Dear EP Ramblers,
I started working on my first executive protection detail two months ago and have still not been promoted to team lead. I haven’t even traveled around the world with the principal yet. I know everyone has to start out somewhere, but seriously: I’m 22 years old and just feel that I really deserve to be at a different level in my career by now.
I mean, I’ve paid my dues. Just look at my training fees at the Seymour Buhtt School of Ultra VIP Protection, where I graduated after a very busy three-day course. The instructor, Seymour, was in the Marines for 20 years and really knew his stuff. Even though he’s in his fifties, he can still swing a mean nunchaku. Seymour warned me that it might take me a while to move up to a leadership position, but two months? I’ve got friends my age who are already assistant store managers and they don’t even have any expensive training like me.
I’ve already tried talking to my manager, but she says I should do my job, improve my skills and my resumé, and be patient. But what does she know? She’s like 34 years old, has never done anything but executive protection since she left college and the special forces, and is not exactly a role model in my book.
I think it’s time to jump over my manager and warm up to the principal. If he only knew how qualified I am, he could make sure I start moving up. I know he’s into basketball like me, so I’m pretty sure we could bond on that and take it from there. But my mom says no, she wants to meet up with my manager instead and give her the lowdown on my qualifications. What do you think? Should I listen to my manager, listen to my mom, or listen to my intuitions and get this career moving?
Best regards,
Impatient
Dear Impatient,
Thanks for reaching out. We discussed your letter at a recent EP Rambler meeting, and we think we understand your dilemma.
Back when our brother-in-law Bob worked protection for the founder of Brown’s Garage in Oshkosh, he was faced with many of the same challenges as you. Not being recognized for his natural leadership talents was bad enough, but he also had to deal with the double humiliations of occasionally having to wash the car and walk the principal’s girlfriend’s dog, a Lhaso Apso named Doggie Lama. It was supposed to be this chill Tibetan monk dog, but it was a nasty piece of work. You could literally not tell its head from its butt unless it bit you. Then you knew. It bit everyone but the girlfriend, and drew blood from Bob on practically every walk.
After trying to up his game with a couple hours of Brazilian jujitsu training (turns out it was harder to learn than the YouTube videos made it look), Bob took matters into his own hands and chatted up the principal on his morning commute. Now, Bob has moved on and up, and says he’s very happy with his new leadership role. He’s currently the assistant manager of the night shift at the Krispy Kreme in Green Bay, which is a very busy place, especially during the season.
Impatient, we know it’s hard to start out in any new industry, and the EP industry might be harder than some. There aren’t many clearly defined career development paths, and good mentors can be hard to find. We think you should do your job as well as you possibly can, sharpen your saw with skills that are in demand, and remember that things take time.
Hope that helps your situation. Stay safe and keep your head down.
The EP Ramblers