PRO'S and CON'S

[Chantal]

What are the pro's and con's to the SP business?

 

[felix29]

For the women, the pro's of course could be the money, hopefully for something you enjoy doing.

The cons would be the potential health issues, meeting abusive customers, getting hooked on drugs ( with the money earned a potential big problem), the social stigma in society at large.

 

[Sexy BBW]

For the women, the pro's of course could be the money, hopefully for something you enjoy doing.

The cons would be the potential health issues, meeting abusive customers, getting hooked on drugs ( with the money earned a potential big problem), the social stigma in society at large.

Definately along the lines of what I was going to put my two cents in!

 

[Hollybaby]

Getting hooked on drugs has nothing to with being an SP. If you're the kind of person who does drugs, you're the kind of person who is going to spend money on drugs. If you're not a drug user, having lots of cash isn't going to suddenly change that.

I went from making $400 a month at retail jobs to making thousands of dollars a month working as an escort and you don't see me snorting anything.

Phew, just needed to get that stereotype cleared up. Now to answer the question:

PROS:

-freedom to work when you want to
-freedom to charge what you want to for your services
-freedom to choose what services you want to provide
-the potential to make LOTS of money
-exploring sexuality in new ways
-interacting with all different types of people and learning about them
-feeling good knowing that you're making others feel good

CONS:

-risk of STDs
-risk of dangerous clients
-risk of jail or fines
-possibility that people will cancel and it will be too late to get another job
-some people have trouble finding an accepting Significant Other
-it may be something you have to hide from friends and family which can lead to feeling isolated and lonely

 

[Sexy BBW]

Getting hooked on drugs has nothing to with being an SP. If you're the kind of person who does drugs, you're the kind of person who is going to spend money on drugs. If you're not a drug user, having lots of cash isn't going to suddenly change that.

I went from making $400 a month at retail jobs to making thousands of dollars a month working as an escort and you don't see me snorting anything.

Phew, just needed to get that stereotype cleared up. Now to answer the question:

PROS:

-freedom to work when you want to
-freedom to charge what you want to for your services
-freedom to choose what services you want to provide
-the potential to make LOTS of money
-exploring sexuality in new ways
-interacting with all different types of people and learning about them
-feeling good knowing that you're making others feel good

CONS:

-risk of STDs
-risk of dangerous clients
-risk of jail or fines
-possibility that people will cancel and it will be too late to get another job
-some people have trouble finding an accepting Significant Other
-it may be something you have to hide from friends and family which can lead to feeling isolated and lonely

Couldnt have said it better myself

 

[SoftHandsAnne]

The working hours for me are BIG pro because of the times I can work, the only other jobs I could get would be restaurant/bar work; been there (did it for over a decade a while ago), never want to go back.

Other than the STD risk, the biggest con for me is the relationship issue - I'm a lover/cuddler/partner/friend/social type of person who gets asked out a lot... hard to keep myself at a distance.

 

[Interested]

SoftHandsAnn - curious about your comment. Why do you feel you have to keep yourself at a distance?

General question - it is difficult for a SP to leave the business? There is a perception that people who enter the SP business have a hard time leaving the business. Is that true?

 

[SoftHandsAnne]

Because I don't want to fall for someone, nor do I want them to fall for me right now. (Ok, I *want* that... but it's not practical at the moment)

There is something about taking money for being intimate that just... makes it "worse." If I were to just go out and have "fun" and have sex with lots of guys, that's almost "OK" - but as soon as there is a transaction... well...

If I started to really like someone and vice versa, they would have to be told before the relationship went further. Then we get into possible rejection, loss of respect, bitterness etc etc. I know... "if he doesn't accept it..." - but realistically, it's not something most men could, would or want to handle. Just don't want to set myself - or anyone else - up for heartache.

I don't know about the leaving part - haven't tried yet ;p. However, I am physically working on other things that will enable me to not *need* to be in The Biz. This was never a long-term career for me; it was more of a "hmmm... what am I good at where I can work the odd hours I need?".

Will I miss it once I'm ready to go? You betcha. I like the affect I have, the fun, the naughtiness, the taboo, the clients. However, I will be happy to to be able to say, without reservation; "Yes, I would like to go out on a date with you" and be available to open myself up emotionally to the possibility of any feelings that may happen... as opposed to right now, where I keep that distance.

Hmmm... maybe we need a special dating site for SPs and other folks who have dating/work issues: LoveMeLoveMyJob.com

 

[trawler]

Hollybaby's comments are right on ...

I know several SP's personally and none of them are addicted to any substance. TV, movies, the news and other media always portray the SP's in that light to try to explain why they are in the business. For many, the reasons are:

1. It is a way to get ahead financially much more quickly;
2. They each the sex; and
3. It is a temporary career that leads to a more certain future.

I know the easy money can lead to other problems, especially sticking to a career plan, mating, etc.; however, these are problems for anybody in any facet of life.

