I have noticed a dramatic number of TOP providers in several markets announcing their pending retirement. What is the deal?

Almost as many reasons as there are providers. But you're right, I had noticed the same thing. Maybe it's just because MY favorites have retired. (2 got married) One just disappeared, one said she could never enjoy another after me! (lol)

actually meant that you were the deciding factor on her becoming a lesbian.  Nice that you took it as a compliment, though

Steve Martin once was interviewed on Howard Stern (I think it was Stuttering John), and John brought up about Anne Heche turning lesbian right after dating him. Martin almost couldn't stop laughing when he replied....great sense of humor.

I have actually had that happen to me, 2, so I speak from experience.  She asked me about halfway through intercourse if I was "finished yet".  Will never forget that moment.  

Heche is bisexual, not lesbian...she is dating a guy now, if my memory serves me correctly.

I realize there are many reason,s and they cant be here to serve our needs forever. But in several cities it seems there were several that have announced their pending retirement all in rapid succession of one another.

Oh sure, many may actually like the sex part if the guy isn't too gross (picture yourself having sex with an ugly grandmother who had onions for lunch), and most can't make better money any other way, but that doesn't offset the illegality, dangers (including  drunks, stalkers, druggies, thieves, rapists, etc), boors, required lying, double-life, and other negatives that go hand in hand with this business.

In addition, despite what people say here, it is hard to feel proud of herself for being an escort. It's not easy telling her 9 yearold daughter what mommy does for a living.

There is a big difference between enjoying most or some of their sessions and loving what they do. Many are leaving because the positives no longer outweigh the negatives. That is the reason most people leave a profession.

Several of the women I know in this business have retired lately, but each one of them was for different reasons.  One got married, one was burned out, one had a really bad experience with a client, one was afraid of taking risks, one needed a fresh start in her life, etc., etc.  I don't think it is anything in the air, so to speak, but there does seem to be a bit of "changing of the guard" going on in the past six months or so.

I think that people also reflect at this time of year and want to follow through with resolutions they made to themselves.

they foundf some rich sponsor for a while and when he needs another horse they come back sooner or later its always the same

Symbian (sp)

Given that any hot woman can get all the action that she wants by standing outside any bar at closing time, one would assume that the primary reason why a lady starts in this business is finances.  It is better for a provider to enter this business with a five year perspective that goes something like work for up to five years, shine brightly during the work period, value services rendered fully and don't stick around when all objectives are met.