5 ways to maximise your earnings as a Security Officer
It’s a tough gig.
Long hours, little recognition and sometimes a pay packet that reminds you that you didn’t choose this industry for the money.
But,
The savvy Security Officer knows a thing or two about maximising their earnings.
Here’s a few tips:
1. Plan Ahead
It seems obvious but, in my time, spent in management, I have had a lot of officers unable to fulfil shifts because they failed to plan.
The simple things.
Like making sure to check their transport arrangements.
That they can get to and from work.
Where to park, etc.
If you do not consider your options and have a plan you can land yourself struggling to get to the job on time and shelling out for expensive transport or parking, or miss turning up and lose the entire shifts worth of moolah.
2. Don’t fall for the tax myths
“If I work more hours, I’ll pay more tax and lose out”
“It’s tax-deductible so you can get it all back”
And so on. We’ve all heard them.
But how many have gone and checked up about what it all means?
A tax deduction is like a partial refund you claim back at tax time. The taxman isn’t so nice to give it all back you.
So, when your employer says you can ‘claim it on tax’ you will only get some of it back depending on your tax rate.
When it comes to other tax claims, things like professional memberships, training and licensing relevant to your job can be claimed as a deduction. Easy to forget but well worth remembering.
And, while it’s true you will pay ‘more tax’ when you work more hours, it is all relative to your tax bracket. At the end of the day, more hours mean more money regardless, but you may want to keep an eye on this if you are approaching the top end of your current tax bracket.
Remember – bother to read your payslip! You may be amazed at what you learn, and, knowing how to read it goes a long way to ensuring you stay on top of your earnings and anything that is miscalculated.
3. Be smart at home
Sometimes it can be too good to be true.
I have seen plenty of Officers buy take away meals at every event or work for one week to spend it partying the next.
Go hard.
But, when times get tough or the industry has a slowdown, how do you pay your bills?
Learn ‘unit pricing’ when you go to the shops. The lowest common denominator will show you the true cost of a product, for example in the supermarket. This can save you some real dollars.
Then, put these savings into a separate account that will see you through on a rainy day or for bills such as relicensing, insurance, etc.
4. Work Ethic costs nothing but pays dividends
In all my time in management, those who turned up on time and well-presented often got work. And those who did the work well got better jobs.
I get it that not every employer pays what they’re supposed to pay or the conditions can be tough, but, there are a lot of options available to security and often times these things are known upfront.
So, by doing it you are accepting it.
But you can use that to your advantage.
Get to the gig on time, do a good job and you’ll often find yourself picking up more shifts. Managers need reliable people.
Your own transport and flexibility on when you can work will go a long way, too.
5. Upskill
Training is sadly overlooked a lot in our industry, but for those wanting to make a career out of it (and yes, you can) you should really consider training in new areas or new skills. And that doesn’t mean shelling out thousands for more certifications or qualifications.
Rather, get into those who offer industry insights. Who train from their experiences.
Learn a different perspective.
It’ll give you more tools to use in different situations and shows potential employers your keen to take on a challenge, and therefore more work