fastest way to get an SIA licence

Robbo eh, what's he like!

Richcooper: "As for working I agree with most of what's been said by all the previous posters. It's s**t, it's fun, it's boring, it's exciting, it's a home wrecker, it's a home maker.

I've made some good friends doing the doors, I've also had my fair share of 'issues'.

The industry is what YOU make of it."

That's a nice summary of what it is like.

But I'd take a little issue with saying "the industry is what YOU make it".

It's half right I guess. But you certainly can't completely control who might try and get you arrested or hurt you. You can act in the best way possible to limit the possibility of these things happening - but sometimes it's just down to luck, well, bad luck I suppose.

Look - let's not beat about the bush here - some doormen end up with convictions or with sentences because of matters that weren't in their control. If you don't mind the 'risk' of this, and you see the positive sides (like Jay!), then crack on. But if anyone is thinking about being a doorman they really need to make an informed decision and weigh up all the possibilities.

As an aside, Robbo is right - being a 'good' doorman requires expertise. And this expertise can take a very, very long time to develop. Exactly the same as any other profession. And of course,bottom line is that - Like Jay says - you needs guts. People depend on you - your mates/colleagues. And just occasionally it might be a life or death situation.

Works both ways. I have seen four or 5 bouncers struggle with one man, I have also seen 4 or 5 bouncers try to handle 10 or 15, suppose works both ways and depends on the individuals.

Agreed there are always people out there who will be hell bent on causing trouble and as a Doorman you will inevitably get caught up in it if you do it for long enough.

The comment I made about the industry being what you make of it I feel needs a little more explanation perhaps. The security industry as a whole, not just working the doors, has excellent scope for career progression if your prepared to take a step back and think outside the box a little. Only because you have a Door Supervisors license, it doesn't mean that you have to work the doors.
That said it does take a certain character to do so. You need to realise that it is a profession and people's livelihood depend on it so it is important you understand that first. We don't live in the 90's and its not the same as it is on Rise of the Foot Soldier' so don't do it if you have a point to prove or if you have a chip on your shoulder. View it as a customer service job and be prepared to learn from people with experience, however just be aware of the guys telling you how many people they've knocked out etc. You don't get paid extra for fighting so as far as I'm concerned if you go home with a clean shirt with all the buttons on then you've had a good night.

I have a job I can walk into its very good money but its similiar situation the job becomes your life

But after what's gone on I wieghed up what I want from life and I just want to be my own person and do what I want to do I have always envy'd people who have done it and thaught why them and not me

But I have seen this as my chance to break free and do.what I want to do

Still living with parents
No dependants
No debt
Phone contract ends in April
Card fully paid for
Insurance paid uptill October
Got money sat in the bank
I'm 22
If it all goes wrong I can still walk back into a job but I never know if I don't try

Tbh everyone thinks iv lost the plot but I just think there's somthing more to life and its what you make it

Its the way most young lads think, i was the same didnt want to be another 9-5 bum living in run of the mill box with a dyson hoover blah blah blah.

If you are focussed then great but be aware that without some structure etc and particularly working the doors you can end up mixing with people you perhaps wouldnt have and end up doing things you shouldnt.

I would love a 9-5 mon - fri job now lol.

I think I will show my mrs this thread to prove it really isnt worth it.
She seems to think we could "easily" and hassle free earn some extra income by a "few late nights".
Im glad Ive seen this thread

Bumped into a mate the other day who got made redundant from a good job he'd had for over ten years but that was shift work. He bought a new car and taxi licence, only works through the day Mon-Fri and is earning as much as he was working 4 x 12 hour shifts.

rich - I see what you mean now. Makes sense!

and yup - a night without 'hassle' is a perfect night. Mind you, I guess that's part of the problem! The job is great (well, fantastic - particularly if you're single!) when it runs like that and you have a good time, meet people, get paid to socialise and have a laugh with your mates. It certainly beats the monotony of many other jobs, and does make it a little difficult to leave. And then, occasionally, you get reminded of what it can be like - and that's the bit you've got to weigh up.

I guess I'd just say that if anyone has any aspirations to work with young people at some point in their life(education, youth work, care work and the like) then have a good think about it.

That's one incident at one venue.

A lot of venues operate with small teams and big crowds. I work the door a lot on my own with a 380 capacity. Try doing that and asking a group of 10 rugby lads to leave who don't want to.

You already know your statement is not a reflection on what all doormen are like or what they have to do to be fair.

Agreed. I suppose it depends were you work (as in a city or small town)

Doormen in Wigan have it piss easy, as there is no knife crime and relatively little trouble

IME of doormen (excluding those who I know as friends and dont see how they behave on a Staurday night) a lot think they are "ten men" and are looking for an excuse to have a scuffle/barney

Door licences are so hard to get now and so easy to get taken off you!!

I "worked the doors" for 21 years and taken the rough with the smooth. I have worked with the best and "The jacket fillers"

I lost mine over four years ago now and dont miss it a bit, All I did was split his head open and then crown court it was!! Its amazing what a Goodyear plea will get ya

This.

There is a massive difference between those who have the ability to work the doors and those who have the money to pay for a license.

In the last 12 months I have had over 1200 candidates sit the course on front of me. Of those no more than perhaps 50 demonstrated to me what I'd consider the correct attitude to be successful. Of those I've only asked 6 to work next to me.

Not sure if that says more about me or the industry.

on my last shift on the doors a man was kicking off and went to hit my 'female' landlord of the pub i was working at.

I pushed the guy away with my palm to his chest. I hit him that hard his heart stopped. The ambulance managed to save his life but i wouldnt go back to doing that job for all the money in the world its too easy to put yourself in unwanted positions.

did doors for 6 years and up until that point i had it easy and thought it was doing my life no harm.

Sorry for derailing this a bit but can I ask what you do in that situation?