So, You Want to Work at a Strip Club?

One owner preferred that we call it an ‘upscale gentlemen’s club’...

And that we call the strippers, 'dancers'...

I have been employed as a bartender, waitress, bottle service girl and go-go dancer, at different strip clubs in Australia and Canada.

Below, I have listed key points I learned while working at a strip club; all while trying to stay sane. Errrr.

1. If you’re going to work at a strip club, you must have thick skin.
   There will be rumors that friends may spread about you. You will also have to deal with the social stigma around strip clubs. People definitely talked about me. I continuously told myself that I didn't care; but deep down, it hurt. People might also try to pay you to get naked? I would usually just laugh this one off, as I knew they were joking - as there were plenty of naked women around them.

2. People will want to pursue you.
   So I would usually just tell people on the spot, “ah yes, my daily thoughts consist of believing people are after me and want to hurt me kind of thang.” They would usually laugh awkwardly at this point. And you know what’s funny, most boys were okay with it. They perceived me as "fascinating and unique.” It instantly became clear who the crazy one was.

3. It can be extremely sanitary or quite dirty. Depends on the club!
   As a waitress, you're usually the one who wipes down the poles (before and after a show) and the couches. Don't be afraid if your towel/mop turns an orange/brown colour - it's just self tanner that has rubbed off the girls!!

4. You can make months’ rent in one night. Or not.
   It really depends on who walks through that door. I’ve had customers throw me Ben Franklins. I then asked what bottle they would like, and the dancer would just say, “take it and run!"

5. It can be your time of the month, and still dance on stage.
   Just cut the string on your tampon. No one will ever know.

6. Many strippers are lesbians!

7. If she’s chatting you up instead of dancing for you in the VIP room - she’s doing her job.

8. We are most likely only in it for the money – not love.

9. Be careful. Sex, drugs and rock n roll can be a very dangerous combination.

At the end of the day, working at a strip club is just a job. I don't believe one's job defines who that person is. So why do we, as a society, judge people based on their choice of employment?