Do you work as a sex worker, or are you considering becoming one?
Sex work can be a very lucrative career, or, even a lucrative way to just make some extra cash each month.
And, it can also be an exciting field of work as well. As a sex worker, you will get to interact with all sorts of people. And, depending on your relationships with your clientele, you may even get the opportunity to travel to exotic locales and meet influential people.
However, as many of us already know, there is a dark side to sex work. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself in a situation that is annoying at best and downright dangerous at worst.
In fact, sex work is still considered to be one of the most dangerous professions.
So, how do you make sure you are staying safe, while still making the most out of your career?
Read on to learn about the best job advice for sex workers.
1. Work for an Agency
Working for an agency is one of the best ways to ensure you stay safe AND get consistent working.
By working for an agency, you get the peace of mind knowing that all the clients who you work with are vetted beforehand.
Plus, because there are other sex workers working for the same agency, you will have an automatic built-in support system.
Your fellow co-workers will be able to give you general advice about working in the industry, as well as advice about specific clients.
If you choose not to work for an agency, for legal reasons or other, then make sure you never accept a client who doesn’t have references. Most clients have seen other sex workers in the past, and if they were a good client, they should be more than happy to give you a list of references you can call.
If an agency sounds like the best deal for you, you can learn more about them here.
2. Get a Burner Phone
If you’ve watched the television show The Wire, then you know all about the concept of a burner phone.
Burner phones are a great way to stay in touch with your clients and stay organized, while still maintaining your personal privacy.
A cheap burner phone allows you to use different phone numbers in your ads. By frequently changing your number, you make it harder for people to figure out your real identity.
However, buying new phones, even cheap ones, on a regular basis can still get spendy. Luckily, there are apps out there specifically designed to allow you to change your number frequently.
Also, while you’re getting a burner phone, you should also take the time to set up a PO Box.
Chances are, satisfied clients are going to want to send you gifts. A PO Box allows them somewhere to send things that aren’t your home address.
3. Be Careful With Drugs and Alcohol
Generally, it is best to completely avoid the use of drugs and alcohol while on the job.
In the most basic sense, even though sex work is an unconventional job, it is still a job. You never want to be too drunk or too high that you lose your ability to focus on your client’s needs. Your clients pay good money to be with you, and therefore they obviously want your full attention.
By removing drugs and alcohol from the equation, you ensure that you can do your best work for your clients.
Also, we can’t ignore the safety factor.
If someone attacks you, it is much harder to get away and think clearly when you are under the influence.
If you do choose to use drugs or alcohol, know your limits, and never accept something unless you know exactly where it is coming from. You don’t want to run the risk of taking something that is laced.
4. Before You Go to Work…
There are a few things you want to do right before you’re scheduled to work to help ensure your safety.
First of all, always let someone know where you are going to be, as well as what time you are expected to get back. Whether it’s your boss, co-worker, or friend, have a plan in place with this person everytime you go into work.
Plan to always message this person when you are done with work, and, if they don’t hear from you by a certain time, have a plan in place for what they should do next. Let them know who they should contact if they suspect something has gone wrong.
Also, always bring a pen and paper with you to work. Write down all registration numbers you come across in the event this client needs to be identified later on.
Also, always bring a small amount of cash with you. If the client gets angry for some reason and decides not to pay, or you decide you need to exit the situation quickly, a small amount of cash will help you quickly get a cab and get out of there.
5. Dressing for Work
Just like any other job, you need to be savvy about what you wear as a sex worker.
Of course, you want to wear an outfit that is pleasing to your client. However, you don’t want to wear so many layers that it’s impossible to keep track of your things.
If possible, choose clothing that can be easily taken off or put back on after sex, or better yet, clothing that doesn’t need to be removed at all to have sex.
Also, in the event that you need to run away, make sure you wear comfortable shoes that you can easily run in. If your client requests you wear sky-high stilettos, then at least make sure to pack a pair of comfy shoes in case of an emergency.
6. Stay on Top
There are a wide variety of services sex workers offer their clients.
However, never feel like you need to offer all of these. Only offer what you feel comfortable doing. If there is something you are not comfortable with, clearly state this beforehand to your client.
It can also be a good idea to establish a safe word with your client before engaging in sex. This can be a word that either you or your client can use that means “stop immediately”.
Try to avoid positions that make you extremely vulnerable, like doggy style.
You may even want to place a large mirror in the place you are planning to have sex, as this can ensure you can see your client at all times.
Job Advice for Sex Workers: Wrap Up
If you want to be one of the many sex workers, you’re on your way to a successful and safe career.
If you have any questions about these tips, be sure to drop us a comment below.
Otherwise, be sure to check in with our blog regularly for more job advice.