I work between 7-12 hours on a typical workday (for me that is usually Monday thru Saturday, unless a regular would like a Sunday appointment).
These are rough time estimates and some tasks aren’t daily. Especially where regular clients are concerned, I do my absolute best to make my schedule accommodate, so there is a lot of flexibility (aka headache).
Return emails, phone calls and post on various boards- 2hrs minimum each day
Post in my journal and research (picture ideas, look for new outfits online, search for info to make my journal interesting, etc.)- 1 hr each day
Travel Research- that can take a lot of time and thought. I try to get my schedule together as far in advance as possible to save money on travel and to take advantage of sales. I probably average about 4 hrs a week in this area.
Apartment maintenance- only when I am in NYC. I must straighten up my apartment in the morning, call for my laundry, put away linens (doesn’t sound like a lot, but it adds up), keep light refreshments on hand (go to the grocery, liquor store) and I have to change linens as I see clients- 1 hr each day minimum, up to 3.
Gym- 1 ½ hrs, 3 times a week (sometimes more, as I am trying to be a less thick beauty, lol). Around 4 hrs a week on average.
Nails- Nails and pedicure, 2 ½ hrs a week, sometimes I can go 2 weeks but no longer.
Preparation for appointments- at a minimum 30 mins (if my hair has been washed once already that day). If I must wash my hair again, or for the first time of the day, I need about an hour. My hair is a mop, so it requires a lot of maintenance. This amount varies depending on how many clients I see a week.
General Logistics- buying supplies, banking, etc.- about 4 hrs a week on average.
Then there’s just seeing clients, lol. Imagine if it was only that easy!!
I also consider my effort to achieve my goals via this industry as part of my work day, i.e.- getting an education. Thou I am not currently attending, I need to retake the SAT so I spend about 6hrs a week working on algebra and SAT prep tests. Once that’s done, it will be researching schools and writing entrance essays.
There are also activities I indulge in on occasion, to keep myself sane. Thou this is a wonderful and mostly, enjoyable venture it is ultimately very taxing. Your mind, body and spirit are constantly being drained, which isn’t a bad thing, but those have to be restored and nourished. Monthly I go to a Korean bathhouse, get acupuncture, take dance classes, attend watercolor classes and read as much as possible. Helps me to keep myself fresh and happy with my job, and therefore I consider those “extracurricular” actives as part of my hobby maintenance.
XO
Melanie
with everything you do that is related to this hobby, and the everyday upkeep? For a one hour session, your prep time must equal or exceed the time you actally spend with the gent. What about the bullshit time, with phone calls, emails, deleting emails, travel, booking travel, waiting in airports, etc. You probably spend an unreasonable amount of time just thinking to yourself, "What the fuck is wrong with that guy"? There are probably a lot more things that I wouldn't even think of. When you break it down, you must have some pretty long days.
-- Modified on 2/29/2008 12:57:27 PM
Yes you are correct....we tend to spend a TON of time on things you guys may not even be aware of. My schedule allows for only 2 or 3 guys a week and it is usually the 4hr. PSE package that I get the most requests for. It literally takes me the ENTIRE day to get my affairs in order with work, school, child care, grooming and "preparation." You have no idea what goes into planning and recooperating for a PSE date...trust me! There is no way I could or would try to do more than one on any given day!
I don't list my number on the internet for good reason, but I am inundated with emails that my assistant selects from. Also, consider a guy who asks 20 different questions that have ALREADY been answered numerous times throughout the website. Screening usually takes two business days, deposits have to be received and cashed, food, beverages, costumes, special request items have to be purchased...you can spend an eternity driving all over town looking for a certain kind of wine or cigar!
All in all I would not do it any other way. I don't cater to same day appointments, so I can always accomodate my clients with advance notice. It is a valid topic and one that the ladies who are constantly getting calls from guys who ask, "Can I see you now," will likely shed some light on just how impossible that can be!
We have very LONG days. I get very little sleep. You have no idea how many hours are spent on emails and calls. That's why it's good to check the calendar first, send information requested, and understand she may not have time to chit chat. Also figure working out, hair, nails, waxing, etc, etc.
Well, as far as getting ready for the actual appt, I am one girl who breaks the mold sometimes. I am not a high maitnance woman and only take about 45mins to shower, shave, dress, do my hair and makeup and out the door. Most my appts are outcalls being that I am in Vegas. I live on the out skirts of the city so getting to the strip with no traffic is about a 25-30 min drive. With traffic closer to 45mins. As for e-mails, phone calls etc, I usually spend about 2hrs a day responding to emails, verifing and deleting them. I try to avoide the phone unless it is a regular client as I clearly state on my site that my form will be required and there won't be exceptions. Most callers are trying to get last minute appts anyways, and screening is difficult to do so usually doesn't work out in their favor.
