Apparently in and around DC there has been a lot of recent LE activities and providers have been compromised (So to say), so the current providers ask for employment information to make sure you are not LE. Couple of times I was asked the question and provided the information, the employment check was very discreet and I work in a highly secured and regulated work place.

Also apparently that is why some of the providers don't take agencies for references since they are worried LE might slip through.

I can not and will not give out info related to my employment...If that is a deal breaker...I mean if years on the boards...tons of reviews under my belt and plenty of willing references is not sufficient, then I must take a pass and see someone else. And, the sad fact is , if LE is targrting someone , the easiest and most common thing for them to do is create a fake number and name for employment.  I always encouage ladies to check the hell outta references, but be wary of employment info.

because like many gents in the DC area I am working under a confidentiality agreement.

Providers who will not see gents without employment verification are cutting themselves off from a clientele who are earning at minimum supergrade salaries, and are relatively recession proof.

It takes only a few minutes to set up a phony work reference.

It takes a real investment in the hobby to have a significant and sustained board presence and to write a lot of reviews.

I'm not talking 800 reviews either. I consider my 48 in the last 15 months to be more than adequate testimony to my worthiness as a client and my disposable income. Add to that a diamond level Date Check membership, P411 and lotsa enthusiastic references.

If that's not good enough, I'll gladly see someone else.

Lotsa pretty fish in the sea.

Ironically,

It's not my employment that gives me problems it's the independent references.

Since 2004, I've seen roughly 15 independents.  Of those 15 probably more than half are retired now.  Of those left, there are only 2 or 3 that I still see.

Of those 2 or 3, most will want to know why I haven't seen them in a while before they'll provide a reference for me.

So it's not that simple to get independent references.  And, since independents won't accept the word of an agency, you're screwed.

Personally, I do not like bringing a 3rd party (reference) into what should be private between 2 consenting adults.  I am uncomfortable placing my safety in ladies I am unfamiliar with as well.  

I think I have a pretty decent reputation that my gentleman friends know I will always put discretion above all.  For these reasons, I prefer the employment info.