Results 1 to 17 of 17

Thread: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

  1. #1
    God/dess colleen's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2004
    Location
    South Chicago Suburbs
    Posts
    2,059
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 139 Times in 62 Posts

    Sad Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    I did a really stupid thing to start out with. I told my boss at the playpen to go fuck herself and walked out. I was thinking of trying to find another job, but I had nothing lined up.

    So after a frantic week of auditions, where I got turned down at all the clubs I wanted, I found a job in a cute little club in Gary, Indiana. I like the staff, I like the policies, etc.

    The one thing I don't like is the complete and total lack of customers! I have made almost NO $$ there. Of 3 nights I made $90, $50, and $20. On all the nights except the $20 night, I was one of the top 3 earners. We also have a drink hustle, and on 2 of the 3 nights, none of the girls made thier quota!

    I am at a loss as to what to do! I can't afford to keep working there. My old boss called me to offer me my old job back, but if I go back there I will be miserable, but I will be putting food on the table. There are a few good things about my old job (hours, flexibility, pretty consistent earnings, established regulars) and a few horrible things (grabby custys, skanky chicks, dusgusting drunks, I have pissed off quite a few of the regulars, and the worst part: no stage).

    So in short, I can't get hired at one of the good clubs; I can't afford to stay where I am, and I don't want to go back to my old job. Talk about stuck!

    I am thinking about going back to the dive so I can pay some bills and buy some groceries, and making another round of auditons when we come back from vacation.

    So, some questions for you guys:

    • when is the best time of year to audition?
    • What do I say when they ask if I have applied there before? They will figure out that I failed to get hired before, and probably won't want to hire me then.
    • Besided losing more weight and getting in better shape, what else can I do to make myself more likely to get hired? I don't think the problem is my dancing; I usually don't even get to an audition before getting shot down.
    ANy advice, anybody???


    My MySpace Page:


    When you perform... you are out of yourself--larger and more potent, more beautiful. You are for minutes heroic. This is power. This is glory on earth. And it is yours, nightly.

    --Agnes De Mille

  2. #2
    Banned BigGreenMnM's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2004
    Location
    Virginia countryside.
    Posts
    3,299
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    You might not like to hear it,but the boss called you and your old job is waiting for your return.

    Suck it up,pay your bills,plan your departure so it wont kill you like it is now.

  3. #3
    Member Viva Eva's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2005
    Location
    colorado
    Posts
    30
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    Well, what's your limit on distances to drive? I know of a place that some girls make very good money at. It's quite unknown to other dancers as a place where income can be made. The rules are quite strict. When I was there, I pulled about 2000/wk. I left in november. Certain girls still do well there - some do not. It's all about personality there. It's near diamonds. Very clean lil hole in the wall.

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to Viva Eva For This Useful Post:


  5. #4
    Veteran Member Sparkell's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    461
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 27 Times in 13 Posts

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    yea i say go back to your old job....


    "If You Harbor Bitterness, Happyness Will Dock Elsewere"

    Men are like bank accounts. Without a lot of money they don't generate a lot of interest.
    Quote Originally Posted by britneyireland View Post
    All you need is ONE person to have a $1000 night in Vegas.
    Quote Originally Posted by holiday View Post
    Yep. And if you never find him, you can still make $900 while you look .

  6. #5
    242_fair
    Guest

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    Sounds like you need to go back to the old job. You need the $$$ in the very short term, like ASAP. (And WHY are you taking a vacation if you are out of a job and having a financial crysis??? I thought you man was hardly making any dough, how can HE afford a vacation??)

    But according to your posts, that bar is not a very nice place. Usually you earn under $1000/ week. Right after you quit you seemed very glad to be out of the situation, to be able to look for something 'better'.

    I don't know how to sugarcoat this so here it is: maybe you need to think of what else you can do bedies dancing in the medium-term and long-term range.

    I don't think that the answer is to re-visit the same clubs at another time of year, or try to smooth talk your way into a different club somewhere. As you pointed out so clearly, you are getting turned down on account of your appearance - in a looks-based industry.

