I'm new--please help...need wide range of opinions.
Hi, I'm thinking about becoming a stripper. Here's my situation: I'm 23, decent looking and curvy, a college graduate and an elementary school teacher who barely makes any money. At least, not enough to support myself and I'm struggling. My parents are both out of work and have physical disabilities, and I don't feel comfortable asking them for help because I know they can barely help themselves. Additionally I love my family very much; I feel that they need my help. I need a job where I can make good money fast. My friend is an amazing dancer, loves it, is my age and can take care of herself--she referred me to this. So here I am. I thank you for all the tips I've read so far--that's been super helpful. Here are questions I have:
*I understand that in Washington State you need to get a license to do this line of work. I'm concerned that it will come up in a background check if I continue to pursue my teaching career, which I'm passionate about and don't wish to compromise if I can help it. Have any other strippers experienced this?
*I also hear working in Portland, OR is good--no license, plenty of business. Any Oregon folks that want to attest to their experience?
*How has this effected your social life and romantic relationships? How has it effected your relationship with your family?
*What are the emotional consequences for being an exotic dancer? Both positive and negative, realistically speaking.
*Is/was this choice worth it for you? Why or why not?
*Any other tips or rules you want to add, please do.
Re: I'm new--please help...need wide range of opinions.
*I understand that in Washington State you need to get a license to do this line of work. I'm concerned that it will come up in a background check if I continue to pursue my teaching career, which I'm passionate about and don't wish to compromise if I can help it. Have any other strippers experienced this?
n/a but I'm sure there are other members that can help you with questions
*I also hear working in Portland, OR is good--no license, plenty of business. Any Oregon folks that want to attest to their experience?
I worked in Oregon 5 years ago at what is now Rose City Strip. Again the search function is your best friend. It was decent money, there are a variety of clubs.
*How has this effected your social life and romantic relationships? How has it effected your relationship with your family?
I'm more of a recluse, I don't like other women being around except other strippers. I tend to be more egotistical and cocky. I know I'm hot shit. I'm less patient and I want things now. According to my ex fiance he never should have "let" me strip because it turned me into a "mouthy whore". (He sure as hell didn't mind the $$$$ going to his liquor habit)
My mom knows she just treats it like any other job. ("Are you taking your multivitamins mija? Going to the gym?")
*What are the emotional consequences for being an exotic dancer? Both positive and negative, realistically speaking.
It makes you more cocky, demanding and assertive. I get pissed off when a guy tries to chat me up IRL and he's not giving me money. I do think I'm more hypercritical. I posted some pics of me and my SO fucking on twitpic and I was scrutinizing my asshole contemplating anal bleaching. I hope that helps a bit to put things in perspective.
*Is/was this choice worth it for you? Why or why not?
Why wouldn't it be? I picked the Devil's road a long time ago and the journey has been fucking awesome. It's taken me to places I never would have been able to see otherwise.
*Any other tips or rules you want to add, please do.
Bring yer own fucking wipies, body spray, coochie spray etc. Don't do fucking lines in the bathroom when other girls need to pee. Keep yer mouth shut, eyes open, ears selectively tuned and you should be fine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
PiggieLover
Hi, I'm thinking about becoming a stripper. Here's my situation: I'm 23, decent looking and curvy, a college graduate and an elementary school teacher who barely makes any money. At least, not enough to support myself and I'm struggling. My parents are both out of work and have physical disabilities, and I don't feel comfortable asking them for help because I know they can barely help themselves. Additionally I love my family very much; I feel that they need my help. I need a job where I can make good money fast. My friend is an amazing dancer, loves it, is my age and can take care of herself--she referred me to this. So here I am. I thank you for all the tips I've read so far--that's been super helpful. Here are questions I have:
Re: I'm new--please help...need wide range of opinions.
Oh gosh, if you're an elementary school teacher, you're treading on dangerous grounds. Do a search around SW for for "Teacher" or "Elementary". It could ruin any potential future you have as an educator.
If you're going to dance, don't get a license. Go somewhere a long distance from where you live and be anonymous about it. Don't shit where you eat.
Re: I'm new--please help...need wide range of opinions.
I ditto What 4ever said.
I, too, have a degree to teach. I have NEVER mixed the two in the same state. When I was teaching and student teaching I travelled out of state, FAR out of state, to dance (from Colorado Springs to Phoenix). DON'T get a license if you can help it.
As for your questions:
I can't attest to Oregon or washington.
Relationships:
My husband, at the best times, get off that I'm a stripper. At the worst, he becomes a jealous and depressed husband. I cannot and will not tell my family. Most of my friends are dancers or have been dancers or are somehow related to the sex industry. I used to have teacher friends but those relationships have died off. I gave up teaching after one year because the pay and work vs. dancing was worse teaching.