NUFF SAID

 

[logsplitter]

I have heard it said by sp's more than once that they miss the elements of sex that come from a relationship like intimacy, cuddling, having a best friend, enjoying that feeling and security of a 'partnership', not having to perform and just being able to relax and have the man make love to them.

Generally they all seem to miss having a normal life with normal experiences that they can share with their friends when they socialize.

On the plus side they like meeting many really interesting guys and enjoy the window into exciting people's lives that this work gives them.

A surprising observation that many of them have made is that the work has taught them a lot about looking past the guys looks because they say 'some of the nicest people that they have met thru the buis are people that they would have not dated in normal life.

 

[Hollybaby]

I have heard it said by sp's more than once that they miss the elements of sex that come from a relationship like intimacy, cuddling, having a best friend, enjoying that feeling and security of a 'partnership', not having to perform and just being able to relax and have the man make love to them.

Generally they all seem to miss having a normal life with normal experiences that they can share with their friends when they socialize.

I'm sure it's true that the SPs who don't have a partner may miss some of the things you can do with one, but this post sounded like it's rare for any SP to have a partner. It's not.

I've talked to many who are married, have boyfriends, or who are engaged. Many SPs prefer to keep it a secret that they have a partner because it's private.

 

[felix29]

Getting hooked on drugs has nothing to with being an SP. If you're the kind of person who does drugs, you're the kind of person who is going to spend money on drugs. If you're not a drug user, having lots of cash isn't going to suddenly change that.

I went from making $400 a month at retail jobs to making thousands of dollars a month working as an escort and you don't see me snorting anything.

Not meant to stereotype anyone

It is just that SP's will likely interact with customers who are/have done drugs, and will have a greater opportunity to start using themselves as a result then the general population. Combine that with the extra cash and it could turn into a problem. By now means did I mean to infer that all SP's are using drugs or are addicts, just that it is more likely a problem in this industry then society as a whole. Just as it is for night club staff

 

[hardup]

Sorry I thought this was a thread about Hookers and Parolees

 

[Hollybaby]

It is just that SP's will likely interact with customers who are/have done drugs, and will have a greater opportunity to start using themselves as a result then the general population. Combine that with the extra cash and it could turn into a problem. By now means did I mean to infer that all SP's are using drugs or are addicts, just that it is more likely a problem in this industry then society as a whole. Just as it is for night club staff

I completely disagree with you. There are many drug users in the general population because this is Vancouver (weed capital of Canada!). I see no reason why men who see prostitutes are more likely to use drugs than other men.

I have never seen a client who was on drugs at the time. I have seen clients who have used drugs before, or who use them recreationally. The drug is usually weed. This is Vancouver, where many people smoke weed, regardless of whether they see prostitutes.

it is more likely a problem in this industry then society as a whole.

What are you basing that on? That is the kind of statement that needs to be backed up with a study, not anecdotal evidence. And such studies are done, so maybe you should do some research before just randomly saying things that you think are probably true.

I understand it must be hard for you to let go of a stereotype that you've been taught your whole life.

 

[Sexy BBW]

From my short experince, HATERS

 

[AreWeThereYet]

Comments-

I think my favorite edmonton "girl" sums it up so nicely." I love my job." I work for a "nice" studio, the owner is great, if I want extra time off no problem, my clients are all good - if I dont like them I dont see them again. I dont see ones I dont like. I do make good money for what I do and usually enjoy.

 

[SweetDoc]

I completely disagree with you. There are many drug users in the general population because this is Vancouver (weed capital of Canada!). I see no reason why men who see prostitutes are more likely to use drugs than other men.

I have never seen a client who was on drugs at the time. I have seen clients who have used drugs before, or who use them recreationally. The drug is usually weed. This is Vancouver, where many people smoke weed, regardless of whether they see prostitutes.




What are you basing that on? That is the kind of statement that needs to be backed up with a study, not anecdotal evidence. And such studies are done, so maybe you should do some research before just randomly saying things that you think are probably true.

I understand it must be hard for you to let go of a stereotype that you've been taught your whole life.

I really don't want to get into a war on this subject. I had the same stereotypes in mind and figured since Holly was attacking those stereotypes, I'd do some research. Just google it, there are thousands upon thousands of surveys and studies documented. Holly you are right, alot of people in society use drugs, but the problem isnt using them, it's abusing them, two completely different things. Anyway basically the surveys come to the same conclusion. There is much more drug abuse among prostitutes/people who sell sex, than there is among the general public. Surveys show that the reason many of the girls get into it is to fund their drug use, which later becomes abuse because of the money they are making. In reference to high class escorts or higher paid educated people who sell sex, the trend seems to indicate that there is a greater chance for them to start using drugs once they are already established, even though they may never have before. This could be because of the lifestyle, the distance than can be created between the person and their family, or a lack of intimacy, I don't know. But the stereotype seems to be justified by the many surveys I checked out. I'm not going to link any of them, they are easily googled and you may find your own that I haven't seen that may support a different conclusion than I've come to. I'm being completely objective here, not trying to take sides or start anything.

