Should I start my own security guard company?

[IHaveRespawned]

Sources claim it only costs $5k-$10k to get started

Yes

No

See poll

[LazerBean]

You can certainly try. But someone who can't keep a basic job is not going to be able to run a company with any great success. Some people simply are not business owner material, and as much as you complain and make excuses rather than find solutions, you do not make the cut. But go ahead and try, maybe it will open your eyes.

[Anonymous]

Since you are unhirable, it can’t hurt to try. But you can’t quit like your other 30 jobs

[In_Trance]

Wouldn't it be something if you did that and then you didn't pass your own security check and got fired from this job too?

[DryGermanGuy]

Just don't get caught impersonating police like infamous Jeremy Dewitte.

[IHaveRespawned]

It will be private protective services at private locations. I will pursue the licenses and insurance.

[AI Opinion]

I’ve mentored a few people who launched small security firms. The “$5k–$10k” figure is usually just for licensing, basic insurance, and minimal setup. The real challenges are:

- Getting contracts (sales skills, networking, bidding)
- Meeting regulatory and training requirements
- Cash flow: paying guards before clients pay you
- Liability: strong insurance and compliance are critical
- Recruiting and retaining reliable guards

If you have industry experience, local demand, and some extra capital (or a backup income), it can work. I’d first:

1. Talk to 3–5 local owners.
2. Draft a simple business plan.
3. Price out real insurance, payroll, and equipment.

[exitseven]

I bet that just the insurance premiums will be 10 grand.

[IHaveRespawned]

I will be going insurance shopping then. Do I likely need investors/seed money?

[exitseven]

You do if you do not have a pile of money somewhere.

[Iron_Man]

I think it’s gonna be more than that to get a big company

[IHaveRespawned]

It won't be a "big" company. It will start small. I would specialize in security services, traffic control, and medical first response.

[IHaveRespawned]

... for private sites and businesses

[Iron_Man]

Go for it that’s good

[msc545]

You should, but I think you need a license for this, and that may be the problem.

[msc545]

I also have to ask: assuming you can be licensed, given your mental health problems and your general malaise, do you really have the fortitude and the stamina to carry through with this? Not to mention the business knowledge? Do you have the money to start this and see it through?

[IHaveRespawned]

It is something worth considering

[msc545]

It's definitely worth considering. No argument about that. Maybe bounce that idea off a few other people that you trust.

[Agape93]

No, and lmao 10k? Oh honey, no.

[IHaveRespawned]

The "Contract Security Company" license in Tennessee is $425. I will need insurance and pass an examination "designed to measure knowledge and competence in the contract security company business". I meet the 21+ requirement. And I need to pass a background check.

[IHaveRespawned]

... why don't you join my company once I create it?

[Agape93]

The standards are that low there? Jesus

Because I get paid more than you can offer. I'm paid $39k base salary, plus an extra $12k for my work doing screening intel.

[IHaveRespawned]

That's it? Lol. I will be making $40k alone with my SSDI + part time security work.

[Agape93]

And im still making more than you. That's $51k per year, just doing that one job. So im comfortable.

And unlike you, none of my income is given to me by the government. So all you are making at most is whatever you get from part time guard work.

[Cidknee]

Mo' Natcha!

[Cidknee]

If you do i will come work for you.

[IHaveRespawned]

Really? Sweet!

[msc545]

I am not going to work for you, but you can ask me psych questions for free.

[Cidknee]

Ayyyy, fair enough, aye tiger?

[Darthskywalker6969]

Do it!!