    ...So now you''ve got to be industrious and look around for what else you would be better at and happier at too, something that makes you feel fufilled and 'on your way' to something, rather than living hand to mouth and feeling crappy about it day in and day out.

    I mean, this job is not easy for most of us. It is a sacrafice to be naked and have some mans hand or eyes on us. But what makes us keep doing it? For most, it is the financial oppourtunities - I know that if I didn't do this job I couldn't afford my touition/fast car/loft/vacations/designer everything/5*resteraunts.... But in your case, you said that financially this job doesn't even cut it for you.

    I'm just guessing, but if you're dancing and you still can't afford to put fuel in your car, pay bills, etc., it must feel really fuckin crappy.

    But the good news is that you can reclaim your old job, buy your kid's toast bread tomorrow, and have a bit of time to think up something new and better to do. What about being a house-mom somewhere, or taking a great-lengths class and doing hair extensions from now on? Or become an x-ray technologist, pet groomer, gourmet sandwich maker, anything... coat check lady... even waitressing somewhere good in a big city like chicago you can earn $100+ per day.

    I just mean that the bottom rung of this business just fucking stinks and you deserve something better than that.

  7. #6
    God/dess Jenny's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2002
    Posts
    9,746
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 50 Times in 31 Posts

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    Credit to 242 for the hard advice.

    This job isn't for everyone. Keeping in mind that sometimes "We can't take on any new dancers right now" does mean that - that they have too many regular dancers. (The first time I was rejected by a club here I was shocked. Shocked. I was like "What? I was offered work at Flashdancers. I was offered work at 7th Heaven. And YOU don't want me? What the fuck is your problem?" I said all that with the voice in my head, in case you are wondering. And it turned out that they really did have too many girls and in 3 weeks I got an email asking me to go work for them. Of course, my dainty feelings were wounded and I was all "Screw you!") But if you have got it everywhere, you might have to stop and think. You seem to be getting into this at an age when most women are getting out, and even at 18 you have to really think about how many years you have in the biz. And you seem to be starting from a low point (you keep mentioning needing to lose more weight, etc.), not a high one. Maybe you should examine some other options.

    242 really hit something (at least in terms of unskilled labour) with the coat check thing. My roommate was visiting Newfoundland (of all places) and worked one night in coat check. Her tips alone were $124.00. And coat check doesn't need to share that with anyone. No tip out for coat check girls. A friend of mine who served at the 4 Seasons here won't tell me what she makes, but it is a very respectable wage, peaking somewhere around $90.00/hr (it's not like a 40 hour week at 90/hr, but still. And she never once flashes her boobs. They frown on that at the 4 Seasons. Apparently).

    I'm side-tracking and whatnot because I'm trying to not-say what I am trying to say. That perhaps, right now, for you, dancing is not the best choice, and that another job might be a better financial and personal option. Also, I don't want to be discouraging if you still, truly believe that dancing is the best choice you can make. It's just that sometimes we get overly focussed and if you've been fixating on getting another dancing job, you may not have considered that other jobs might be better for you at this point in your life.

    Best of luck (and I seriously mean that) in whatever pursuit you choose.
    I have taught that the sky in all its zones is mortal and its substance was formed by a process of birth

  8. #7
    madmaxine
    Guest

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    I'm in your position too, due to family-related reasons. Everyone has given the right advice. I still get mad when I think of the money I'm missing out on by not being able to work at a nice club.
    You need to have a little talk with your man. For years I bent myself out of shape to accomodate other, lazier people. I wish I hadn't bothered. Few noticed or appreciated it. Men are still largely the breadwinners in America. Tell him to get an extra job. He's got a kid to feed.
    PS Don't beat yourself up for telling your boss to "f*ck herself"...I did the same thing a week ago to my club, but in nicer language. I have worked in bars where I made nothing & dealt with lowlife custies, and it was worth far more to assert myself than to keep taking abuse for below minimum wage. Money comes and goes but pride is forever.

