Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission. Get That Money is an exploration of the many ways we think about our finances β what we earn, what we have, and what we want. Here, a costume designer explains her side gig as a tantric masseuse. Before this, I was working in a corporate design job. I wanted a job where I could pull in a lot of cash in a short amount of time, and this seemed like a good way to do that.
I took a weekend course, got certified, and did a few private training sessions. Tuesday is my steady day and then I pick up more shifts based on what costume work I have going on. They know I have two schedules to juggle. On a typical shift I show up early, meditate, and then wait for clients. On a dead day I might end up just reading books or sewing. Sometimes clients want to vent about their love life and other times they want to talk about work.
Other guys come to me to prepare to go home to their wives. In the particular temple I work, there is always an erotic component. In fact, some clients want help extending that release. Most clients are really concerned about privacy. Some of them use fake names. They want to make sure the building is safe, and that it will be secluded.
Legally, I exist in a gray area. It can be a very sensual, intimate experience. It releases a lot of emotions β sometimes men cry. I usually do a day and a night shift each week, and I always have to be prepared for no clients to come in. I split my earnings in half with the temple. I also get tips. A lot of men are stuck in their third chakra. Some have porn addictions and are so disconnected from their bodies. He asked if I noticed that he only had one nut, and I said no.
I never want a client to feel judged. For my costume work, I get paid per assignment. I mostly do custom orders. Occasionally I get a really well-paid gig. Having a regular side gig that makes decent money calms my nervous system. When I started this work, I told myself I would give it five years, and then I would go back into costuming full-time. He gave me a fake name but he sounds like a genuine customer. We can kick out whoever we want. I grabbed his hands and put them on the table.
