Question for present or past Security Guards?

Maybe it is just me or maybe not? I just started a new job as an armed security guard as some of you know and we are 'on-call' 24/7. I recieved a call from one of the staff Sergeants asking if I could fill in today for an employee who called in sick. I have been up since 4am and it is my day off (my post is Fri-Sat) since I am just part-time and decided to jump on the 'puter' and have an adult beverage or two. I informed this person of this as I do not want to be anything other honest and of sound mind and body on the job.

The response I recieved was that if you know you are on call you should prepare for it. In my mind this means I should forsake any and all parts of having a life and just sit by the phone waiting. What if I am out with friends for a party and comsuming adult beverages at 10-11-12PM? I called the owner even before he knew but he very seldom has the time to talk or discuss any questions or concerns I may have.

I know I am not going to abandone my life because I do not and never have lived to work, I work to live. Do you think I made the right decision or do you think I am in the wrong? I respect the opinions I recieve from members here so that is why I am asking.

 

Is your dad on-call specific days or just random?

 

My shift is 9-6 F-S and my status is PT. It is at their discretion and if you cannot fill-in that shift is fine yet a valid and reasonable explanation is needed. I was honest and stand by my decision and I have plenty of other companys I can work for. I always do the right thing as I am no idiot.

 

I do what I can but I rely on the guidance I recieve from this "ship of fools", sorry I thought I saw a beacon light.

 

"Fools' was used strictly as a term of endearment, heck I'm a fool!

 

Thanks. I spoke with the owner yesterday and I now have a set post until I receive my level III (armed) ID card, thur-fri-sat 8pm-6am. The officer who called me that day is a tad on the harsh side but I talked directly with the owner so there were no issues and I worked the next two shifts. He appreciated my honesty and thanked me for making the right judgement call.

The owner is a great guy and I really like how he is trying to make his company a cut above the rest and we have already discussed certain area's where improvements can be made. To be perfectly honest a lot of security companys have employee's who are just collecting a paycheck which imho is a blemish on the entire industry. I will be moving up fast in this company and mainly that is because I like and respect the owner and understand where he wants to go and if I can be apart of the companys success I will be very proud.

I am just happy that I am now working again and in a field I enjoy and with a company I can fully support. Thanks for the support.

Gregg

 

Ron,
They needed me in less than 3hrs and when they called it was mid day around 3pm. The companys policy is that if you are called yet miss the call you are required to respond within 4hrs which is open to criticism. A lot of people just deal with such things but that is not the type of person I am and I will try to right a wrong ie I speak my mind, not always the smartest thing , but I receive more praise than criticism (it is NOT easy being ME! )

I do not have an issue with being on call and I really like this company and the owner but I also have a life. From what I was told there is a rotating call sheet and I assume that since I am a new employee I was or still am at the top of the list. Barring any unforeseen issues if someone is not going to be able to work their shift they should call in asap thus giving not only the employer but the employees ample time to prepare.

Hopefully I covered everything but if not please let me know .

Gregg