Girls that love or hate the job
Last night was really slow at my club, like 40 customers all night slow. I lucked out with a VIP and made decent money for the night hanging out, but of course lots of girls were talking about what a shitty night it was in the dressing room. Conversation turned to, "Yeah, I had this guy ask me if I was all about the money!" To which I replied, "Well, a question like that deserves whatever reply it gets!" Girl says, to noone in particular, "Yeah, I was like, no, I like stripping! Man, I heard some girl the other night tell this dude, 'Oh, I like dancing, I think it's fun!' That's some bullshit!"
I thought, jeez, I tell people all the time how much I like stripping and I really do think my job is fun! Fuck yeah! I can't imagine dancing if you didn't enjoy it - it's way too hard a job to do if you hate everything about it except the money. I sincerely hope some of you can back me up on this and that you actually like dancing - I mean, yes, the money is why we do it in public for strangers, but isn't it fun, too?
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
i like dancing aswell.. i dont really like vips.. but i love going on stage and having all eyes on me ;D
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
Shan took the words right out of my mouth!!!! ;D
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
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I thought, jeez, I tell people all the time how much I like stripping and I really do think my job is fun! Fuck yeah! I can't imagine dancing if you didn't enjoy it - it's way too hard a job to do if you hate everything about it except the money. I sincerely hope some of you can back me up on this and that you actually like dancing - I mean, yes, the money is why we do it in public for strangers, but isn't it fun, too?
I've asked a few dancers whether they liked their line of work, and although they ALL have answered yes, you could tell by the tone of their voice whether they were being honest about it or not.
Some feminists often claim that women wouldn't work in the sex industry if they could make as much money doing a "normal" job. I think that if the monetary incentives of flipping burgers vs. dancing were equal, some women who are dancers would probably trade their stillettos and t-backs for a spatula and grill.
But not all of them. Not by a long shot.
Of course, amongst the dancers I've seen that legitimately enjoy their work, there seems to be a pattern in personality:
- They see dancing as a job, and not a lifestyle
- They often are better edcuated
- They don't do extras in the VIP room
- They seldom if ever drink on the job
- They don't screw over customers
- They have a good working relationship with the club management and co-workers
- They show appreciation to customers for their business (a hug, kiss, or even a simple "thank you")
- They don't do drugs, even away from the job
- They don't take their anger with one person out on others
- They save their money up for neccesities, rather than spend it foolishly
- They keep their work life and home life separate as possible
- They hustle aggressively without being pushy
- They do their best to make private dances feel personal
- They act more businesslike at work, and (consequently make the most money)
- They accept that slow nights are part of the job, and make the best of those nights that they can as opposed to whining.
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
I love to dance, I love to talk to people... and yes! I love stripping. And Dr. Catfish, your list of personality factors is generally right on.
I work with another girl who, even though she makes great money doing her day job, still works a weekend or two a month for fun and a bit of extra money (she describes it as her "fun" money). She has the most genuine smile of anyone I've ever seen and very devoted regulars who she looks like she genuinely enjoys spending time with.
I worked in the corprate world for a while after college and it wasn't for me. I think that that experience helps me be a better dancer, both in the way of approaching it professionally and in appreciating what my other choices are. No job is great every day no matter how much you love it.
It still surprises me how many times I hear, "well if you went to college and this and that... why do you strip?" It seems difficult for people to take in that I've made this choice among other viable choices.
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
I gotta agree. I have my days where I'd rather be home reading a book,but once I get in those stilletos, and the eyes are on me, theres no better feeling. (ok im exaggerating, but it sounds good that way) :-)
I like stripping...its like my alter ego...someone I wish I could be most ofthe time, but am not!
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
ask anyone in any line of work if they like their job all the time and I'd bet you would get very few "yes" responses, why should dancing be any different?
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
i love my work! and yes those traits listed by dr catfish are almost all right on concerning my personality
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
I agree with DrC...