And BTW, surveys also note that male prostitution and drug abuse nearly parallel female abuse, so it is an industry wide trend, not just with females.

 

[Hollybaby]

There is much more drug abuse among prostitutes/people who sell sex, than there is among the general public. Surveys show that the reason many of the girls get into it is to fund their drug use, which later becomes abuse because of the money they are making.

That's exactly what I said.

However, I have seen no documented evidence to support the idea that after becoming a prostitute, someone is more likely to abuse drugs than the average person.

I would love to see some references to peer-reviewed academic studies that have been conducted by PhDs/MAs and published in academic journals.

Thanks

 

[SweetDoc]

That's exactly what I said.

However, I have seen no documented evidence to support the idea that after becoming a prostitute, someone is more likely to abuse drugs than the average person.

I would love to see some references to peer-reviewed academic studies that have been conducted by PhDs/MAs and published in academic journals.

Thanks

Like I said, google it. I'm not as passionate about this argument as some people are, therefore I'm not going to do the leg-work for you. The studies I read were from valid sources. If you would love to see some peer-reviewed academic studies, they are out there, have fun And btw, I'm assuming if you don't research it, your opinion on the issue and other people's stereotypes regarding this issue are only as valid as theirs.

Respectfully,

SD

 

[Hollybaby]

"Like I said, google it. I'm not as passionate about this argument as some people are, therefore I'm not going to do the leg-work for you. The studies I read were from valid sources. If you would love to see some peer-reviewed academic studies, they are out there, have fun And btw, I'm assuming if you don't research it, your opinion on the issue and other people's stereotypes regarding this issue are only as valid as theirs."

Instead of using Google I used an academic search engine. My findings are below:

"Prostitution follows addiction in 48% of the subjects, precedes it in 38%, and is simultaneous in 14%"
(James, 1977)

"They found that the average age at first heroin injection and first prostitution was similar (19.0 years for heroin vs. 19.2 years for prostitution) and that 44% had used heroin prior to prostitution entry, 26% subsequent to entry, and 30% at about the same time as entry."
(Gossop, Powis, Griffiths, & Strang, 1994)

"To assess the sequence, timing, and prevalence of sexual and illegal drug use milestones in prostitute women, we interviewed 237 prostitutes in the community and 407 comparison women at an STD clinic. Drug use was more commonly reported by prostitutes than comparisons [...] Sexual- and drug-related milestones occurred in the same order in both groups, with drug use preceding sexual activity and injecting drug use preceding prostitution. Ninety-four percent of prostitutes who injected drugs reported noninjectable drug use before prostitution, and 75% of prostitutes who injected drugs reported doing so before beginning prostitution. [...] Currently, there is little theory to guide our understanding of why such events occur in the order they do. The available data suggest considerable variation in the forces, both internal and external, that affect women's lives and move them toward drug use, drug injection, and prostitution (in some order). At least one pulp fiction version would have us believe that women are lured into prostitution by drugs and that the latter serves to maintain the former, but the available literature suggests that the true situation is more complex and heterogeneous."
(Potterat, John J., Rothenberg, Richard B., Muth, Stephen Q., Darrow, William W., Phillips-Plummer, Lynanne, Journal of Sex Research, 00224499, Nov98, Vol. 35, Issue 4)

The general consensus seems to be that drug use and prostitution are related, and the relationship varies depending on the individual. Drug use is particularly problematic among street prostitutes, where drug users become prostitutes to pay for their addiction, and their addiction contributes to an overall stressful work environment (which is in turn relieved by more drugs).

Escorts sometimes begin drug use after beginning regular sex work, but the link seems to be more facillitative than causal (that is, people want to do drugs, but cannot until they get a job which allows them to afford it. This is similar to any job which comes with a substantial increase in money, such as a business executive) Drug use in general is far rarer among escorts than other prostitutes, and drug use is discouraged in the world of "high class" prostitutes in general:

"Demographic analyses indicate that regular drug use is less common among the higher-paid prostitutes than among the lower-paid group. There is no evidence that women are coerced into prostitution by third parties using drugs to 'enslave' women. However, women who are addicts and are more likely to encounter the criminal justice system may become prostitutes. Subjects generally agreed that drug use was opposed by pimps and madams, and that addiction precluded the possibility of working as a call girl. Drug use and possession is felt to deter the entry to better occupational levels, invoke police harassment, and detract from the prostitutes' 'professionalism.'"
(GOLDSTEIN, P. J. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROSTITUTION & SUBSTANCE USE; 1978, 379p)

In short, yes, drug use is more prevelant among street prostitutes in particular, the drug use often being the reason they begin prostitution.

Escorts, like many other people working in high-paying jobs, have increased means to engage in recreational drug use, but it is discouraged in the "escort culture" generally.