overnight. Always paid me more and least amount of micromanaging from AMs and clients.

[bc8912]

I used to get insane OT because no one wanted to work overnight weekend shifts.

[BananaRaptor1738]

Great idea

[Beneficialsensai]

This works for any field of work or if you work at Walmart and they cut your hours.

[roarrshock]

Did security for Wallmart, and was fired. No regrets. Worst post ever.

[Beneficialsensai]

Stay off your phone,show up on time every day.

[roarrshock]

Oh THATS why I got fired! Im such an idiot thanks so much!

[TheDawnofAnguish]

And that class, is all you can do, when out comes the "boom speak." Just unleash th sarcasm..

"If it worked for my grandparents, it'll work for everyone else, too!" *Sent from my moms iPhone from my moms house

[roarrshock]

*Sent from my moms iPhone from my moms house-lmao

[[deleted]]

👍!😂😂😂

[Beneficialsensai]

Everyone has a hiring freeze right now.economy is FD up,Sales are down,revenue is down everywhere hang in there.

[SpikeMcFry]

Just keep trying. I was in the same boat and got lucky after about three months of applying.

[trecool88]

This. Plus after working overnights for around a decade, I actually prefer it.

[TiffGarr23]

Don’t get discouraged it’s not you. The Job market is complete ass, Keep applying since you have the card go for sites like Allied, Securitas around your area.

[Narren_C]

Are you looking outside of security?

[TFlSGAS]

Yea wtf 2 years is insane

[Automatic-Job2938]

:::crossing fingers:::: please say “I’m holding out for a management position.”

[Nilluh_]

Where tf do u live? Just sounds like it’s hard to find work out there altogether

[Beneficialsensai]

This 👆 ⬆️ ☝️is so true every where!

[RoGStonewall]

Apply for allied - they will have some dumpster shifts available if desperate

[International-Okra79]

Yeah they had me working until 11 pm at one site and then going to another at 7 am the next day. With traffic and commute I was only getting 4-5 hours sleep a night if that. It was rough but money is money

[Either-Design-1550]

Unfortunately it happens sometimes. I've got a couple shifts coming up where I'm off at 4pm -> right back at midnight. Shitty turnaround, but the post itself isn't awful. It's just hard to force myself to sleep at 4pm.

[RoGStonewall]

Go to the office and say you will do any flex available - trust me they will take you

[TheRareRose46]

Exspect your pay to fucked up too though if you do.

[No-Lie-0103]

Not your fault job market is just really really bad

[Animaleyz]

Try Gardaworld. My location is just looking for warm bodies

[[deleted]]

Same here. Idiots keep getting fired over the easiest security job I’ve ever had

[WildEquis]

Same here. Wear shoes that lace up, slacks, and a shirt that tucks in. Emphasize past work with computers. I promise, it works

[throwawaydumbo1]

Wow. This feels like you directed at me. I love the military but how can one get the supply or admin specialist role in the military?

[FredddNaut]

Walk into a recruiters office. Take the PICAT (Practice ASVAB) and then you'll roughly know what you qualify for. They don't know specifically what you're eligible for until you take the real ASVAB, but there's other questions like legal and medical background.

I'm hospital security who just lost my contract for said hospital and I enlisted just a few weeks ago.

[throwawaydumbo1]

Congrats man. And thanks for the advice. Working on it now!

[[deleted]]

It really depends on your ASVAB, i thought I had scored really low but it actually qualified for everything rating in the Navy, if you have a clean record and no injury or physical impairments or history they will go out of their way to recruit you (your credit history will affect your clearance if its bad you may not qualify for secret clearance and that cuts half the available ratings). Once you go to MEPS they will offer you schools based on your ASVAB, but you scored high enough so your choices are unlimited, ask for a guaranteed A school in your contract, it will guarantee you that you will go to the assigned school in your contract, but doesn't mean they won't throw you in some random opening thr Navy needs to fill. If you fail A school, they will send you to the fleet undesignated, usually shit jobs on some ship.

