Dear Dr. Milrod:

I want to become a stripper, but I am only 18 and I am scared. I just want to do it for the money. Should I do it?

Suzy Cue

Dear Suzy Cue:

If you are scared and just want to do it for the money, I would not advise doing it at all. Happy and successful exotic dancers actually dance because they:

1. Like to exhibit their bodies

2. Find it thrilling to get the admiration of an audience

3. Find that combining business and pleasure can be quite fun and profitable

4. Are not enamored of a 9-5 job

5. Enjoy dancing as an activity and the physical aspects of the work

Of course there are a zillion other reasons, and of course there are strippers who only do it for the money. But are they happy? And why make yourself unhappy? No money in the world is worth that. You will soon hate your job, not put much effort into it, and many other sad things can result from all of it. If you want to strip, do it with pride and gladness in your heart. But forcing yourself to strip just to get some extra cash – I don’t advise it at all.

Now, if you think you still want to do it, but are just having general fears and trepidations, maybe you should get to know some strippers and ask them some questions. At least go to a strip club and see what it’s all about. If you are planning to stay a stripper for a while, you’d better make sure you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. It’s not an altogether “clean” industry and I believe women get taken advantage of in many ways.

My final advice: Stay in school if you can, or get a straight job that you really like.

Christine Milrod, Ph.D.