If you're curious and over the age of 18, read on...
This lens is created for women in the US. I only know about the female side of escort work, so it's natural that this is what I'm writing about.
Although I recommend you be over 18 to read this, I think it would be even better if you were over 21.
Being a successful escort requires a bit of maturity on the part of the escort. Although girls generally mature faster than boys, maturity still requires some years and some life experience. This information is geared for a woman in her early 20s who lives on her own and has already shown that she can support herself. Having had a few relationships with men is a big plus.
What is escort work?
It's not automatically the same as prostitution. Prostitution is basically selling sex for money. Escort work is selling time for money. It's generally a little more complex (one researcher referred to escort work as "emotion work"). Sex is an option, but not the only one.
The Internet and Escorts
Internet escorts have been getting more and more attention in the media. Thanks to the Internet, women have been given unprecedented control over their business. It's a boon for clients too, as their personal risk is lowered and they can contact women from all over the world and choose precisely whom they wish to meet.
Entry into the business is as easy as setting up a Web site or placing an online ad. But what then? Finding accurate information on what to do or what to expect is difficult. Few people have written honestly about the business and even fewer have written about it in the last 10 years.
"Easy entry" also means that there's less mentoring. Girls end up with inaccurate information or no information at all and they have no one to turn to. That's no way to make a life-changing decision.
Entry into the business is as easy as setting up a Web site or placing an online ad. But what then? Finding accurate information on what to do or what to expect is difficult. Few people have written honestly about the business and even fewer have written about it in the last 10 years.
"Easy entry" also means that there's less mentoring. Girls end up with inaccurate information or no information at all and they have no one to turn to. That's no way to make a life-changing decision.
Common Myths
Read 10 common myths about escorts (in PDF form). Escort work, like almost anything in life, is affected by how you approach it. Research, planning and personal reflection will get you pointed in the right direction with minimal fuss and minimal problems. Trial and error works too, but it probably won't leave you as happy.
Making Money $$$$
You've seen those "Girls -- make lots of $$$$" ads before, even if you weren't looking for them. The first thing everyone wants to know about escort work is how much would they be able to make. I can't tell you that. I can't even tell you if you're suitable for the job. It's a decision you have to make after considering the points below. Even if you decide this is the perfect job for you, your income depends on many factors, such as: appearance, location, projected image, your market, your professionalism and personality. That's just for starters.
The money can be fast, it can be good, but it is rarely easy.
The money can be fast, it can be good, but it is rarely easy.
So...
Even though I had already been stripping before I decided to become an escort, the process of making the decision took a few months. After deciding that I might like to try it, I spent another couple months doing research before making my debut. And then I still had a lot to learn.
But I made few mistakes. I'd spent a lot of time thinking about what I was going to do and that saved me a lot of trouble.
But I made few mistakes. I'd spent a lot of time thinking about what I was going to do and that saved me a lot of trouble.
Things to Consider
If you're not sure that you want to be an escort, use the list below to kickstart the thinking process. Realize that I haven't even touched on the actual running of your business.
- Why do you want to be an escort?
Just wanting to make money isn't enough of a reason. Wanting a wild adventure isn't a good reason either. This isn't always an easy job and your motivation has to be strong enough to sustain you when you have bad days. - Do you have a good support system?
You need to have a few close friends or family members that you can lean on. You need an emotional outlet because this job does not provide it. - Are you a people person?
This is the main requirement of the job; not how you look or how great you think you are in bed. - Is your life in order?
There are plenty of the stereotypical flaky escorts, but they aren't the ones who make the most money. Nor are they the mentally/emotionally healthiest girls either. - What about your health?
You need to find a gynecologist if you don't already have one and you need to be open with her. Your health is your future. - How flexible is your schedule?
You need a fairly flexible schedule, especially when starting out. This means childcare, transportation and significant others need to be taken care of long before you get an appointment request. It's very hard to arrange these things at the last minute. - What are your boundaries?
You need to decide your physical/mental/emotional boundaries before you have your first appointment. These aren't rigid rules but your own personal guidelines to make your work easier for you. And if you have a significant other, these things must be discussed well in advance of any appointments. - What is your goal?
Like an athlete, you have a shelf life as an escort. You need to decide what your ultimate goal is for this business and what you plan to do when you retire. Even if you have planned your retirement well, it's not an easy transition to make. - Have you really thought about this?
Being an escort will affect your life; sometimes in surprising ways. Think the decision through.
More Information
If you're still curious and want to know more about being an escort, then click on the links below.
You may've noticed that I have written a book. The Internet Escort's Handbook Book 1: The Foundation addresses the questions above and much more. It's part 1 of a 4-part series for Internet escorts -- because there is no other reference. Consider it a long-distance mentoring.
I've planned upcoming lenses on marketing/advertising online.
This lens was on here a year ago, but someone complained to Squidoo and it was removed. I was never given a specific reason, nor did the Squidoo team review the lens (as far as I can tell). So I'm curious to see if it can stay up here.
You may've noticed that I have written a book. The Internet Escort's Handbook Book 1: The Foundation addresses the questions above and much more. It's part 1 of a 4-part series for Internet escorts -- because there is no other reference. Consider it a long-distance mentoring.
I've planned upcoming lenses on marketing/advertising online.
This lens was on here a year ago, but someone complained to Squidoo and it was removed. I was never given a specific reason, nor did the Squidoo team review the lens (as far as I can tell). So I'm curious to see if it can stay up here.
The Notbeook
a business blog for escorts
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