    PPS Try bartending...I have a weak spot for Irish-looking bartenders. It's too perfect!!! A cute redhead slinging booze......you'll get hired just for being eye-catching.

  9. #8
    God/dess
    Joined
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Phoenix is home, work in Upper Midwest Boonies
    Posts
    3,274
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 107 Times in 61 Posts

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    The Chicago area doesn't have as many clubs per capita as it should for a metro area it's size. The better clubs in major cities are pickier about a dancers appearance, especially when there is a large pool of attractive girls to choose from and a limited amount of clubs.

    Your weight and body is important in this business. I know you say you hate to work out, but besides it being beneficial to your health, 4 days a week minimum of working out with a minimum of 40-45 minutes of cardio and a reduced calorie diet is essential.

    There are some smaller clubs in central and western Illinois that work Mon-Sat bookings and some that pay a weekly base pay that can be profitable if you can be away from home. Those clubs usually only work 4 to maybe 10 girls a night and they do get a better customer to dancer ratio and you can build some regulars there. Find about 4-5 clubs like this that work on bookings and rebook a week at each club per month and you can make between $1200-$2500 a week depending on how good a floor worker you are and how well you build and communicate with regulars.

    One club is called Lampliter. It is is Ottawa Illinois. Iowa clubs do bookings and towns like Ft Dodge do bookings. Big Earls in Des Moines has money potential and would hire you. for several days.You could work 4-5 nights a week and go home for several days.

    These clubs are not as picky in their hiring since they are in small towns and some of them have decent steady earnings potential. Some of the big city clubs with a higher end reputation only hire young breast enhanced, hard body tanned dancers and unless a dancer who is in her middle thirties is in great shape, she won't make it in the door. Customers like older dancers who are well kept, but with all the competition you have in Chicagoland and only a handful of clubs, it's not the best place.

    You'd have an easier time in Indy than Chicago. I worked there about 5 years ago and did well. They have more clubs per capita, and many are not as stuffy when it comes to hiring. The Gary area never has been that good businesswise.

    I would go back to your old club, watch your temper, don't piss off the management or the customers work out and diet daily, and look at all your options.
    Last edited by Tina; 06-21-2005 at 10:10 PM.

  10. #9
    tampafldancer
    Guest

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    Wow.

    I would go back to your old club for a while why you look for other dancing jobs and other regular everyday jobs.

    You need to do what is good for you and your family! Whichever job pays best, go for it! I wouldn't limit yourself to just dancing however.

    Also, you are married right? What does your husband do to contribute financially? Is he doing his part? The burden shouldn't be solely on you to support your family.

    I would take a deep breath girl. It has to be all uphill from here.

  11. #10
    tampafldancer
    Guest

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    oh and btw... TINA I ALWAYS LOVE YOU ADVICE! you are always there to help!!! <xoxo tina>

  12. #11
    God/dess colleen's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2004
    Location
    South Chicago Suburbs
    Posts
    2,059
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 139 Times in 62 Posts

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    Whew! Breathe in . . . . Breathe out!



    Ok, I feel better now!



    I am probably going back to my old club next week. I can't afford to stay where I am now, which makes me really sad. I like the club, except for the total lack of customers. It must have been that way for a while, because almost all the staff is new.



    I have been considering that I really should be finding something else to do for a living, but I can't imagine anything I would rather be doing. Some of the things I have considered would require a lot of school, which I am not able to do right now. The thought of it just makes me shudder, because I already have two basically useless degrees. And then there is the financial aspect . . . .



    My husband is an EMT; he makes about $10 an hour. Sad, huh? He is also thinking of either getting out or going to Paramedic school, but his skills are really limited and he is having a hard time finding anything worthwhile. His previous experience is in warehousing, and he would have to start at the bottom again, physically lifting cases of merchandise all day for a pay rate not much better than what he has now.



