[Volundr]

Why not? My first job was Wendy's and honestly... It's not the least satisfying job I've had. My unwillingness to do it now has more to do with having become accustomed to the luxury that comes with a software developer salary than anything negative about fast food (same reason I won't go back to being a security guard, which was hands down the best job I ever had).

I feel like there's a strong argument to be made that the person working at Taco Bell and is satisfied with their life is better off than a random cube dweller slowly losing their soul in the name of material comforts.

[jokethrowaway]

Maybe you can pull off security guard and software development at the same time! It's something I always joked about doing - but that was before everyone and their dog became remote.

Nowadays software development is so meeting heavy that nothing gets done but you're "working" all the time.

[yw3410]

What did you enjoy about being a security guard?

[Volundr]

A bit of context that might be important: Most of my time spent as a security guard was spent either taking the closing shift at an outlet mall on the outskirts of town, or a night or weekend shift at a large office building. I rarely did things like work at a busy mall during the day.

The best part frankly was that there was so little I actually needed to do. I filled out a few forms, I walked the whole site X times of Y period (usually once every 1-2 hours, but depended on the site). Beyond that I was largely just expected to be at my post, reasonably alert and professional looking. My time was my own to do homework, study, read, program, or whatever. I realize that a job without anything to do is a nightmare for some people, but I've never had a problem filling my own time.

Other pros:

* I knew my regular sites almost like my home. Sure during they day there were tons of people, but by the night/weekend when I took over, I was basically the only person in the building and it felt like it was mine.

* Eating lunch on the roof overlooking the city.

* Some of the chillest co-workers I've ever met, from the maintenance crew to the other guards.

* 12-hours shifts meant I was usually only working 3 days a week.

* On holidays me and the maintenance guy would have private movie showings in the building auditorium.

Cons:

* 99% boring, but when things get exciting they get real exciting. Only time I've had guns pointed in my direction, and they were cops.

* I think getting off work and going to bed a 7 a.m. for years has permanently kind of borked my sleep.