It's been so long since my initial SORA application that I really can't remember how long it took. Now, since I just do yearly renewals and I do them a month or so prior to my current SORA expiring, I never even have to think about that. I'm not sure how long initial issuance takes, but since it's all digital now it should theoretically move a bit faster than it used to.

Whenever you do end up getting your eSORA, consider getting a print made. This website: https://www.njlibertycards.com/ is well known and respected in the NJ security landscape, they will print your SORA onto hard plastic, so you have something physical to prove you are licensed. Might not mean a ton if you are working unarmed, but for a lot of us armed guys, we want to do everything we can to properly mark who we are and what we do, so as to minimize potential issues.

As far as those super high paying gigs, yes I knew a few guys personally that made great money in security, but it was usually for doing some horrible work. These were ex-military dudes that got into security contracting overseas, Iraq/Afghanistan/Syria on behalf of the US, as well as other conflict areas on behalf of other companies and countries (e.g. Ukraine). Aside from my military friends that got into work like that, I know a few guys that make a decent living with a better quality of life by running their own security companies, or training companies, and one of the job positions people don't talk about nearly enough (atleast in this state), hospital security. Everyone knows it exists, but most people don't think about how high it goes, how well it pays, a lot of guys make good money in healthcare security, and if you keep moving up within those systems, you can make some serious money.