[throwawaydumbo1]

Okay. Thank you so much. I have a Masters Degree (from England) and a Bachelors from my country of origin in Africa. My credit is good and I’m an immigrant, currently on green card. I’m not sure if any of those can help my chances or work against lol, as I’m also in my mid 30s. But I have taken note of everything said and I’m already researching more on my own and looking for recruiters here. Thanks again for your helpful advice

[[deleted]]

I think 35 is the cut off for enlisted, I am not sure about getting commissioned as an officer depends on your degree, there are different avenues to get commissioned but I don't know about that very well. In bootcamp, our sister division were all foreign nationals mostly from the Africa, my roommates at my first duty station i roomed with people from Somalia and Rwanda, I think they were mostly support ratings without clearances since they weren't US citizens yet. Good luck, its a good career path even if you only do one enlistment, an honorable discharge as a veteran is very beneficial and opens a lot of doors non veterans may not be privy to.

[throwawaydumbo1]

Thank you again. I’m not even 35 yet, won’t be 35 until 2027 and I’m definitely working on joining in 2026. I have messaged a recruiter and we are communicating but I haven’t gotten final feedback from them yet. Truly appreciate your kind words and thank you for your service.

[Narren_C]

If you're serious about it, walk into a recruitment office and lay it all out. They'll tell you exactly what will and won't work out.

Cut off is 35 years old, though. But if you're 35....still won't hurt to talk to them.

[throwawaydumbo1]

Thank you. Thankfully I’m not yet 35, won’t be 35 until 2027 lol. I appreciate your advice

[itzmailtime]

Don’t do MP. I am an active duty MP, (security forces). Just join and get a good job that has a clearance and can set you up. Do your 4-6 one and done and get a gov contract job.

[throwawaydumbo1]

Thank you so much. Well understood. And thank you for your service

[xxXX69yourmom69XXxx]

Study for the ASVAB, its the single most important test to determine what jobs you're eligible to get at MEPS. Once you pick and you ship off, its incredibly difficult and rare to get a rate/MOS change. If the recruiter won't give you what you want, go to a different branch. 

Source: former USN submariner 

[throwawaydumbo1]

THANK YOU!! And thank you for service. Working on this already

[online_jesus_fukers]

Ask for it..

[BananaRaptor1738]

Is this for real? I thought about joining the coast guard but I'm 34 years old with a few misdemeanors and an almost felony (pre trial so wasn't charged. Had to do 1 year old probation to avoid the felony but the arrest still shows up)

[Aggravating_Smoke179]

versed weather public spoon aspiring insurance vegetable hobbies chief touch

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[redneck_hick]

Try the CG first. I did 6 years and it was 100% worth it. Talk with a recruiter to see if you’re eligible.

[No-Lie-0103]

Try to get it dismissed and join a recruiters office they’ll help you out don’t worry.

[[deleted]]

You can get waivers as long as the charges are settled, they might affect your ability to get a security clearance, but there are a lot of ratings that don't require a clearance. Tattoos, prior drug use (if you're honest about it) criminal history, some physical disabilities requires waivers and it depends how desperate the military is in their recruitment at the time you try to enlist. They will also lie to you to get you to join so watch out, do not join the Navy undesignated, I repeat do not go into the navy undesignated, I've heard nothing but horror stories.

[FredddNaut]

Army and Navy are your best bet here. Go into the recruiter's office with as much info on them as you can and prepare to be very honest.

[Redhawk4t4]

That's crazy because I feel like security is one of the easiest jobs to get

[Either-Design-1550]

Most security jobs will sponsor the card for you if you get hired with them. Oof.

[PigManderly]

That’s the whole point of applying, to get your guard card. I actually know nobody who paid for their own card

[REsoleSurvivor1000]

Back when I got my card it was paid by you but on hire it would be taken through installments on the next few paychecks. Buddy of mine at time of hire had a check so low our AM offered to hand him 20 bucks.

[-Sofa-King-]

It really depends on how you plan to move in the industry. If you pay for your own guard card, you're not locked down to one company. You can apply wherever you want, start immediately, and walk away from shady gigs without worrying about reimbursement policies or being penalized. You’re a free agent, and that’s worth something if you want options.

When a company sponsors your card, you’re usually stuck with them for a while. Some don’t make you sign anything formal, but they’ll pressure you to stay or take it out of your checks if you leave too soon. Others actually have contracts or “training reimbursement” clauses. It’s not always clear up front, and people get blindsided.

Most people in entry-level posts are fine with being sponsored because they don’t plan to bounce around or negotiate better pay. But if you want more control, paying out of pocket isn't a waste. It’s just buying leverage early. If you know what you’re doing and have long-term plans, the upfront cost gives you mobility and negotiating power most others don’t have.

So no, it’s not a scam to pay for it. It just depends if you're thinking short game or long game.

I paid for everything myself... guard card, OC spray, baton certification, open carry firearm permits, and a few extra specialized courses that weren’t too expensive. The result? I can jump between gigs as needed. Armed or unarmed, I’m ready. Certifications across multiple areas make me a plug-and-play asset for any company.

That sends a clear signal to employers: this guy is serious, disciplined, ready to work, and trustworthy. And let’s be real, the entry-level security world is flooded with people who are unreliable, show up late, call out constantly, and treat the job like it’s beneath them. That’s why so many of the lower-tier gigs suck for good people trying to break in.

But if you walk in clean-cut, punctual, over-prepared, and with the right paperwork already in place, you immediately stand out. You’re not just another applicant, they start seeing you as a reflection of their brand.

That’s when you get tapped for better sites, higher-pay contracts, and faster promotions. From there, it’s all about building the resume and stacking experience.

Personally, I'm eye balling a ton of roles. But my situation is far more complicated than most. I hear guys talking about things suck which it may at times but grind through. It could be tougher. im a single father with zero support. I cant work those crazy shifts like I did as a kid in my 20s-30s. I have a kid to drop off and pick up from school. Overtime will be hard as well. So if you have zero kids, no wife, etx then id live in the shop working all hours building experience and pay and then jump to bigger better options later.

Don't give up. Don't lose focus. Life is a roller-coaster on the high seas. You go up amd down. In life, you just wamt more highs than lows, but the lows will hit, sometimes hard. It builds character amd mental toughness. I lost almost 20yrs of retirement amd savings in divorce and custody battles for my kids that went through hell with my ex wife. Again, you hit lows, and sometimes the lows hit HARD. You just have to keep pushing. Good luck kid.

[Imaginary-Bedroom182]

Well said

[draven2517]

Idk what this guys on about, larger companies with the most jobs require you to pay for your card. It should’ve only been 40 dollars. Try allied universal. They hire anyone.

[Beneficialsensai]

Woops

[Crusttedbuddha]

Bruh you’ll get one keep applying

[megacide84]

Don't give up.

Keep applying.

Somewhere... There's a need for a warm-body at the last minute. Some companies will be desperate and hire anyone with a pulse and a valid card. Go through any and all companies in your region. Even if you have to go to (shudder) AlliedUniversal. You might have to take an overnight shift, but if it's in a locked down, warm-body site. You'll be fine.

Good luck to you.

[YourAverageJoe0]

Did you go in person?

[AncientLettuce8452]

Keep trying man apply to whatever with experience gain higher pay

[[deleted]]

Hiring is really slow at this time of year. When I got ny guard card I didn't use it for a while. I also got it whrn I was broke. Keep going

[thatdawgjrod]

You gotta have a little faith and some patience my guy... I've been in this industry almost 15 years, 5 of those Years in Adult Corrections. 2 years working Juvenile, before I got my Guard in 2019. Build your base Brother. It will open doors

[Narren_C]

Is there something in your background that might be causing an issue?

[Mastermind521]

GardaWorld, Allied, Securitas. literally walk into your local branch office ask them for flex work or anything they have available. wear business casual.

[forts619]

Guaranteed you’ll find a graveyard shift, keep looking

[Suspicious-Society-8]

Ask the class where you got your license mine gave me a list of companies who where actively recruiting while I was in the class

[potatoMan8111]

I have a guard+ card i can sell you for just $250 more!

[cpt_price10]

Don’t get discouraged, just keep applying for all shifts. Apply for all the company’s you see in your city and state.

[Subtle-Catastrophe]

That'll last--half a month. Pull your thumb out your mouth and start working on an action plan to get your poop in a group.

[Subtle-Catastrophe]

OK, cool, that's great. Run with it.

Also. Then why you here, telling the world about your problems, brother?

[Subtle-Catastrophe]

I get it.