After the appt is confirmed via e-mails, I could spend anywhere from 5mins to 30mins in the next X amount of days, weeks, and months on the phone just touching base, talking about details, or getting room information.
When traveling to another city, it makes for a really long day. Most of us have minimum hours if the person wants us to travel. So, you figure there is the initial e-mails and phone calls totalling maybe an hour, hour and half. Then you have to get to the airport at least one hour before boarding time, that's another hour at least. Then you have to sit on the plane for X amount of time to get to your destination. Once you get off, you go directly to your appt which is usually anywhere from 6-24hrs long. So, by the time it's bedtime, you are exhausted and ready to pass out.
Some people don't realize we do have a lot to handle in this business, not that I am complaining. Some guys appreciate it more than others which in return makes it well worth our while. I wouldn't change my job for anything and I enjoy every part of it, even if it does call for a long day every now and then.
XOXOX,
Tasha
Vegas is crazy I definitley love the girls that work out there , most of them have been great and are a true privaledge to be with. Something about that city is great. I definitely appreciate all the work involved, and if I put a lady through any extra steps, I usually fork over a tip.
-M
Don't forget the hair, nail appts., tanning, skin care. Working out, shopping for new stuff or new hose that gets torn, etc. etc. It is VERY expensive keeping up! It can be just as expensive on our side too....Also, keeping up on the photography (expensive) and some of us have to pay our webperson. That is not even counting our advertising costs....we spend countless hours just for our men!!! And, I wouldn't change my job b/c I personally love working for myself and for my clients!!! Smooches XOXOXO
I work between 7-12 hours on a typical workday (for me that is usually Monday thru Saturday, unless a regular would like a Sunday appointment).
These are rough time estimates and some tasks aren’t daily. Especially where regular clients are concerned, I do my absolute best to make my schedule accommodate, so there is a lot of flexibility (aka headache).
Return emails, phone calls and post on various boards- 2hrs minimum each day
Post in my journal and research (picture ideas, look for new outfits online, search for info to make my journal interesting, etc.)- 1 hr each day
Travel Research- that can take a lot of time and thought. I try to get my schedule together as far in advance as possible to save money on travel and to take advantage of sales. I probably average about 4 hrs a week in this area.
Apartment maintenance- only when I am in NYC. I must straighten up my apartment in the morning, call for my laundry, put away linens (doesn’t sound like a lot, but it adds up), keep light refreshments on hand (go to the grocery, liquor store) and I have to change linens as I see clients- 1 hr each day minimum, up to 3.
Gym- 1 ½ hrs, 3 times a week (sometimes more, as I am trying to be a less thick beauty, lol). Around 4 hrs a week on average.
Nails- Nails and pedicure, 2 ½ hrs a week, sometimes I can go 2 weeks but no longer.
Preparation for appointments- at a minimum 30 mins (if my hair has been washed once already that day). If I must wash my hair again, or for the first time of the day, I need about an hour. My hair is a mop, so it requires a lot of maintenance. This amount varies depending on how many clients I see a week.
General Logistics- buying supplies, banking, etc.- about 4 hrs a week on average.
Then there’s just seeing clients, lol. Imagine if it was only that easy!!
I also consider my effort to achieve my goals via this industry as part of my work day, i.e.- getting an education. Thou I am not currently attending, I need to retake the SAT so I spend about 6hrs a week working on algebra and SAT prep tests. Once that’s done, it will be researching schools and writing entrance essays.
There are also activities I indulge in on occasion, to keep myself sane. Thou this is a wonderful and mostly, enjoyable venture it is ultimately very taxing. Your mind, body and spirit are constantly being drained, which isn’t a bad thing, but those have to be restored and nourished. Monthly I go to a Korean bathhouse, get acupuncture, take dance classes, attend watercolor classes and read as much as possible. Helps me to keep myself fresh and happy with my job, and therefore I consider those “extracurricular” actives as part of my hobby maintenance.
XO
Melanie
At rates of $400 to $1K and hour....supply and demand not withstanding, but any "professional" investing in self-education, learning their trade, etc demands a certain time investment to justify what they make, the time needed to equate to what a provider on this scale makes does not make any time unreasonable.