I love my job. I love dancing, I love flirting, I love the music, I even like doing laps and VIP's. I love that I'm the youngest person I know who owns a house and that I paid cash for it. I love that I can be someone at work that is completely different from who I am the rest of the time.
I think everyone has times where they hate the job though...
Lena
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
Quote:
Of course, amongst the dancers I've seen that legitimately enjoy their work, there seems to be a pattern in personality:
- They see dancing as a job, and not a lifestyle
- They often are better edcuated
- They don't do extras in the VIP room
- They seldom if ever drink on the job
- They don't screw over customers
- They have a good working relationship with the club management and co-workers
- They show appreciation to customers for their business (a hug, kiss, or even a simple "thank you")
- They don't do drugs, even away from the job
- They don't take their anger with one person out on others
- They save their money up for neccesities, rather than spend it foolishly
- They keep their work life and home life separate as possible
- They do their best to make private dances feel personal
- They accept that slow nights are part of the job, and make the best of those nights that they can as opposed to whining.
There were two "traits" that I personally don't always possess that I edited from the above. The "They hustle aggressively without being pushy" trait I don't always possess.... this is more of a trait I have when I'm not feeling lethargic, tired and/or exhausted.
I hardly ever drink alcohol.. I even refuse drinks from customers expect when they are willing to buy me a soft drink or something. I always drink water, coke, lemonade (not lemon squash), red lemonade (the pink one) and when I really need a pick me up: coke mixed with red cordial.
Unlike some dancers I have known and know... I don't have a new outfit every week. I'm one of those people that usually buys new clothes once every "season" ... not even that sometimes.
Anyhow... I wanted to say THANKS for that list. :-)
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
I won't be unrealistic and say that I love the job all the time. I'm human.. I will have shifts where I would rather do anything than be there.
On the other hand, the only other work I could probably get right now is work within a cafe (hospitality). That's what I was doing when I first started dancing.
I love being a stripper (I don't see it as a derogatory term) and exotic dancer... it helped me develop more as a person than any other job did! It is thanks to this job I am more body conscious (look after myself), I can talk with strangers and INITIATE conversations.
I'm more confident in myself. It has allowed me to express a part of me that *is* me. Anyone who saw my Astrological Natal Chart would say that I'm more suited being an exotic dancer than a waitress anyday.
It is just my thing. I do not have a fear of the stage, I love dancing, I get to meet plenty of interesting people and it gets me out of the house. Also, I get good exercise via this job as well.
We cannot deny that money plays a part in all of this ... however, for me personally, I wouldn't be able to do this job if it was my only reason. I have many many reasons why I have chosen exotic dancing/stripping as a job over working as a waitress.
It is more my thing. Just like there are people who are great at being waiters, actors, etc.
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
I do like dancing. I have met girls who liked dancing a little too much, though. Dancers who entire esteem is built on the bullshit customers feed them. Dancers with husbands at home who get VERY arroused at work and cross the line, like deviant exhibitionists. I think there is a line with any job that separates liking your work and just being a weirdo. There's definitely both in every industry, not just adult entertainment.
Perhaps the girls that were SO upset by another girl liking her job were just fearful that her good attitude would take customers from them. Which, of course it would. ;)
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
I could never do this job if I didn't enjoy it. Sure there are times I'd rather have a quiet night at home, etc... or have a bad night at work... but that is going to happen with any job. I definitely enjoy it.
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
Yes yes yes! I love this business! I could easily do it for another 10 years, maybe more. We all have bad days, but with dancing I have FAR fewer of those than in any other job I've had.
Dr Catfish, your list is dead on. The ladies who enjoy the job pretty much fit that description to a tee.
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ask anyone in any line of work if they like their job all the time and I'd bet you would get very few "yes" responses, why should dancing be any different?