    I did have a talk with him right after I posted about his attitude toward my job and our money, and things have been a lot better. I do feel he is doing his part. He did work 2 jobs for 2 years so I could stay home with the baby, but neither one of us was happy with that and his health was starting to suffer. I am much happier getting out and making money myself.



    Oh, about vacation: yes, I know this sounds like a stupid time to take a vacation. My Mom pays for all the sibs to go to the same place in Wisconsin every year, and I don't dare say no. The guilt would be crushing!



    We are selling the house in order to move to a less expensive area, and Ottawa would be just about perfect. We want to be close to our families, so our son can know his aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. (They are all in Joliet, IL)



    Tina: could you tell me what other clubs in Illinois do bookings? And which ones pay a weekly base? I am going to call the Lamplighter tomorrow! (Oh, and I do work out. Not as much as I should, but I do it. I just hate it. And I have lost about 20 pounds since I went back to work last August)



    Viva Eva: is the place you are referring to Uncle Paulies? I used to go there when I was a lingerie model. If it is as good as you say it is, I would not really mind the drive.



    Madmaxine: I like the idea of bartending. I would like to open my own club or bar someday, and that would be a great way to learn. I am definitely going to look into it!



    242: Yes, the bottom rung of this business really does stink and I have had about enough of it. I like the business because in a decent bar or club it is relatively low stress (yes, I know it sounds nuts, but the biggest thing that stresses me out in regular jobs is that you have to talk to a bunch of people you would rather not, and be accountable to somebody else for everything you do) and even in the dive, the pay is better than any regular job I have had. It is also petty flexible and if I need to take time off for my son, I can do it. I walked out on my job because she had hired one too many skanky dancers and I and the other decent girls were suffering because of it. Which made a relatively low-stress job incredibly stressful!



    I don't mind not making a million dollars a week, but I do need to have a reason to get in my damn car each evening and drive to work!



    Big Green: I guess it's true that great minds think alike. That is about what I was planning to do!



    Thanks so much to everybody who bothered to read and reply to my pathetic post. I appreciate your advice so much!



    My MySpace Page:


    When you perform... you are out of yourself--larger and more potent, more beautiful. You are for minutes heroic. This is power. This is glory on earth. And it is yours, nightly.

    --Agnes De Mille

  13. #12
    242_fair
    Guest

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    ..."Attitudes can be as bad as addictions; they render us blind and unreasonable. Worse than any dependency on nicotine or alcohol is the habit of self denial. You have convinced yourself you don't deserve the best... " you MUST change this, Colleen

  14. #13
    Reznor
    Guest

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    Drive to Peoria! The girls there are upscale, and guys drive from southern Illinois up to Peoria because Southern IL doesn't have too many clubs.

  15. #14
    Reznor
    Guest

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    Forgot to add, you have to be 21 to work in the good clubs there.

  16. #15
    God/dess
    Joined
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Phoenix is home, work in Upper Midwest Boonies
    Posts
    3,274
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 107 Times in 61 Posts

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    Not sure the other clubs in Illinois that book. Stay away from the Gulfport clubs though. All of them are bad. On the Illinois Border across from Gulfport is Ft. Madison Iowa, and a club there, Ridgewood II, books and the people are cool. They only work one girl a week for pay, which is $200, and they only have dancers Wed-Sat. if you booked there once a month I am sure you could build up some regulars. They did have a room that a traveling dancer could stay in free. A girl I was working with stayed in it.

  17. #16
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Posts
    1,019
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    Good Luck everything will work out!

  18. #17
    Senior Member dave1112's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2005
    Posts
    115
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Struck out everywhere. Now what?

    colleen if you were in nc, I'd buy a dance

Similar Threads

  1. Prostitution Laws Struck Down In Ontario
    By hockeybobby in forum Industry Insight
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 11-06-2010, 08:13 PM
  2. Texas Pole Tax struck down in court!
    By Susan Wayward in forum Club Chat
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 04-19-2008, 03:58 AM
  3. Praying Woman Struck By Lightning
    By Yekhefah in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 06-05-2006, 02:05 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •