But I don't understand why you've asked if we're possibly forgoing marriage/children in perpetuity...unless I planned on doing this for the rest of my life--not a financially viable option--why would I forgo the trappings of a 'normal' life?

I don't want to specifically comment on the second question, because my answer might seem disparaging to married men who frequent escorts.
But no, I don't think compartmentalization will be necessary.  
I strenuously disagree with the stigma society attempts to force on working girls, and I don't have an emotional connection to that stigma myself, so I don't think that in the future I'll need a strategy to maneuver around my scarlet past.  
Also, I have no interest in a future relationship with a man who buys into that stigma himself, or would disparage me (or feel shame-by-association) for having chosen this work.

As to your last question, I think most of us share the primary philosophy of making a living.  Not very intellectually satisfying, I know.
Some women see themselves as modern-day temple prostitutes, servicing men who seek to commune with the goddess...I doubt their clients see it this way, but that doesn't really matter.  Whatever gets you through the night...
 
Before I started, I read a book called "Whores and Other Feminists", a collection of essays by current and former sex workers, who attempt to deconstruct sex-negative feminism, and subvert traditional paternalistic attitudes and constraints towards women's sexuality...prostitution (stripping, etc.) as sexual liberation.
There are little subgroups of female and gay male pros who share this liberationist philosophy.
I don't think many of us will admit to you in person that we too share this philosophy...we don't want to disrupt your fantasy--you're paying us to paint a certain picture, after all...

Part of why I enjoy doing this, is because I grew up with the puritanical belief that my body and sexuality were disgusting and shameful...and this is a way for me to push against the beliefs girls (and to a lesser extent boys) inherit.  However, I think if I started doing this before those beliefs had been largely dismantled, escorting would probably be damaging for me.

Beyond any heady philosophical or socialogical perspective...on a mere cellular level, I can say for myself that sex is like a vitamin...it makes me feel well physically, emotionally and mentally.  And I'm financially free for the first time in a long time...

have meet several ladies with children,  married, divorced.

I don't pry into peoples private life, but some ladies have been very open about themselves with me.

I just assume that like everyone else providers have SO, some are married and some have children.

Why shouldn't they?

Possibly the stupidest discussion I've ever read. The world oldest profession is chosen for one reason only, cold hard cash.  Most women are in and out once they make the money needed to get their lives together and do something else.  

There are always exceptions of course and I have met a few married women with kids but the bottom line was quick easy money.  BTW, this isn't a career and please don't ever use the word perpetuity if you don't want people to think you are a douche bag, which you are.

I love these women for whatever reason makes them available to me.

Re: Marriage and children

Funny thing is I never thought to ask a girl if she had a husband, boyfriend,or kids as I think for my time she is my girlfriend and there is no one else shed rather be with than me it works for me to each his own.

Known as the Love Goddess, over on the Erotic Highway board that could do a question like this more justice.

One of my favs retired about a year or to ago, is married and getting or has gotten pregnant.  She is a great lady and will be a great mother.  I know one lady I hope to see who is unmarried, I believe she has a same sex partner, and is a dedicated mother. One of my very best friends for many years is now in her mid fifties, is absolutely gorgeous, and was and remains a dear dear friend.  She ran one of the truly classy and successful BDSM places and is known for being very severe and specializing in really frightening medical scenes. (Not my thing, I was never a client.) She has a son to whom she is devoted.  Quit the profession about 4 years ago to get remarried. She seems very content and her husband is thrilled.  I don;t know why one would think love/marriage/family are incompatible with being a a provider.

husbands or SOs.  It's particularly common among providers in their 30s and 40s.

Some would observe that there are providers who are the breadwinners in their families and support their husbands and children.

In any event, in the cases of which I'm aware, the husbands know of and support the provider's business and profession.

first, i would like to reiterate a point made by others, that for the majority of women in this hobby, it is not a "career." many escorts hold down full or part-time careers (or are full or part-time students) while doing this and use the hobby for supplemental income. for most it is just a quick means to an end. for those of us who choose to do this more long-term, there are nearly as many reasons as there are women. yes, some do use this hobby to pursue a life of independence and freedom, of not being tied down by a 9-5, man, or children. but again, that is only some.

my second point i'd like to raise is that your question assumes that a woman cannot pursue escorting while being married and/or having children. why the assumption that in order to be an escort, a woman can be tied to nothing and committed to no one?

i am married, very happily so (for which i'm endlessly grateful). i did not pursue escorting until i had been with my Husband for several years. i have no children, but i do have a stepson who lives with us most of the time. my escorting has only impacted my marriage in positive ways...it is just one more thing which brings us closer together. it is not pursued secretly or with shame, but with his complete knowledge, consent and covert participation. without his watchful eye, i would NEVER feel comfortable pursuing this hobby. i would feel far too vulnerable. but then, i am not the roaring, independent she-woman sort.