How Far is Too Far in the Quest for Employment?

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It’s no joke that tales of unemployment and rising debt have pushed many of us to our limits. Between student loans, credit card debt, and monthly bills, things can get really overwhelming pretty fast.  If faced with a serious money dilemma, would you go to extremes in order to make ends meets?

The Associated Press (AP) reported this week that, “the tough job market is prompting a growing number of women across the country to dance in strip clubs, appear in adult movies or pose for magazines like Hustler.”

I can understand doing whatever it takes to put food on the table, especially if you have a family to support. But I began to wonder what other women who are only supporting themselves would do in a rough financial situation.

With half of my friends unemployed and the other half hanging on tight, the idea of hitting rock bottom has most likely crossed their minds at some point. All young women under the age of 28 who are currently living in New York City, most of them come migrated here from different parts of the country, all with different beliefs and values. An eclectic group of publicists, administrative assistants, teachers, artists, and advertising executives, I was eager to hear their opinions , I sent out a quick message to all of them asking, simply, “How far would you go to pay your bills?”

Personally, I wouldn’t think twice about walking door to door to every retail store and restaurant looking for a job. I would rather scoop ice cream for half of what I’m currently making than to have to ask my parents to pay my rent for me. On the other hand, an unemployed friend scoffed at the idea of working any place other than an office job.

After I sent out the email, the responses came pouring in and I knew it was going to be interesting when most of them began with, “Are you going to print my name with this?”

Many of the women who answered my question said that they would work at Domino’s but never as a delivery driver and flipping burgers at McDonald’s was off limits. The consensus was that retail on any level is acceptable and some even thought that serving up ice cream cones sounded more fun than their current job. Another even quipped that she used to mow lawns in high school and would go back to it if she had to. Although, I believe the landscaping industry may not be thriving in New York City, but her work ethic was still admirable.

When it came to stripping for the benjamins, opinions started to change. One woman said that while she wouldn’t turn down any job that was presented to her, taking off her clothes was her limit.

“I wouldn’t turn down working at a strip club, for example, but I wouldn’t strip,” she said.

Another respondent described a prior job at a fast food restaurant in which she was so disgusted with the conditions of the kitchen that she would never do it again no matter what the financial situation. As far as taking off her clothes, she would only do it as a last resort.

There was only one respondent who mentioned the thought of moving back in with their parents in a time of distress, and another toyed with the idea of selling her eggs.

Some respondents were a little ashamed to admit that they would rather strip for cash than work at McDonald’s or deliver pizzas. But, they said that it was mainly due to the amount of money that could be made. According to the Associated Press, women who dance at upscale clubs in NYC could make anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 a year.

“If it was between me selling myself and living on the streets, I think I’d block it out and do what I’d have to do for the cash,” answered one woman.

While many may look down on strippers or club dancers, after speaking to other young women, I think it depends on the situation. I’m a firm believer in that it doesn’t matter what your job title is as long as you’re supporting yourself. As long as you protect yourself and remain in control of the situation, no one can look down on someone who is trying to keep their head above the water during these tough financial times.