Emotional Consequences:
I now feel every male is a pervert and/or cheater-you learn the WORST things about a man. Many dancers now probably have a hard time trusting a lot of men. I am WAAYY more open about my body. I am more assertive and confident. At the same time, I am obsessed with my looks and body. If you don't fully enjoy dancing, you can have self-loathing. Also with money, you come to treat it as expendable. If you spend too much or lose it, you start thinking "hey now I can just go in to work and make it all make. No big deal". You just don't treat it the same. You start thinking and acting like a normal job is too much work for too little money.
Choice for me:
Yes. I love my job. It's fantastic for me and fits my personality. You HAVE to have the personality to handle the stresses of this job.
Other tips:
Thouroughly reasearch this job. Read the website A LOT-all the tips, hints, and especially the rants. You need to know what you're getting into.
Re: I'm new--please help...need wide range of opinions.
Eeeeek...I would steer very very clear of this industry because you are a teacher. I have known many many girls who have not just lost their current jobs in education, but have also lost licenses, been banned by the local school board, and basically destroyed their entire career because of stripping. There was a huge story up here in BC a few years ago when a teacher had some photos taken on a boat in a bikini. Entirely covered up, but definitely suggestive and on the pornographic side of things....she lost her job, and can no longer teach in BC. Ever. On the flip side, I have worked with women who were teachers, and who worked in the industry for years and have not been found out, or had any problems.
Honestly, I love this job. I can see the appeal (obviously). And if you decide to go for it, and take the risk, then make sure you do NOT get a license, that you are never photographed (even in silly candids in the dressing room), that you work in another town (or, preferably, state or country!) and that you disguise yourself as much as possible (wigs are your friend).
If I was in your situation, I wouldn't do it. I wouldn't want to risk the thing that I was most passionate about and wanted to do for the rest of my life. I also wouldn't want the constant fear of being caught out. If you do decide to do this, tread lightly...
You might do better with phone sex - less money, but still good money, and a lot more anonymity....
Re: I'm new--please help...need wide range of opinions.
Thanks for your help. I'll keep researching. :)
Re: I'm new--please help...need wide range of opinions.
I apologise in advance for not answering your post in detail... I really got caught on the school teacher thing. I really dont think its a good idea. Its just not worth risking your career. Dancing is really full on and takes a massive emotional toll over years and its better suited towards women who are working towards a career in something else (which you already have) or switched on career dancers who can make dancing their profession and be focused on it.
Re: I'm new--please help...need wide range of opinions.
I think you'd be taking a huge risk, but if you decide to do it definitely don't do it in your home state. I dance in Oregon and you do not need a license, but some clubs will have you fill out tax forms and liability waivers with your real name. Others don't -- I would stick to those so you don't leave a paper trail.
As far as there being plenty of business in Portland...ehhhh...sorta. We're really over saturated with clubs and dancers down here, so it can be tough to make money until you've been doing it for a bit and get some regulars and a good hustle down. Not to say it can't be done, just don't expect thousands of dollars straight off the bat.
Emotionally dancing has made me much more aggressive and confident. I stand up for myself now whereas I was a bit of a doormat for most of my life. It's also made me more jaded toward men, more impatient with their bullshit, less likely to want to go out with my friends on my off nights. When you spend your life in a club it's hard to get excited about going to the bar. You'll be tired of talking, tired of loud music, and very very tired of people trying to touch you.
On the upside, it's intense, interesting, fun...I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. You'll see a whole different side of life, both good and bad. And in your relationships, if you decide to divulge to anyone what you've been doing, you'll find out fast who your real friends are.
I really don't think you should do it if you want to be a teacher. People come in with cel phones and try to record you sometimes, and while 9 times out of 10 they're caught, there's always a chance you could end up on the web somewhere. It only takes one person randomly walking in and recognizing you, or one photo to get out, and your career could be gone. The phone sex thing might be a good idea, I'd check that out first.
Best of luck to you!
Re: I'm new--please help...need wide range of opinions.
*I understand that in Washington State you need to get a license to do this line of work. I'm concerned that it will come up in a background check if I continue to pursue my teaching career, which I'm passionate about and don't wish to compromise if I can help it. Have any other strippers experienced this?
I was an elementary school teacher for 3 years before I started dancing in 1999. Dancing paid for my MA in Science Education. Haven't gone back to teaching. Yes it may show up but as long as you aren't currently dancing (and the district has a shortage of teachers) you should be allright.
*How has this effected your social life and romantic relationships? How has it effected your relationship with your family?
Yes there are effects. everyone's experiences will be different. It affected the relationship with my mom because I told her 8 years later thinking she could handle it and she couldn't...she blames herself daily that she messed up somewhere. I shouldn't have told her.
*What are the emotional consequences for being an exotic dancer? Both positive and negative, realistically speaking.
I gained confidence and poise. the double life was draining....you can only do it for so long before you just want to be yourself ALL the time.
*Is/was this choice worth it for you? Why or why not?
Yes, I'm glad I did it. I'm retired now with a fat bank account and the life of my dreams.
*Any other tips or rules you want to add, please do.
click on the link in my siggy ;)
Re: I'm new--please help...need wide range of opinions.
The devil's road is bidding you }:D