7 ways sex workers can feel more empowered at work

Sex work and empowerment will always be a hot topic. Some people believe being a sex worker and being empowered isn’t possible. But this simply isn’t true. Sex workers and escorts can (and do) enjoy their jobs while feeling empowered.

However, as with any career, you might be feeling like you’re stuck in a rut. Perhaps you’re going through a quiet period. Maybe you’re feeling a little burnt out. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help.

This article is here to help you feel more empowered and confident while working. From what empowerment really is to seven helpful tips, you’ll feel inspired in minutes.

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What does it mean to be empowered?

Empowerment is a buzzword that gets thrown around online a lot. But what does it actually mean?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, to be empowered means to feel confident and in control of your life. It can also mean having the freedom or official authority to do something.

Concerning sex work, being empowered is all about feeling confident in yourself and in your job role. You’re happy with where you are and excited to grow your business.

Sex work empowerment also means you have the freedom to take control of your career. No one controls you or makes you do anything you don’t want to.

Empowerment also means that you feel no negative feelings surrounding sex work. Unfortunately, most people carry a sense of shame surrounding sex. This is why so many think sex work isn’t empowering, even if sex workers come out and say their jobs make them feel great.

1. Choose services you enjoy

If empowerment is about feeling confident and in control, it’s critical that you only offer services that you enjoy.

For example, if you’re drawn to dancing and love to perform, working as an exotic dancer will be much more empowering than webcamming. However, webcamming would be the perfect mix for those who are tech-savvy and prefer to set their own hours or work from home.

If you’re new to sex work, you might not know which services suit you best. That’s okay. Sometimes, it takes a little bit of trial and error to find the role for you.

To remain empowered, never force yourself to do anything that feels uncomfortable. If you realise you don’t like something, simply pivot and move in a different direction.

2. Set your rates

Another part of feeling empowered at work is being paid fairly. Of course, the more you earn, the better. However, before you set your sights on exclusive rates, you must ensure you’re earning a living wage.

Since there are so few guides on sex work earnings, many new sex workers set low rates and never raise them, simply due to lack of knowledge.

The best way to financially empower yourself is to research your competition. See how much other sex workers are charging, and base your fees on the market demand. The more experience you gain, the more you can charge — especially if you work in an in-demand niche.

3. Follow your gut feelings

Listening to your intuition can help you avoid future problems, such as flaky clients or dangerous situations.

While this point might seem a bit ‘woo-woo’, it’s worth noting. When you have a bad feeling about something or someone but don’t know why, it’s worth listening to.

Tuning into your gut feelings will help you make empowered decisions at work, leading to higher satisfaction and more success in the long run. Practise saying no with a smile!

4. Know your rights

Another way to build your confidence and overall sense of empowerment is to know sex worker’s rights in your country or local area.

Not all places have the same rules, and you might get in trouble without understanding your local laws. For example, escorting in London might be different to escorting in the EU. Knowing your rights and that your career is totally legal will leave you feeling safe and secure.

While researching, it’s also a good idea to explore local activism to help raise awareness and change public opinion on sex work.

5. Look after your health

You’re not feeling your best if you’re not in good health. And if you’re not feeling your best, it’s difficult to feel empowered at work and in general life.

If you’ve realised you need to spend more time caring for your health, don’t worry. You can break it down into a few key categories and work from there.

All health journeys should include:

• Good sleep
• Basic nutrition
• Regular exercise
• Mental health care (e.g. self-care and mindfulness)

Start by reviewing these four pillars. Are you investing in them all equally? Or is there one of two you’re accidentally neglecting?

6. Connect with others

Working in the sex work industry can sometimes feel quite isolating. Since you may spend a lot of time alone, you don’t have any colleagues to relate to or share advice with.

Inserting yourself into an online community of like-minded professionals can further empower your career. This allows you to share advice, give recommendations, and simply connect with people with interests and values similar to yours.

You never know. You might find some life-long friends.

7. Make yourself feel sexy

Lastly, this point might seem a little obvious. However, it’s worth repeating.

If you’re working in the sex work industry, you’ll likely focus on trying to meet the client’s desires. But clients aren’t the only ones you should impress. You also need to make yourself feel confident!

Whether you feel extra confident in a corset or perhaps you prefer to wear your hair and makeup in a soft femme style, dressing in a way that makes you feel your best will make work more enjoyable. It’ll also help you develop your personal style, which is a win-win in our books.

The takeaway

Empowerment looks different for everyone. You’re on the right track as long as you’re feeling confident, free, and in control.

We hope these tips and suggestions have inspired you to learn how to be empowered as a sex worker.

Check out the rest of the Vivastreet blog to learn more about sex work and building your own business.