What surprised me was how much I got out of it and how much it enabled me to do other more important stuff. I only ever started it as a bit of fun (via the S&M scene) but I made some fantastic life long friends (other WGs and a few clients/contacts). I was also able to make time to care for a terminally ill relative over a number of years, something which a 'normal' job, earning the same amount of money would no way allow. In addition, I was able to fund studies for a new career and so form an exit plan. Overall, it was a far more positive experience than I could have ever expected. Of course there are downsides and they are nearly all either directly or indirectly to do with the stigma attached to being a 'prostitute'.

Quote from: Trafford on 16 October 2010, 01:35:34 pm

Of course there are downsides and they are nearly all either directly or indirectly to do with the stigma attached to being a 'prostitute'.

so if you were someone quite attracted to the slightly taboo and subversive the downsides are minimal?

My position,  briefly,  I'm not interested in being in a relationship, I've tried NSA type arrangements but am mostly left with the feeling that I'm giving away something for nothing.
I know that rests on the traditional idea that when it comes to sex men are taking from women, or that women should expect something in return for 'putting out'
Even if I think it ought not to be that way, I'm sorta stuck with it if everyone else behaves as if it is...or to put it another way I may as well play the system and stop giving it away for free..

Or does that sound, confused?
Naive?
Clich?d?

I think if you already hold and live by unconventional rules, and do so happily, then yes I think the downsides are minimal. However of course, its not just you, its your family and those close to you who may 'suffer' from the stigma. Just from recent weeks, we've seen the parents of the Wayne Rooney hookers become the subject of the tabloid lens. Thats an extreme example but many a working girl has had to deal with their children being bullied because some indiscreet and mean spirited idiot has randomly decided to out their mum.

Getting paid for it is a whole different ball game in my opinion as you have less choice about who you are shagging - not no choice, but certainly less choice. That in itself though can be a turn on and in fact myself and a friend used to have a great chuckle about 'dirty old man' clients and how horny it made us (we are probably disturbed in some way but there you go! ).

It can be enormous fun if you have the right approach. Its not for everyone and its such a personal choice. I would not recomend it to any young family of mine for example but if one of my savvy, older friends (40+) asked my opinion, I'd probably advise them to give it a whirl. The key in my opinion, is recognising how you are feeling and coping as even those who feel it is a vocation can get a little bored or jaded. Do it while its right and get out when its not - for some that will mean they dip in their toes and dont like it, for others, they could be doing it happily for years.

Not sure if that helps you but good luck with whatever you decide. .

Having progressed my way through phones, to cams to escorting (up the ladder i go lol next stop is pimp)

Im most suprised that so far the punters are the most "normal" of the guys (im talking guys you actually having bookings with not timewasters lol) 

I'm certainly enjoying meeting new people all the time 

I will be honest with everyone and say that after a rather short 4 month  relationship with a man who used me simply for sex (he never even bought a bottle of wine let alone lunch) I felt worthless and ashamed that I had allowed myself to be treated that way for so long...
What surprised me the most is the fact I enjoy being paid for what I do, the freedom it brings and my ability to not bat an eyelid about clients being unattractive. I've surprised myself and learnt that looks are not the be all and end all.

a man who used me simply for sex

I've tried using men just for sex but I always end up feeling as if they get more out of it than I do

I should add that I feel honoured that these men choose me, pay me and still ( so far ) treat me very respectfully.

perhaps (generally speaking) once you explicitly put a price on your lovin' you get treated as if you're worth it?

You need to know there is a different set of expectations when cash is involved.

I know that money talks and I understand the lingo pretty well

If you haven't read a stack of "field reports", preferably the "would not recommend" ones, do so. You'll learn an awful lot, and what a lot of awfuls are out there.

Ok gotcha...I'll read more field reports

I pretty much tumbled into things just like plenty of other ladies, but I didn't really think about it at all which I actually believe was better than spending time making decisions based on half-formed misconceptions and skewed information.

yup, I know, 'piss or get off the pot'