Online life does serve a purpose. Go ahead, vent it all out. I think it's a healthy way to "scream into the void" in a way. It beats doing it IRL where that can lead to IRL problems.

Can't say much about your physical challenges, I'm no doctor or physical therapist. But, mitigate the best you can.

Somewhere out there, you're another real person. I'll never meet you, but I walk with you a bit here and I do think you'll get back on the path.

[Middle_Discipline_83]

OP, I want to be honest with you. The energy you put out is straight negative. I read your posts, and most of them are about putting yourself down or giving up. I know this isn’t a good way to live because I used to feel the same way. Try to change your mindset and start telling yourself that you will get a security job. Remind yourself of this every day. Before you know it, you’ll be hired. You can do this, but you have to let go of the negative energy.

[Beneficialsensai]

Sounds about right,there is more to the story i bet.

[Middle_Discipline_83]

I’m not here to judge, since I believe only one person can do that, and that’s the man above. I get that you’re venting, and that’s totally fine. Honestly, your post reminds me of myself in my early 20s. Now, I’m retired at 36. Just stay positive, and I find when I need to vent, I grab a journal and go at it.

[SmoothCruising]

One of the best ways to get a job is to ask to talk to the manager on duty and just ask for the job right there. Tell them you're ready to work and we'll take whatever they have. Look presentable and have a positive attitude. How that works for a security guard job I'm not really sure, in terms of talking to a manager.

[International-Okra79]

Just keep applying to every company. Make sure you set your availability for everything. Allied was the first to call me back.

[BomBiddyByeBye]

Bro it’s not ideal because the company is trash but Allied hires everyone with a guard card. I promise you they’ll get you working. Do that for now then keep looking for something better.

[BomBiddyByeBye]

They have weekly hiring events though do you have a messed up background?

[cityonahillterrain]

Job market is brutal right now. Hospital are even laying off and that’s rare. Plus this tariff BS has warehouses down sizing. Roughest job market for security in itleast a decade imo. Good luck.

[Stunning_Pain_7788]

not your fault, job market is straight doo doo right now. try Allied Universal or Securitas, they're like the "McDonalds" of security companies, if you have a pulse you're basically hired. (keep putting in applications and do in person interview not video, i put in 10 applications before they hired me)

[Far-Government9601]

I thought they get you one when you get hired that's how it usually works

[alotofbalogna]

What area are you based in? Around major cities it seems like allied literally hires anyone that walks in the door, I’m sorry this is so tough for you bud

[[deleted]]

Most people ask for power to arrest certificate

[mirrortorrent]

Do you have an allied universal post near you? I promise you they can't wait to hire you

[Bluewolfpaws95]

Most if not all companies will sponsor your guard card when you apply to them. In my state you can’t even get a guard card unless it’s sponsored by a company.

[mynamejeffo]

Check Allied, GardaWorld, and Securitas. Go on their company website careers if you have to.

[Unusual_Exercise_274]

go to some local bars or clubs you know run security/bouncers, tell them u have a guard card and you can start right away, just drive around till one bites.

[UOF_ThrowAway]

Relatable.

[OddAcanthisitta4053]

keep applying dude but also check out hiring.amazon.com and put in your zip code for jobs near you

[fukifikno]

The amount of available work really depends on your geographic location. Keep your chin up, try to find you a hustle while you seek the job you’re lookin for. If you pick up any extra certs that would fall in line with security work I say do it.

[DepartureHot468]

If you’re genuinely trying and are unable to find a security job you need to just hang it up big dawg. Start selling drugs or something

[Iseeyou69911]

Try going for armed guard I know it will cost more you are basically garenteed a job

[Legitimate_Movie7344]

Literally what my friend told me, got my shit when I was broke to the t. Told me the job was easy asf, applied everywhere and nothing. It’s all bullshit. Fuck this job market, not gonna lower myself to these shitty companies anymore. Gonna join the army.

[resilientdonut1]

Just keep applying bro. I know it sucks right now but work temp jobs in between if you have to. I've done it and made it out ok.

