Sex worker says they are ‘lifesavers’ - Demands more respect for the profession

Although some may criticise those females who sell their bodies for a living, one sex worker says they deserve their flowers.

Tia*, who has been in and out of the escort business for years, says that, in addition to providing the 'wickedest slam', she often works 'overtime' by playing the role of guidance counsellor.

"After doing this job, I am going to need counselling because the type of things these men want and will tell you about their wives and the family that they live with, it's not just intercourse for us. Sometimes they will tell me so much things that, after I am finished, it's like I carry around their problems with me. I have to carry around a consecrated olive oil so whatever burden or crosses they have doesn't stick with me, because I have to go home to my children," she said.

Tia said that many women would be surprised that their husbands don't like them and even want to poison or kill them.

"I have offered a lot of counselling sessions after sex and save a lot of lives, trust mi," the 28-year-old added.

NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

But she admitted that being an escort is not for the faint of heart, as fulfilling their sexual requests or fantasies can be stomach turning.

"I get a lot of weird requests, oh boy. Some of these people want a lot of nasty stuff. Men ask us every day to do anal sex. They want 'golden shower' and some guys will ask that you take a s*** in their mouth. They pay extra for that but I can't do it because it is so nasty. They want to lick your feet and suck your toes when it's dirty. Some of them will tell you not to bathe for two days," Tia said.

According to the mother of two, her experiences led her to having second thoughts about living with a partner.

"I don't know if I could ever feel comfortable having someone live with me again, because, after so much stuff that the men are requesting, females have to be vigilant when it comes to sex. Imagine you live at home with your husband so you would not tell him to use a condom. But I think you should use it. Some of these men are requesting that we go bareback and some of the girls do because they will be paid extra for it, but I don't, as my health comes first," Tia said.

She said she was first introduced to the escort lifestyle by a friend and got her first client a few years ago, but stopped and returned to her nine-to-five. However she returned to the escort service a few months ago to provide for the children.

"This job is not something that I like, I only do it because of circumstances," she said. "You can't just get up and judge anyone, and, if you are not in the field, you would not know. There are a lot of females who are there, not because they like it, but because they want to achieve something," she said. "Put it this way, you are working and you need your own car or place. My major goal is to have my own place and business. This business is sufficient to do it as long as I put my money to use."

According to Tia, she easily makes $20,000, which is about a week's pay in the corporate world, in an hour.

"Sometimes you can make $70,000 a day or more and one or two clients could give you that. Some of them don't even ask the cost when they reach out. They will tell you that money is not the problem," she said. Tia's clients range from middle to upper class, some of whom turn up on her doorsteps seven days a week.

"I have a lot of 'up there' clients who you may see on your television. Sometimes I may see them for the entire week. However, as soon as they tell me they want me to be their girlfriend, I know they just want to get their service cheaper. So, the moment a person tells me that they like me, I stop working with them," Tia said.

While the rewards can be fruitful, Tia discouraged other women from coming into the business.

"Sometimes I get a little breakdown and I will ask God why can't I be lucky like some other people. But I know that sometimes you have to fight for what you want to reach up to the top," she said. "A lot of young girls are coming in the field, so there is a lot of competition. They want quick money so they will do this instead of a regular job. Choosing this direction is very risky, so I would not advise any female to do it. Try and do your own business, and, if you are young, just focus on your schoolwork so you can get a good job, so you don't have to do things like these."

*name changed to protect identity