Dancing should be different because of the many psychological and emotional difficulties that come with the job. It is a fringe industry, so those of us involved are seen as less than upstanding by general society, and that makes having relationships difficult - with family and potential SO's. The sex industry is definitely NOT for the faint of heart, and countless young people are devoured by it daily. Girls are more likely to be taken advantage of in many ways in this business, which can have long lasting effects. It is definitely not pleasant to have some nasty dude trying to grub all over you, no matter how much money he'd giving you, so if you don't truly enjoy the business, things like that can really get to you. I could go on and on. There are a million ways this business is different from straight jobs, so there are a million reasons why girls who don't enjoy it shouldn't be doing it. Besides, do you really want to spend your money to have a girl dancing for you who'd prefer to be anywhere but there and who's probably thinking how disgusting your are, and how she can't wait to get away from you? Because that is what girls who don't enjoy stripping think every time they do a dance.
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
I would imagine that most dancers have to love their jobs, or else they would be miserable all the time at work, and not make any money, and then probably not be dancers anymore. Guys aren't going to spend money on a woman who obviously hates what she is doing, and walks around with a miserable expression on her face all night.
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
oh i have ran into many dancers that hated their job. they were just good actress's or had no other choice in life. and yes they still made money
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
This came up at work last night (sort of). A bouncer was driving a bunch of us to our cars, and a couple of the girls were talking about how dancing takes all their time, by the time they recover from the hang-overs.
I said "you know you can avoid that by not drinking" (I still haven't learned to keep my mouth shut)
Another girl laughed and said "you haven't been dancing long, have you?"
"Seven years"
"And you can do it without drinking or taking drugs?"
"Yeah... if I had to do drugs to work I wouldn't do this job"
"Well if you can take your clothes off for strangers and like it without being drunk there's something wrong with you"
Ummmm... okay
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
Oh yech... just yech. What a HORRIBLE attitude! I'll go ahead and admit that the ONLY way I could get up on stage the very first time was thanks to tequila. However, since then, I've been pretty well cold sober every time. First thing, dancing and drinking/drugs is an accident (tripping and falling being the biggie) waiting to happen. Second, remember that the customer is buying a fantasy. We're basically actresses helping him (and occasionally "her") live out a fantasy world of having a beautiful, willing nymph dancing naked for him. That's been a powerful male fantasy at LEAST as far back as the Arabian Nights.
Remember that it's a job. Sure, it's a job you do naked, but it's a job, none-the-less. (Ever look at the skimpy oufits girls wear in some OTHER jobs?) Personally, back when I did it (FYI -- I'm in a brief retirement right now) it was a FUN job, too. Beats the hell out of the office w--k I do now!!!
And yes, I knew LOTS of girls who were drunk or stoned on the job. Frankly, I didn't hang out with them very much. I had a much better time with the girls who were straight and sober. Sure, we'd go out afterwards -- heck, sometimes there at the bar before or after our shift! -- and party like crazy. But, when we were on stage, we were on stage. It was work, pure and simple. If you approach it that way, then you don't need booze or whatever to get thru the day.
On the other hand, if I have to spend one more friggin day at this friggin desk, I think I might need a drink or a toke to stay HERE and do THIS.
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
OMG Lena it STILL amazes me when I see girls with that attitude. I just can't fathom doing something I hated so much I had to be wasted to go through with it. And it KILLS me to know that they think there's actually something wrong with a girl who actually enjoys her job! How twisted is that!! :-/
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Again this has a lot to do with the type of clubs in your area. I'm certainly not in love with the idea of guys slobbering on my tits, doing a Lucy Liu impression twice an hour as guys try to finger me or twist my nipples off, or being questioned by the local cops during a club bust! Upscale club dancers don't have to deal with this kind of stuff, but many many dancers do! If a dancer has a kid at home to provide for such that she can't travel, and if the clubs in her area which will hire her are less than upscale, and if the only other jobs available in the area consist of the MacDonalds counter or a WalMart cash register, it's entirely possible to be trapped in a situation which is very hard to handle without the aid of "emotional anesthetics".
Re: Girls that love or hate the job
Yeah Melonie, but this is a clean club. Customers don't touch us at all, you can't even take your top off during a lap dance, and most days you have to wear gowns.
Lena