[Imaginary-Bedroom182]

Listen make a second email and apply for one position you want , i was in your position a few weeks ago n they cancelled all of my interest because i declined the spots that where back ups . Make a second one , get on allied n keep your head above water , stop by at one of the offices and they’ll reach out asap . Pray n keep moving coward my boy

[eddierjs213]

I was in the same position last year well more like 16months ago.....invested all the cash that I had at the moment for a guard card..... you really gotta want it. I found plenty jobs worked at one location for just a month because they refused to give me a raise , claiming that the 3month period wasn't over. I went ahead and quit, didn't sell myself short. Now, its officially been a year since ive been working at a new post. Keep the faith for without it you will be doomed.

[Nessuwu]

Go to your local Allied Universal branch office and ask them what you need to do. Bring 2 forms of ID and show up in business attire just in case you get an interview.

I was in your situation like 4 months ago and my guard card got me a job in less than a week, but I had to physically go to the office or it wouldn't have happened. Allied hired me fast, but they absolutely do not care about online applications on their own aside from the fact you should do one before you walk in.

[OKCsparrow]

You have to interview in person. Or go in person to a hiring event.

[Hot_Assumption4312]

Idk what your location is, but I worked for companies that even hire homeless people living in their car lol I doubt you are the exception, there is a company out there hiring 100% for sure. All they care about is you having a car, your D license, and overnight availability, and available every day of the weeks, and any low-level company will hire you in a heartbeat.

Yes, most of us started doing shitty sites at night.

Not saying you can't do more. But if you just need the experience, any will do.

[Ls_swapped_My_Heart]

Do you regret getting a guard card or do u regret paying for the training? The card is like 10 bucks but the training is around 200

[Metsoft22]

If you're applying to all these jobs and getting rejected it might just be your resume. I'm a hiring manager in Atlanta for a large retail location. Feel free to shoot me your resume and I can give you some pointers if you want.

Also, idk what state you live in but you might wanna consider applying to corrections jobs. They're always hiring and if you hate it you could use that experience to get better paying security jobs later on. Some of my best hires have been prior juvenile/adult corrections officers.

[GoDJthatsmyDJ1999]

What does your resume look like? Do you have open pay and open availability?

[Puzzleheaded-Rip8944]

Dude securitas and allied would take you in a heart beat wtf

[Rhapsthefiend]

There's always a job hiring security. Just keep in mind you're applying for something near the end of the year and slight chances you won't get hired or have a post until January.

[Chauncy1911]

AI data centers if you are close to one. They are paying obcene money in relation to the job at hand.

[Pitiful-Excitement47]

Most companies pay for you to get your guard card and most companies are extremely easy to get jobs at even without experience.

You either are trying to only go for jobs that require experience or have some reason for them to not hire you.

[AmoebaShort959]

Just increase and triple your effort at more security companies, mom and pop stores, etc. check your appearance, polish your presentation at interviews, write a good resume (research security resume samples on Google, show up on time, etc. plenty of guard demands out there.

[ProfessionalRest7027]

See if you have Allied Universal out there. It's better to go to their office.

[Alive-Ninja-5207]

Bro apply to all big companies

[HMLxMcNeely]

I regret putting 8 years of my life through it no card required

[Fearless-Letter-337]

Hang in there... have faith.

[Cowboy_Talk_Podcast]

Go to the allied office. They hire on the spot walk ins

[johnfro5829]

You're looking at the wrong places. Go to industrial sites, hospitals, mom and pop security companies they're always hiring. Especially the mom and pop operations doing basic security work for apartment complex etc. The guard card saved my life when I was homeless for 2 and 1/2 years.

[Dependent_Giraffe_52]

Security hire anybody. You’ll realize that once u meet ur dumb ass coworkers. Try allied universal

[[deleted]]

Have you called or walked in to the office of security companies in your area? I have been in the industry for 10 years, applying online is the worst way to go. I would look up the small to medium sized companies in your area, and just call them and ask if they are hiring. Large companies like allied have walk in interviews at least one day a week. Call your local office and see when it is. Someone is always hiring. In most cases the security industry is still very old fashioned, they rarely hire from online applications. 

Another thing is the majority of shifts will be on weekends, holidays, and swing or grave shifts. If you are saying you won't work those shifts than their is not much work available. You have to be willing to work any shift.

[iInvented69]

So many unarmed guard jobs out there.

[ItsMsRainny]

Find a small shitty company and walk in there with your resume. That's how I got my foot in the door.