In the busy modern world, we’re always in a go-go-go mode. There’s no time to stop and consider things. You just have to keep going and secure the next client.
However, there’s an argument for slowing down and thinking carefully about your decisions. Not only will this help you make better business decisions, but you’ll also experience more success and life satisfaction.
This article looks at how sex workers can reflect on their careers, why it’s so important, and practical tips for contemplating their professional decisions. Let’s get started.
What does it mean to reflect on your career?
Reflecting on your career is all about examining your career path and experiences, highlighting the pros and cons, and making informed decisions about the future. It’s basically like taking time to check in with yourself to see if you’re happy with your progress and if you’re on track to meet your goals (if relevant).
Some sex workers do this once or twice a year, whereas others are more diligent and take stock of their progression every month. It’s up to you how often you check-in.
Reflecting on your career isn’t just about looking at how much you’ve earned, though this is a part of it. You should look at all aspects of your sex work experience. This includes:
- How happy you are
- Your regular client list/volume
- What services you’re providing
- Whether you want to change your services/niche
- Recent earnings
- Business expenses
- Your personal growth
Don’t neglect your happiness. While money and clients are essential, your happiness is a key consideration. Without job satisfaction, you’re more likely to burn out and not show up to work as your best self.
Should sex workers reflect on their careers?
Talking about reflection and career progression are common themes in corporate spaces. So, should sex workers also be contemplating their professional achievements? Absolutely.
Career reflection is just as important for sex workers as it is for corporate professionals. Everyone should stop and consider whether they’re on track to meet their goals and whether they’re happy at work every now and then.
Whether you’re an escort, webcammer, exotic dancer, or other adult industry professional, schedule some admin time and start reflecting. You can spend as little or as much time on this task. Pairing it with general finances or other business tasks is usually a good idea.
Do sex workers need career goals?
Career reflection and goal-setting go hand in hand. However, you don’t need to have specific goals to consider your career successfully.
Some people pinpoint career goals to give them something to work towards. Here are some sex work examples:
- Raising your rates to a specified amount
- Working with a certain number of clients per month
- Hitting an income goal
- Having a positive work-life balance
- To work in a new area (e.g., cities like London)
- Expanding your skills with a new course or niche
As you can see, not all goals need to be centred around money, but they can be if you want. Remember that you shouldn’t sacrifice your work-life balance to hit an income goal. This can impact your health, lead to burnout, and be unsustainable over time.
What happens when you don’t consider your career path?
If you’ve never considered taking time to reflect on your sex work career, this blog might come as a surprise to you.
But don’t worry! While it’s beneficial to look back on your progress, it won’t necessarily harm your career if you don’t. You can still have a successful career without tracking it.
Ultimately, it depends on the way you work. If you’re an organised person who enjoys a spreadsheet or list, planning structured check-ins will help you steer your career in the right direction.
However, if doing more admin for the sake of it makes your heart sink, you might want to do a more low-key check-in or skip the practice altogether. If you want to skip it, just remember to ask yourself whether you’re happy and if anything can be improved every now and then.
How sex workers can reflect on their job
Curious about your progress? Here are a few strategies sex workers can use to reflect on their happiness and progression:
1. Make a pros and cons list
The best way to see what is and isn’t working is to make a good old-fashioned pros and cons list. Reflect on what you’re happy about and what you want to improve or eliminate. Then, take action from the list.
2. Look at recent feedback
If your sex work niche involves client feedback, you can use this information to inform your reflection. If specific themes keep coming up for improvement, this is a sign you should work on the area.
Likewise, if clients keep praising a certain skill or service, build on it! Use your strengths to your advantage.
3. Consider how you feel
If you don’t want to make lists, take a few moments to sit quietly and see which thoughts come up. When something is wrong or bothering you, it’ll come to mind quickly. You’ll be surprised at the insights you receive after a few silent, mindful moments.
4. Look at the data
For those who prefer looking at data and statistics, it’s time to hit the spreadsheets. Look at your recent earnings, booking numbers, profile views, followers, or any other critical metrics. See if there’s a positive or negative trend, and use this to inform your next steps.
5. Journal about the future
Setting goals can be difficult, especially if you’re unsure of the career progression in your niche. Journaling about your ideal future life can help you determine where you want to be in the next few years. It can also help you understand complex emotions and areas of your life in which you wish to be more balanced. Pick up the pen and give it a try.
The takeaway
Whether you’re at the start of your career or not, spending a few moments thinking about how you’re doing is always a positive act. Remember, don’t force yourself to draw up a spreadsheet or pinpoint impossible goals if it doesn’t feel natural. Give yourself some grace and always move towards solutions that don’t put extra pressure or stress on you.
Learn more about your career and how to build a thriving business on the Vivastreet blog now.
