Today, the average adult changes jobs around 12 times during their working years. If you’re bored of your current role, you’re not alone. This is a normal feeling, and switching industries is easier than ever.
Taking on some part-time work is an excellent way to try out something new before making a big leap. In this article, you’ll find honest advice about taking on part-time sex work.
Keep reading to learn more.
Full-time vs part-time sex work
So, you’re thinking of starting a career as a sex worker. Before you get started, consider what your aims are.
Many want to get into part-time sex work to earn more money, but the truth is, it’s hard to make significant money as a sex worker without going full-time. This is because it takes a lot of time and effort to gain returning followers or customers. If you’re only online for a handful of hours a week, it can be hard to be noticed.
If you’re 100% sure sex work is for you, consider if you’re willing to spend more time nurturing the career. Think of it as a long-term project rather than a side job.
In contrast, if you’re only considering sex work to get quick cash, this might not be the side hustle for you.
Different types of sex work
Next, you need to examine the different types of sex work and investigate which is a good fit for you.
Different roles under the sex work umbrella include online webcamming, escorting, making porn, and phone sex. But these aren’t your only options.
Read more about the different types of sex work here.
Sex work as a part-time job: The benefits and drawbacks
If you’re considering a part-time role as a sex worker, research is key. Here’s a quick overview of the unbiased pros and cons of sex work. We’re not looking at any specific type of sex work here, and the points are in no particular order.
Benefits
- You’re your own boss.
- Sex work is nearly always flexible. You can work whenever you want.
- Most forms of sex work allow you to work wherever you want. Perfect if you travel often.
- You can easily fit online sex work around other part-time or full-time jobs.
- If you enjoy embracing your sexuality, you’ll enjoy the work.
- Helps you build marketing and digital skills.
- The chance to network with other professional sex workers.
- Sex work may help you improve your own sex life.
Drawbacks
- Sex work comes with a stigma, which may affect your future career choices.
- Your family and friends may not support you.
- It can take a long time to earn significant income from sex work.
- While sex work is flexible and part-time, you need to be consistent and invest time to make significant earnings.
- You may need to invest in a webcam, lingerie, sex toys, and other accessories
- You also need to keep track of finances and file your own taxes.
Is sex work easy money?
It’s a common misconception that sex work is easy money. Many people sign up to OnlyFans or cam websites, thinking they can earn a quick buck with minimum effort.
Unless you already have an extensive social media following, this is unlikely to be the case. That’s not to say you’ll never make lots of money with minimum effort but to get to this position you need to invest a lot of upfront time — and, in some cases, money.
It also depends on how much money you ideally want to earn. Starting with realistic expectations makes you less likely to be disappointed.
Don’t take this as bad news, though. The possibility to thrive as a sex worker is there. It just needs to be taken as seriously as other side hustles. You wouldn’t expect to be a top YouTuber overnight, and you should take the same attitude to sex work.
Alongside creating content, sex workers must organize their business finances, market themselves, communicate with fans or clients, spend time streaming, plan for the future, and much more.
Making your decision
Starting a self-employed journey as a sex worker isn’t a decision you should make lightly or without research. As with any side hustle or career move, it’s critical to consider potential outcomes in the future — including how sex work can affect your future career prospects.
Let’s face the elephant in the room. While unfair, some employers will judge those who have worked in the adult industry. So, if you only want to pick up sex work for extra income and want to continue with a career in a different industry afterwards, it might not be the best part-time work for you.
You could keep your sex work profiles anonymous to protect yourself against this, and it’s often successful. But many clients prefer sex workers and influencers who show their faces.
Of course, different industries have different approaches to sex work. For some, it doesn’t matter at all. Assess your individual factors and always consider what your future goals are.
It can be helpful to read opinions and advice from sex workers who have years of experience in the industry. Many can give perspectives on how the work has affected their career, and if you reach out on forums like r/sexworkers, some may even be able to provide you with personal advice.
Consent and sex work
Another vital aspect to reflect on is whether you want to do this for yourself or whether someone is pushing you to become a sex worker.
If you don’t want to become a sex worker, you shouldn’t become a sex worker. Never allow someone else to push you into the career because they think it’s a good idea. You must genuinely want to do it.
If a partner or spouse is suggesting you become a sex worker for more money, it’s a red flag. This is also known as Romeo Pimping or Loverboys. Distance yourself from this relationship as soon as possible. If you feel unsafe doing so, UK charities like StreetlightUK and National Ugly Mugs (NUM) can provide quick and discreet advice.
The takeaway
Starting a new career is something that always requires time, research, and patience. Hopefully, this article has given you some actionable tips and advice for the future.
Keep learning today. Read the Vivastreet blog for more sex work topics.
