Just wanted to introduce myself to everybody

[hardmoneyguy]

Hello everybody...Just wanted to pop in and say Hello and Happy Easter !
I've just discovered this site and I must say it's been quite helpful.
A little background- I've recently (in the last 6 mo's) taken a leap of faith and completely switched careers out of the banking world. The info and suggestions that I've picked up reading all the posts on the site have been extremely insightful.
Thanks very much for sharing and I look forward to all the new postings.

Stay safe

[Local Talent]

Well I hope that the change works out for you, hardmoneyguy! Oh, and please feel free to share here your own insights, alright? All perspectives are welcome and even questions help.
:welcome:

[hardmoneyguy]

Thanks for the response...What are the chances of a college grad and former marine finding suitable full time work?
My big question is the level of success that one can expect in this industry being the
'New Guy". I fully understand that in every profession that a person isn't necessarily elevated to the top overnight, but to have steady work at all, seems a bit tough from what I've been hearing. I've talked to graduates of some EP training schools (ESI) and plan to in fact attend BTI's training in May, But the guys I've talked to have all had sporadic work the last couple yrs? Sign of the economy maybe or is it just the nature of most of the jobs...as in part time..maybe stretching a few months if your'e lucky? I don't know....
To gain some knowledge and experience I've been working all sorts of lower paying "security" type gigs which are really just security guard jobs. Which there's nothing wrong with, I just aspire to be and do more...Any response or insight would be greatly appreciated.
Thx

[Local Talent]

Best, simplest answer is this: total crapshoot! There's no guarantee that a qualified pro will work steadily and yet I've seen people less credentialed than you land very decent gigs. Timing is everything and you have to cast a very wide net: watch job listings closely, send out resumes regularly, and otherwise put yourself out there (meet working people).

Yes, I've been surprised by how tough the job market has been lately myself. A little shocked by some pay rates for "EP", also (lots of less, much less, than $20/hr jobs).
And do expect ups and downs - it's the nature of the beast. This being said, once you have a solid network it gets easier to stay busy. You'll often see high level guys tour or travel with their clients for a few weeks to a few months, then hit their contacts as soon as things slow down for them. They usually get posted at someone's estate, or even take some uniformed work, until the next juicy gig.
EP is not for those looking for job security in general, although steady positions are available (at estates or for corporations, for example). Uniformed security can provide that to a certain extent, but you won't get the same income or satisfaction from it, as you've already found out.

Otherwise, I'd say that with military service, private security experience (don't underestimate its value, even for your resume, I personally consider it very important if not a requisite), and graduation from a complete EP program like BTI would be a solid foundation, even if you don't have much EP experience per se.

Your background in banking probably gives you customer service skills and a polish that I see some guys sorely miss (we're not bouncing, fellas! Most clients don't want aggressive types around their family, friends, and business associates...).

The elephant in the room, however, is: what kind of guy are you? Because training, experience and creds all take a backseat to that. Only you and your track record can vouch for that, and some of what we've talked about on this forum can give you a clue about how good a fit you can be to the profession.

[Dhernandez2319]

It's unfortunate that most of us have to deal with the crapshots of Life. I agree With LT, in every sense of his post.

[hardmoneyguy]

Thanks LT... appreciate the input. And I TOTALLY agree that at the end of day it all boils down to simply how "squared away" of an individual one happens to be. Credentials may land you a sweet gig, but being a complete a dipshi* will undoubtedly take it right away too. ! I get that.
I figured that one out for myself firsthand and have watched several guys cut their own throats , thinking that nobody was watching !! Anyway, again thanks for the feedback, i will take it all in and process it for what it's worth.

Take Care
Be Safe out there everybody :)

[Local Talent]

Not a problem, hardmoneyguy - I really hope that our "pearls of wisdom" help. As the forum grows, it will surely turn more into a concrete intel source (job offers, tips for advance, etc.), but for now we're still getting to know each other here and sharing some experience with the newer guys.

And to me, that "squared away" thing you mentioned is the #1 quality we gotta have. Personable doesn't hurt either. Reason is: people would rather hire, work with, or refer somebody nice and trainable than an egomaniac who'll trip on his own appendage or backstab others (steal clients or the spotlight, play politics, etc.). Goes for the industry, goes for the clients. Some attitudes you see in this business get really tiresome, regardless of how competent the guy actually is.

Now there's always going to be jobs where "like" is irrelevant, or where skill and experience are not negotiable. But IME, and in the majority of low-risk jobs most people are asking about here, being squared away and positive IS the condition sine qua non.

I've told elsewhere of being sent some serious rookies to train (their guard card still in the mail type), and some have done great and gone on to greater things because of the above. OTOH, I've also seen resumes that humbled me produced by guys who turned out to be total shits or screw-ups.