Oh Joey, you know, things are quiet right now. People are loosing their jobs left, right and centre and if not actually loosing them, the threat is there so frugal comes into play.
Things economically, are as bad in the States as they are here. We all have to hang in there and wait this out.

Do you live in a city area or out in the country? Is a move to another city really what you want? Do you have good friends where you live that you will miss?
You know, if I had no kids, I would move for sure. I just can not uproot them and go, no matter how badly I hate living here. I have to see them through schooling here where they began it.
I would sod off in a flash given half the chance if not for the children.
In a way, you are fortunate to only have yourself to provide for.

Have you tried dropping prices perhaps?
Your quite a young buck so get some study done through this quiet spell. Get on a course, learn things that you can use when your 6 pack vanishes... Think long term while your still young, I wish I had!
I would seriously recommend that. Think of yourself 20 years from today and get something going now for then.
Listen to me, I am older than you. Had I done that I would not be where I am right now...

Above all though, don't get upset over it. Don't think this is solely a problem you have. It's not so.
We are living through a rough time, all of us are, from the average man in the street to the big shots, we are all nervous.
It was reported yesterday this is just the tip of the iceburg, by the end of this year and through next year, they say, these economic sorts, we will know what struggling is.
That might not be the case, we know how that sort like to frighten, but, just in case it is, take it as a heads up and think and plan now for then.
Sorry I can't be more optimistic for you.
Not knowing your practical circumstances it is difficult to properly advise.
Come on, get that tart's smile on Joey. You will find a way through this.
x

Do you live in a city area or out in the country? Is a move to another city really what you want? Do you have good friends where you live that you will miss? Have you tried dropping prices perhaps?

Well I live in the city, and yes a move to another city is what I want...but there are some pros and cons to it. Its not terribly bad here, but I know it can be so much better. I havent made any close connections since I moved here so I wouldnt be missing much as far as friends, most of mine are still in Miami anyway.

As far as dropping prices, Im not sure! The 2 directories Im on...they all charge atleast 180 upwards to 200. If I lowered it to say 130-150 I may look cheap and 'out of place' do you think? I already lowered my fee by 20 these past few weeks and even when I went on tour I didnt raise my prices, in fact I had to decrease by another 20 in one city...and one of my clients took notice of that and I said, "I had to match the location prices"...

I've also listed on another site that usually charges less...but low and behold yesterday I got an email from the same client, at the same time-frame on the cheap site and the expensive site (he never booked )...seems like they all go to the 1 or 2 main sites anyway!

Have you though of finding a lady to work a duo with. Hear me out, there are loads of guys who are closeted, and just being with a man is quite intimidating for them. So having a women in the room makes them feel less "Gay", since it is a couple. Just a thought. Kisses V`

hmmm...havent thought about that one. I dont know any women friends around though. Perhaps to 'recruit' some. Having a transexual partner may be more likely to happen, and I do know one!

In this business there is no guarantee.  At times, you will be quiet ? get used to it and when you do earn be sensible and put money aside.  You cannot live on a day to day basis but have to stand back and monitor earnings over weeks and months.  It usually balances itself out and also depending how long you have been in the business ? it takes time to really establish yourself and perhaps have regulars.  Also I am sure the economy is not in such a great way so shock horror but you might have to ride out any downturn in turnover.  

But is there any chance at all you could post without the total drama?  lol  You know we all have similar issues ? the universe does not quite revolve around you yet....  

Awww chucks!  Yeah, I actually do understand your emotions.  As much as we try not to - we sort of take it personal.  If the phone is quiet it is easy to get depressed and scared.  But seriously, you must not think of clients/business on a daily or short term basis.  Keep your earnings on a spreadsheet and monitor it on a longer basis and it should make you feel better.  Look at the total each month and track it over longer periods to see patterns.  I found it to be soothing to actually look at my income long term.  It still is bloody good for the few hours and more then matches a well paid job.   

I like Violette's idea Joey, that makes a lot of sense you know. There must be so many guys out there who would not book you unless a girl was there just to 'mask' things...
I like Honey's idea of spreadsheets as well. It's really good psychologically to do that, to see, you may have had a quiet week or two but you still took home, monthly, more than your mate that works 8 hour shifts down the local supermarket.

well I still dont feel much better about having come home. I was driving around tonight and just felt so resentful about coming back. I should have moved when I had more than enough money, but at the same time I wasnt quite ready to as I needed to take care of a few things first. Its a really tough dilemma. You want to move because you're bored and upset, but cant until the time's right.

Ok  rant no more....