How To Get Out of Sex Work and Start A Business
Sex work can be a challenging and complex industry to escape from, but it’s important to know that there is hope for a brighter future. Transitioning from a career in sex work to becoming an entrepreneur can provide a pathway to financial independence, personal fulfillment, and a new lease on life.
This comprehensive guide is designed to offer actionable steps and guidance for both women and men on how to get out of sex work and embark on an entrepreneurial journey.
How To Get Out Of Sex Work
1: Self-Reflection and Mental Preparation
Before diving into entrepreneurship, it’s crucial to engage in self-reflection and mental preparation. Recognize that this transition can be emotionally taxing, but with the right mindset and support, you can succeed.
1.1 Acknowledge Your Strength
Remember that you are strong and resilient. You have already demonstrated immense courage by considering this transition. Use that inner strength to fuel your journey. There will be self doubt and confusion throughout this process but you must keep going.
1.2 Seek Professional Support
Consider consulting a therapist or counselor to help you process any trauma or emotional challenges you may have faced during your time in sex work. Their expertise can provide invaluable guidance but always understand that you already possess the ability to transcend all that this life attempts to place on you.
There are also resources if you find that you are concerned about legal issues that may be a hinderance to your process. Try spaces like the Sex Worker’s Project with the Urban League to find resources.
1.3 Build a Support Network
Connect with friends, family, or support groups who can offer emotional support and encouragement. Surrounding yourself with positive influences is vital. During this stage, I believe getting a job or volunteering are of the biggest benefit.
Integrating into society can be tough but it will illustrate to you that other ways of financing your life are possible and teamwork isn’t that bad. Survival sex work and trafficking can isolate you while fostering a sense of apprehension towards other people, you must break this barrier in order to reconnect with yourself.
God and the universe live inside you and in everything that you encounter.
1.4 Embrace Meditation
There is a stillness and peace in you that no person can take from you. With the chaos you’ve endured, you may have forgotten that this stillness can be accessed at anytime through meditation.
When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I learned meditation and peace from creators like Sahdguru. I also slept with meditation sound frequencies playing at night to keep my anxiety at ease.
2: Identifying Your Entrepreneurial Path
Choosing the right entrepreneurial path is essential for long-term success. Take time to explore your interests and skills. Understand that you will most likely go through several different ideas before you find something that fits. Be ready to pivot and try new things at all times.
2.1 Self-Assessment
Identify your strengths, passions, and areas of expertise. Consider what you genuinely enjoy doing and where your talents lie. You must find something that you can realistically see yourself doing over and over again for little to no money in the beginning.
Know that you can make a business out of almost anything , so don’t limit yourself.
2.2 Research Potential Business Ideas
Explore various entrepreneurial opportunities. Research industries, market trends, and potential niches that align with your interests and skills. Don’t get hung up on the details here as the goal is to get in motion and be ready to pivot as you learn and grow.
2.3 Develop A Plan
Create a detailed plan outlining your business idea, target market, financial projections, and marketing strategy. A well-thought-out plan is crucial for securing funding and keeping yourself focused.
When I started my entrepreneurial journey, I struggled with feeling like I had to create a sexual type of business ( i.e. modeling, sell lingerie, etc. ) and that is the furthest thing from the truth.
This is your time to rediscover your gifts and what you can contribute to the world. Place no limitation on your abilities. Also keep in mind that you can learn new things at any time.
Factors To Consider
3: Acquiring Skills and Knowledge
To succeed in entrepreneurship, it’s essential to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. Majority of businesses are simply people leveraging high income skills for a profit.
Your goal is to learn high income skills or learn how to manage those with high income skills.
Luckily, as a former sex worker, you possess the skills of client retention, marketing, advertising, lead generation, branding, public relations, and sales.
The biggest asset you have is understanding the entrepreneurial spirit and how to get money your terms. Don’t lose this, use it to your advantage.
Focus on the positive things you have gained from your life experience, this will help to understand how to get out of sex work quickly and permanently.
3.1 Education and Training
Invest in education and training relevant to your chosen business field. This might include formal education, online courses, or workshops. The most cost effective and viable option for you will be YouTube and websites like Udemy.
Most skills needed to succeed in business are being taught by business owners via courses, coaching, and social media. College is a traditional route and will only lead to a traditional life of employment in most cases.
3.2 Networking
Attend events related to your niche, join entrepreneurial groups, and connect with mentors who can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Stay away from mentors who have expressed sexual or romantic interest as this will complicate your progress.
3.3 Financial Literacy
Develop a strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and accounting to ensure the financial stability of your new venture. This is a growing edge and will take time.
Many of us were not taught wealth building and you must give yourself grace during this process. I find books to be good for expanding your mind around money and finances when trying to figure out how to get out of sex work.
4: Building Your Business
Now that you have a plan and the skills, it’s time to build your business. The foundation of your business is important and essential to a smooth flow once money starts coming in.
4.1 Legal Considerations
Register your business, obtain any necessary licenses or permits, and ensure you comply with all relevant regulations. For most people, registering an LLC will suffice and provide you with the legal protection and separation from your personal assets.
4.2 Set Up Business Accounts
At this time you need to set up separate business bank accounts . Eventually you will want 4-5 different accounts but in the beginning 2 should be enough. If you are nervous about credit and identification documents that come with brick and mortar banks try spaces like Cash App, PayPal, or Venmo just to get going.
My choice for a business bank account would be American Express . Zero fees with no minimum amount required to stay active.
4.3 Marketing and Branding
Create a strong brand identity and develop a marketing strategy to attract customers. Utilize social media, websites, and other online platforms to reach your target audience. This is the point where you choose social media platforms, content strategy, domain name, logo design, etc.
5: Overcoming Obstacles
It’s natural to have apprehensions when making such a significant life change. Here’s how to tackle common concerns:
5.1 Fear of Stigmatization
Acknowledge that societal stigmas may exist, but don’t let them define your worth. Surround yourself with supportive people who appreciate your journey. The anxiety and post traumatic stress after leaving sex work is very real and will take time to get through.
My advice if you choose to enter into a public facing business is to own your story and be prepared to speak to the transformation you have undergone. People love seeing stories of overcoming life’s obstacles. Own your story, never feel ashamed.
5.2 Financial Insecurity
Starting a business can be financially challenging. Consider part-time work, freelancing, or consulting to supplement your income as your business grows. It will be tempting to take a few clients here and there but trust that there are resources to support you as you take this journey.
5.3 Self-Doubt
Believe in yourself and your abilities. Remember that success often requires persistence and learning from failures. I trust you and I love you.
I am so happy to know you have chosen yourself. You have crossed over to the other side and sooner or later you will get all the prosperity the world has for you.
Escaping sex work and transitioning into entrepreneurship is a courageous and rewarding journey. By following these actionable steps and maintaining a resilient mindset, you can build a new life filled with opportunities, personal growth, and financial stability.
Remember that you are not alone on this path; there are support networks, mentors, and resources available to help you every step of the way. Embrace the challenges and celebrate the successes on your journey to a brighter future as an entrepreneur.
I am a survivor of the streets of Atlanta. I know exactly what you are dealing with. Feel reach out to me with any questions or concerns about starting your business. And sign up for my email newsletter that speaks about spirituality and business.
