Surviving the Sting: The Life of Prostitution
There's no easy way to put it. Survival ain't easy in the world of prostitution. Working the streets, the lack of security, being taken advantage of, and the ever-flickering fear of violence - it's enough to make a person wonder if it's worth it. But for those who brave the infamous "sting" and come out the other side, there is an untold strength made of endurance, emotional savvy, and survival skills.
At its core, prostitution is a dog-eat-dog world. Survival of the fittest - and the craftiest - is a fact of life. Those who stay on top best know the ins and outs of the game; how to "read" customers, and keep ahead of the competition. Between making money at the job they don't want to do, and avoiding the potential pitfalls, wise sex workers stay focused and never take their eye off the ball.
Knowing a clients intentions and boundaries before saying "yes" can make all the difference. True professionals recognize when someone's a time-waster and they've learned the signs of those who might go too far and overstep boundaries. An additional tactic sex workers have learned is to bring a friend along when going to meet a client. Not only does it make them safer, it also unifies them with a trusted confidant to whom they can unload frustrations, share new tricks of the trade, or just be able to take a deep breath knowing that someone has their back.
When it comes to laws surrounding sex and sexuality, old prejudices and stigma, even laws, still abound. Smart sex workers know how to professionally navigate these obstacles to make sure they can stay on the 'right side' of the law; or, if they're breaking it, do so safely. They create safety measures customized with whatever intent the law allows, without crossing into territories that could cause them harm - both physical and legal.
The money earned in prostitution can vary and prices can be negotiable, and some workers may find themselves haggling for better wages. Though talking money can be tricky, sex workers need to be smart and confident when it comes to their ask. prostitution ads need to assess in the moment whether a client's willing to pay that price, but also consider the bigger picture, taking their long-term security and welfare into consideration.
Money aside, smart sex workers are well versed in on the importance of self-care. From exercising regularly, to setting healthy boundaries, sex workers who prioritize their mental health are those who will survive the sting. They delegate tasks, seek out help from mental health professionals, and above all prioritize self-care above all else.
Trusting their instinct where necessary, sex workers look after themselves and their work. They know when to take a break, or when their luck may be changing. They are resilient and cope with difficult emotions, know their risk factors, understanding boundaries for both themselves and clients, and maintaining a trusting relationship with any support networks they have.
The life of a prostitute is not an easy or enviable one. Facing abuse and violence, drug use and sexual exploitation, sex workers must often navigate the terrain between poverty, coercion, and choosing to work as a consequence of survival. But, for those who manage to emerge from the sting, standing strong is a testament to their courage. It's a life filled with complexities, contradictions, courage, and resilience - and for those with the strength to live it, surviving the sting is an almost superhuman feat.