Coming back out of retirement... again!
Sometimes I feel like a stripping junkie. I quit, I come back, I quit, I come back....
So, I'm going to work a few nights at my old club next week, and I feel REALLY nervous about going back. Nervous about being shy, nervous about not making money, nervous about not having the chutzpah for it anymore, nervous about everything. Any tips? Words from other out of retirement dancers?
Thanks...
Re: Coming back out of retirement... again!
I thought it would be really hard but it really is like riding a bicycle, I guess. The only thing that I noticed was less of a tolerance for bullshit having led a drama free life for a few months.
And returning to the old home club was a good thing. Everyone missed me and the money was really good for awhile there. Now it's evening out to what it used to be but at least it's not less.
Good luck and don't worry!!!
Re: Coming back out of retirement... again!
Well, I 'quit' about a year and a half ago. Wasn't intentional, but between getting engaged to someone who didn't want me working (any type of working), breaking up with him, breaking my ankle, starting a regular job that doesn't give me free time... the list goes on.
I decided to start dancing again. Of course since making the decision, I've danced one night. I'm nervous as well. Reading hustle hut has been a great help for calming me down. Also body business. Knowing that I'm spending my time preparing both my mind and body so that I can make the most of my dancing nights when they start (which will be whenever Cheetahs in NYC opens...) is a huge factor. Knowing that I'll look good and BE good is the best calming agent I found.
Of course me saying "having confidence will keep you calm" when your nervousness is derived from not having confidence isn't the easiest advice... but get that confidence back! It's all you need to do. Take care of yourself. Know how you'll act and what you'll say. It really will do wonders!
Good luck!!!
Re: Coming back out of retirement... again!
Welcome back!
I found that coming back after some time off, I came back stronger and more prepared than ever to make money!
Go get 'em!!
Re: Coming back out of retirement... again!
I recently started back to shakin' it after 4 years away. Growing up a bit helped and I can finally look at this as a business rather than a lifestyle.
Boy, I'll tell you though, I was extremely like you. Did I gain too much weight? Will everybody think I am a loser because I have danced off and on for 15 years? Will I be able to stay focused, not drink at all, learn new things, not let negatives affect me, handle situations gracefully, again is my butt too big??? It wasn't really the dancing or getting naked that worried me but mostly the environment ~ but, with doing research on this site, reading and listening to sales oriented material, and having a friend to hold my hand, it hasn't been as hard as I thought. Not knowing is the hardest part. Prepare yourself with knowledge, spiffing up ( yuk, did I just use that word ?) your looks and wardrobe ( it's worth the investment ) and make a good friend, be it a dancer or other staff member so you will have an ear and encouragement. Don't be afraid to ask girls that seem to make good money for advice. Be particular about what you ask ~ they may not have the time or energy to explain the whole deal. And finally,the usuals, don't sit too long ~ move on, don't get discouraged at all, it will affect your next try. Don't talk too much, keep it short w/ non earning potential conversations until you have the money to sit and talk, SMILE, EYE CONTACT, and if you can't, atleast pretend to have a great time with them... act and be the ego boosting, mysterious, sensual goddess they came in for. You'll be just fine and maybe even excited about it .... best wishes to you ... let us know how it goes, ok?
Re: Coming back out of retirement... again!
Oh, yes, I wanted to add, practice, not perfection. We all make mistakes and the only thing to do about that is to learn from them. Do not beat yourself up, it only drains you. You are going back because of earning potential, don't take anything personal. What ever is said or done to you is not about the real you, to them, they don't know the real you, you are just some "stripper" they can talk shit too to make themselves feel better. Keep in mind they are usually drunk, high, or have issues.
Re: Coming back out of retirement... again!
I've been "on holiday" now for 4 months and I'm really nervous about going back myself. I'm trying to shed a few more pounds but since it is the holidays, that's probably not going to happen til after new years. I've been going on and off for 4 yrs. now, and I find that starting at one of the smaller clubs really builds my confidence and prepares me for going back into the larger clubs. I danced mostly for fully nude clubs my last time around, and this time I'm planning on sticking with topless clubs. Hungry I's going to be my stepping stone. Then I'll probably go back to Hustler or try out Gold Club perhaps. I'd actually prefer not being on Broadway for once. ::)
Re: Coming back out of retirement... again!
The nervousness is a good thing, it means you're still alive! It'll make you try harder and guys pick up on that. Nothing worse than the bored old stripper routine. You're in a perfect position because you're experienced but will also have that jittery new girl excitement. Use the nervous energy as fuel and you'll do great.
Oh, and I don't see the quitting/returning thing as junkie or flakey or any of that. Stripping is a tool that you can use when you need it. There's no need to perceive yourself as an all-the-time full on stripper vs. absolutely not stripping at all. I've done it very much off and on for years and that's worked for me.