Nich's triumphs of a Security Professional

Hi there,

Whomever said working as a security guard (or concierge) was easy, think again.

It all begins with that naive innocence of wanting to make your mark in an environment that is both foreign and exciting. But as you gradually get the hang of the operating standards, then you realize you have twenty-one questions about your life’s choices.

The struggle starts when you realize that you are more of a “puppet” than an employee. I remember when I went for my interview on that cold rainy windy day during winter – talk about everything going against you, I was tagged “Green” because I had not a slice of experience working in the security industry and that invariably made me like clay at the hands of the security company. The multiple meetings prior to actual work and long explanations about self-presentation, acting professional and being the “face of the company,” all sounded grandeur like you were guarding a national treasure. Yet, I was still part of it, so I chose to be the best at it and to make the best out of it – even if there was no relative career growth in line with my studies.

It was that single choice that kept me going. I was called stubborn. I was told I had no life, that I take my job way too seriously. I was ridiculed for staying and not leaving the work location.

One incident that stands out in my mind involves a fellow resident who asked for favors under the guise of friendship, urging me to help out as a fellow black person. This went against the building policy, and when I refused, I faced insults and visible harassment. I was even called a racist on multiple occasions by the same person of my own race. But, despite it all, I persevered.

Through all these events, I developed a thick skin (mostly mentally) to protect me and others, from all the negative that no one else was willing to take. I even, at some point, entertained the idea of attending self-defense classes- yeah, it was that serious! Yet, despite all that, I kept going. I chose to have and portray a positive mental attitude (PMA) - a daily decision backed up by tons of books read and a group of uplifting people. Because without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, flexing this awesome sweatshirt.

I am proud of who I have become and excited about who I am striving to become. Life is a journey and this is just one chapter of it.

"When the next chapter starts and how it starts is entirely in my control. But most importantly, it is in my power how I choose to end this chapter that counts"

I say this because I have met them- the good, the bad and the ugly -and the crazy. I am very grateful for some of the great friends and connections I have and have developed over the years. But I am more appreciative of the unpleasant encounters that I have experienced, because it's through those struggles that I've honed skills beneficial not only to myself but also to those around me. Each difficulty has been a stepping stone, shaping me into someone capable of making a positive impact on those in my immediate circle.

Embrace the pressure of the struggles, because it is through that that the diamond in you is truly refined.

"In the end, you will never encounter what you cannot overcome. You just have to believe you can!"

Cheers Strugglers!

Nich.