Mahen Prasad is the familiar face motorists will find at Gurbachan Singh Mall’s parking space in Labasa town.
The 54-year-old works as a security officer, a risky job that often involves preventing vandalism, thefts and dealing with criminal behaviour.
“I do this job, even at my age, because it’s just me and my wife at home…my wife works at a garment factory so whatever income we get helps us get through life.
“It’s not easy working as a security officer…but I enjoy it.”
Mr Prasad monitors the premises and protects staff, visitors, tenants and property.
He loves his job because it allows him to meet interesting people and make new friends who come from all walks of life.
“There are some (people he meets) who are old, young and people with different moods, so this job has really trained me to deal with different people.
“Sometimes people are grumpy, some are always smiling, some don’t talk at all but pay their fees and go.
“Interacting with them has taught me to be very patient and kind.”
Mr Prasad said his age and experience has enable him to effectively deal with people with kindess and sincerity.
“I need to keep my cool always because customers are important and in this job we need to value our customers.
“I also need to be happy and I believe that keeps me fit and healthy.”
Mr Prasad also collects parking fees, controls traffic driving into and out of the parking lot and sees that nobody breaks the peace.
“It’s challenging but its enjoyable because I get to meet new friends, in fact I have more friends now compared to my past jobs.”
Shift work sometimes sees Mr Prasad work during bad weather and until late at night.
But he has endured because he knows he has a duty to fulfil and that is to support his wife and help his children.
