Being Recognized by "Day Job" Co-workers
I stopped dancing at the beginning of the summer to focus on a full-time internship and an intense summer school class I had just started. Now that school is back in session and I'm not working constantly, I'd like to resume dancing. The extra money would be great and, although I've come to actually enjoy my place in "Corporate America", I miss dancing terribly.
But the only thing keeping me from going back is my worry and anxiety about being recognized by co-workers if they come into the club. Realistically, I think the odds of this happening are high-- the vast majority of the people with whom I interact at work are men. My bosses are all men. This company is male-dominated. The field in which I'm establishing my career is male-dominated. It makes me worry.
So, do you have any advice on how to handle the situation if a co-worker recognizes me? Has this happened to you? Did it adversely affect your job or career?
I know that if I want to go back to dancing, I'm going to have to suck it up. If I want the reward, I have to accept the risk... I'm just hoping that some of you have wisdom you could share with me. Thank you.
Re: Being Recognized by "Day Job" Co-workers
If you do NOT NEED the extra money from dancing and if your internship means as much to you as I think it does, IMHO I do NOT think it's worth the risk of dancing again.
I remember all that I went through in college and to have even the most remote possibility of throwing it all away because of missing dancing for me personally would not be worth it.
If you have waitress experience (cocktail and/or food) I feel this would be a better alternative to dancing ... and you'll probably be making more than some of us ... and best of all not go through the shit of many of us are dealing w/.
If dancing is your only option to making extra money and if you NEED the extra money to survive ... pay bills, buy food, gas, etc ... and you feel your back is up against the wall and you're willing to accept the risk of being recognized at the club by a co-worker then by all means go back to dancing. I'm not sure how long you've been out of dancing but a lot has changed ... in less than a year ... just read some of the threads on SW and you'll see that a shit load of us dancers are struggling. It's not what it use to be ... not by a long shot.
Follow your heart but also go w/ your gut instinct. Only YOU truly know what is BEST for your situation now, and your future career in Corporate America. Good Luck! :)
Re: Being Recognized by "Day Job" Co-workers
Sorry to sound graphic, but don't shit where you eat. It sounds like your day job is more important to you than dancing, so it's not worth risking.
If you must dance, try doing it two towns over so it will reduce the risk of you being spotted by a co-worker. In a male-dominated work place the last thing you need is for your co-workers to know you as the 'slutty stripper chick'. The glass ceiling would become titanium.
But, if you must, make yourself unrecognizable. When dancing wear a wig, really dramatic makeup, colored contacts. At work, dress very conservatively and don't 'show off your figure'. You could probably pull it off. No one expects the smart gal they work with doubles as a stripper. Best of luck!