Jim and Darlene,
We did a 2-month relief gig with this same security company in 2010 and enjoyed it. The duties were more basic . . . night-shift patrols of a dormant industrial site. In February 2011, we were offered this position and coming on board with the security company long-term.
Our initial contract commitment for this assignment was one year. That's not for everyone. It can be rather isolative at times, and that's not for everyone either. DH and I are together virtually 24/7, excepting our various interests, running errands, etc. We are lucky to have an office trailer to give us more room. We also purchased a washer and dryer, which the company allowed us to install in the office trailer.
We have this property, another mill down the road about a mile and an empty farmhouse down from that which we check; Dave does a walk-thru of each weekly. A company truck is provided for patrols. There's a dam on this property; a dam check is done weekly. We escort non-company visitors as required, make sure everyone signs in/out (utility folks, etc.), perform groundskeeping (mainly mowing seasonally), and miscellaneous other duties as asked - nothing really taxing with regards to physical labor (no digging ditches, etc.) There are alarm systems and cameras at both mills; if an alarm goes off at 2 AM, we have to respond. When not actually performing duties, our time is our own for hobbies, etc. I have flowerbeds and plant a wee garden every year.
We work closely with local law enforcement, and they are great folks. I really can't say enough good things about the local cops. I joined the local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) group, a volunteer first responder organization. In fact, our training drill last year was held here at the mill. What a hoot!
We are provided utilities and Internet by the contracting company along with our wages.
I also work part-time as a virtual assistant and taught AHA CPR the past couple of years.
It's essentially a 24/7 job, but that doesn't mean we are stuck here. One of us is here in the office during regular business hours; Dave can go for a bike ride or I can run errands, but one of us is on duty. Some days are dead quiet and others are hopping. Evenings and weekends we both can leave the property to dine out, etc. but . . . calls to the property and the alarms go to my cell phone and we respond if needed. Doesn't happen that often, especially since we've been here a while and it's known there is a presence on the property. We are not confrontational and do not carry firearms. Hence, we work closely with local LEO.
We are contract, so we can take off whenever we want. Took a holiday to the beach last year and the Montana rally in 2011. The company we are contracted to is . . . remarkable. They treat us very well but, again, they know we do our jobs and are reliable. We've also stuck it out here through 2 hurricanes, a couple of Nor'easter storms, and Superstorm Sandy. I was diagnosed with cancer for a 2nd time last year and underwent two major surgeries here. The company was so very supportive and the healthcare was excellent, even though it's a relatively small community.
I miss traveling, yes. This was not the original plan of following the seasons; however, we have a bit of job security, the pay is consistent and better than campground jobs, our environment - while harsh at times - rewards us with quiet and beauty, we aren't stressed or micro-managed and our employer companies (the security company and the contracting company) are great. If we wanted to leave here, the security company would work with us and other teams to do a swap or find us another spot.
I've got the best of both worlds. Living in my RV, able to say adios if we want, yet a steady income with work I dig. I've done the corporate scene and other things, and this beats it by miles and miles.
If you or any of ya'll Montana folks out there are ever in the neighborhood and need a place to boondock for a night or two, we have a big parking lot!
Life is good!
