There may come a time when, for whatever reason, you have to plan for an exit strategy from the adult business.
For many, that plan may include finding some form of “vanilla” work. When you have spent time away from that part of the workforce, a list of references is required that will force you to account for the time you were “self employed.” This is going to require a resume outlining your skills and, most likely, list of employment references of which will expose you as an adult entertainer. That can be a problem in your job hunt.
This is nothing new to adult entertainers, as we all have faced that moment when someone asks us what we do for a living. For many, it is an anxiety-inducing moment where we grasp for answers that won’t lead to judgement or perhaps ruin potential mainstream business opportunities. The dreaded gasp of surprise from the other individual, the look of doom and/or millions of questions can be a real buzzkill. It’s definitely a moment we don’t want to encounter.
Regardless though, whether you have been in the adult industry full-force as a hobby or full-time as an independent business, when you find yourself stepping back into the mainstream workforce and have to account for the time you were in the adult industry, you’ll need to craft a SFW resume out of your NSFW experience.
For obvious reasons, you won’t want to list “Excellent at blow jobs!” or “Ability to squirt on demand” amongst your professional skill sets, but don’t panic! Online marketing and video editing are the same things inside and outside the industry. They content is just different, as is how you need to present those skills
Here are some tips for turning your adult entertainment titles, positions, experiences and skills into mainstream vanilla professional terms that will help you build the resume you need without putting yourself in a some sort of judgement situation.
Create a list of the things you did and do currently
This is going to require you to think hard, examine all of your skills and make a full list of all the knowledge you have acquired over time.
But think about all this cool stuff you can probably do: video editing, online marketing, B2B networking, affiliate marketing, blogging, convention exhibiting, sales, WordPress website management, HTML coding, film production, photography, brand ambassador, social media marketing and strategy, public speaking, seminar education and so much more.
Pro tip: Keep a running tab of your skills. Write them all down now, and check in occasionally. This will help you to recall everything you know how to do, as well as add and update your skill list where appropriate.
Translate your skills and experiences to more “vanilla” terms
Here are some words and phrases that crossover: prompt, diligent, able to follow instructions, creative, makeup artistry, time management, customer service oriented, ability to work under pressure, decision making, communication, self motivation, conflict resolution and teamwork are just a few.
References
As for references, obviously having an HR representative or co-worker vouch for your employment may be an issue. For me, I am a part of Boleyn Studios, where I get pay stubs and they offer discreet income verification. This was one of the perks of joining the studio.
If you have any professional relationships, you could reach out to them and ask for an employment reference providing the dates of work, job title, pay rate etc. I would advise averaging out your monthly and annual pay to provide an accurate pay rate. Also, research acceptable questions to ask and make sure to not answer any questions outside of what is required by law.
During your job search, look up the job requirements of the positions you seek and present your current skill set to achieve attention to your potential employer. This doesn’t mean “make stuff up” — this means “present your skills in the best and most relevant light.”
Ultimately, you will use a basic template for your resume. Then simply and creatively take aspects of your industry experiences and explain them in a way that is more in-tune with the vanilla world. Give yourself credit for all you have done instead of feeling like you are starting completely over. You are an asset, not a liability.
—
Kari “Platinum Puzzy” Anthony is an events trailblazer in the adult industry community. She created and organized BBWFANFEST, the first BBW niche trade and awards show recognizing plus size performers, and BBWCAMHOUSE — the first live 24-hour voyeur house filled with curvy adult stars, cam performers, dancers and more. Email her at platinumpuzzy@ynotcam.com.
Banner image background by Eugene Chystiakov via Pexels.
