Yes, I think we’re in agreement on the main point that a sex worker can make a decent income. Otherwise why would we work in an area with so much risk and stigma? I’ve factored the numbers a few ways from the perspective of what rate can lead to a middle class income and I believe at 300, it’s at least possible.Remember, this was just some speculative math. Please note that this is all GROSS income - no taxes or business expenses.
That two-appointment, $300/hr times 200 days per year equals 40 5-day weeks per year, or 28.6 7-day weeks per year to GROSS that $120K. You say that the SW would be working "full-time" hours with two one-hour appointments per day. I don't know how many "full-time" jobs where there are 165 days OFF work per year.
What I interpret from you reply is that a SW can have an above-average (in Ottawa) NET income while working "full-time" hours for 40 5-day weeks per year - based on that wild-ass back-of-the-envelope scenario.
I do think it’s misleading to present a gross without deducting expenses though. All businesses have expenses; it’s no different for sex workers. These are easily 30% and potentially more depending on the cost of someone’s incall, travel and hotels. Advertising is costly too.
We should compare apples to apples; a salaried income has substantial securities and benefits self-employed people don’t enjoy. A self-employed person needs to earn at least 20% more to compensate for these.
I think you’re underestimating the work involved in maintaining a consistent business booking 200 clients annually, sometimes I wish we had a “take a client to work day” so you could see all that it takes! One summer I booked a cottage with a guy friend for 48 hours and he was in absolute shock at how much time I spent just fielding messages and dealing with bookings. At the end of our “weekend off” he said, “Holy fuck, I had no idea you worked this hard!” And that’s without seeing any clients, getting ready for my day, taking any photos…
But for sure this can be a fantastic industry with lots of perks for those who love it, with a strong work ethic and who are lucky enough find success. It’s just not a free ride, nor without profound trade-offs.