Do you have noseys or just fretting ? I work from a flat which is my home as far as neighbours are concerned. I purposely don't talk to anyone and so the need to make explanations' hasn't come up. I barely say hello and thats generous. I'm.officially a therapist which I tell landlord and is kinda true,  so you could say many things.... youre a chiropodist, tarot card reader, wellness coach, whatever. Look up jobs on the web and pick one that suits. think there's a big thread on this somewhere with lots of suggestions.

People will think what they want whatever you choose to say.

Oh I just saw Sloane Grey' s post below...just to clarify SG,  I say I do, 'talk therapy' nothing physical. I understand it can be awkward with guard dog neighbours as you say. Especially if they've got nothing better to do than spy for the FBI

First of all Megan try not to let the anxiety overcome you! Anticipation of bad things happening is often worse (and does you more damage) than the thing actually happening. I think this is one of those. The worst that could possibly happen is that your landlord finds out and you get evicted, which is unlikely, and even then you would have a two months' notice period to sort yourself out... and in the private rental sector unfair evictions happen left right and centre even to non-escorts, so there's no point doing yourself in with worry.

As far as looking for a place that you will work (and live) in, whether the landlord lives nearby, or used to live in the property themselves (and therefore knows the neighbours) are questions I would definitely ask during a viewing; in as casual a way as possible: "have you lived here yourself? I was wondering if the traffic is noisy at night time..." etc.

But of course not everyone has the luxury of moving at the drop of a hat. I agree with others that the best approach is to make a cover story, stick to it, avoid over-familiarity with neighbours, and try to work around their daily routines and working hours if that is possible.

Here masseuse may not be the best idea because IMO that would raise suspicions of prostitution... maybe something unrelated, like reiki healer, tarot reader, or you are a web designer, or teach people about SEO from home maybe.

Try to encourage fewer/longer incalls and more outcalls if that is something you would be happy with. So if you currently have minimum lengths as 15m for incalls and 2hr for outcalls (for example) then raise it to 45m/1 hr for incalls and 1hr for outcalls, and adjust prices a bit accordingly.

Also be careful attending outcalls - no point making a bafta-winning cover story if you are jumping in taxis at 10pm every other night wearing 6inch heels and a mini-mini-mini-skirt. Maybe wear leggings/pumps and change in the cab (or your car), if using a taxi maybe get picked up somewhere nearby that is busy like a supermarket car park.

Also give a postcode that is around the corner or at the end of the street, and get them to walk to you, I feel this is more discrete.

These are tips and tricks I use when working from flats in residential blocks. They work well for me although others may have different advice.

And just remember - although ladies do get found out (and sometimes chucked out) this is a rarity, for most who work from home, everything goes fine. And you will see from some of the posts made on this forum in the past that many of those who have dramas are partially to blame by causing arguments with neighbours or telling their business to people they shouldn't.