How to Start an Escort Job Safely and Professionally
Starting an escort job isn’t like applying for a retail position. There’s no HR department, no uniform, and no safety training handed out on day one. If you’re thinking about this path, you’re not just looking for income-you’re looking for control, boundaries, and a way to work on your own terms. But without the right setup, what could be empowering can quickly turn dangerous. This isn’t about glamour or movies. It’s about real people, real risks, and real steps you can take to protect yourself while building a sustainable business.
Understand the Legal Landscape in the UK
In England, prostitution itself isn’t illegal-but many activities around it are. Soliciting in a public place, kerb crawling, running a brothel, and pimping are all criminal offenses. That means if you work alone, from your own home or a rented room, and you arrange meetings directly with clients, you’re operating legally. But if you share space with another escort and split clients, or if someone else books your appointments, you risk crossing into illegal territory.
The law doesn’t protect you if you break it. So know the line. No shared flats used for appointments. No third-party booking agents unless they’re purely advertising platforms like AdultWork. Stick to direct communication. No one else handles your money or schedules. Keep everything between you and the client.
Choose the Right Platform-AdultWork Is Your Best Bet
There are dozens of sites claiming to connect escorts with clients. But in the UK, AdultWork is the most established, safest, and most respected. It’s been around for over 20 years. It has verified profiles, client reviews, and a reporting system that actually works. Other sites? Many are riddled with scams, fake profiles, or worse-predators who target new escorts.
Why AdultWork? Because it gives you control. You set your rates, your availability, your boundaries. You upload your own photos and write your own profile. No agency tells you what to wear or who to see. You can block users instantly. You can delete your profile in minutes. And most importantly, you can see who’s been reviewed by other escorts. That’s priceless.
Don’t pay for premium features right away. Start with the basic listing. Test the waters. See how many inquiries you get. Only upgrade once you’re getting consistent traffic and know what kind of clients you’re attracting.
Build a Profile That Attracts the Right Clients
Your profile isn’t just a photo gallery. It’s your first impression-and your filter. A vague profile like “fun girl looking for fun” attracts the wrong kind of attention. A clear, professional one filters out time-wasters and predators.
Use high-quality, well-lit photos. No filters that change your face. No bikini shots unless that’s your service. Show your personality. Are you calm and quiet? Outgoing and playful? Mention it. Write like you’re talking to a friend. Say what you offer: “I offer companionship, massage, and intimate services. No rough play. No drugs. No strangers in my space.”
Include your location. Be specific: “Based in Brighton, available for sessions in central areas.” Don’t list your home address. Use a neutral meeting spot like a hotel near the train station. Clients will ask where you’re based. Give them enough to feel confident, not enough to stalk you.
Set Hard Boundaries-And Stick to Them
Your safety isn’t negotiable. Period. You are not obligated to do anything you didn’t agree to. Ever.
Before you meet anyone, write down your hard limits. Examples:
- No unprotected sex
- No drugs or alcohol during sessions
- No group sessions
- No filming or photos without written consent
- No visits to my home
- No last-minute changes to location or time
State these clearly in your profile. Repeat them in your first message to a client. If someone pushes back, block them. Don’t explain. Don’t justify. Just cut contact. The right clients will respect your rules. The wrong ones will try to test them. Don’t give them the chance.
Always Meet in a Safe, Public Place-Even If It’s a Hotel
Never meet a client in your apartment. Never let them pick you up. Never go to their place. Even if they seem nice. Even if they’ve been reviewed. Even if they offer more money.
Use hotels. Look for ones that don’t require ID to book a room. Book under your first name only. Pay with cash or a prepaid card. Ask for a room on the second floor or higher. Always lock the door from the inside. Keep your phone charged. Tell a trusted friend your location and expected return time. Send them a code word-if you text “I’m on my way,” everything’s fine. If you text “I need help,” they call the police.
Some escorts use Airbnb for short-term stays. But only if the listing is under a business name, not your real name. And never stay there for more than one night. Hotels are safer because staff are trained to notice odd behavior. If something feels off, you can ask the front desk for help.
Screen Clients Before You Agree to Meet
Don’t jump at the first message. Screen every client. Ask for their full name. Ask where they’re from. Ask what they’re looking for. If they reply with vague answers like “just want to hang out,” walk away. Real clients know what they want and say it clearly.
Check their profile on AdultWork. Look for reviews from other escorts. If someone has multiple negative reports-especially about violence, non-payment, or coercion-avoid them. Even one bad review is a red flag.
Do a quick Google search on their name. See if they’re connected to any criminal records or abuse cases. Use a burner phone for initial contact. Never give out your real number.
Carry Safety Gear and Know Emergency Protocols
Keep these in your bag every time you go out:
- A fully charged phone with emergency contacts saved
- A portable charger
- A personal alarm (the kind that screams 120 decibels)
- A small flashlight (for checking under beds or in corners)
- A small bottle of pepper spray (legal in the UK if under 100ml and labeled for self-defense)
- A notebook with the client’s name, booking code, and meeting time
Before you enter a room, do a quick scan. Check the windows. Check the locks. Check the bathroom. If something feels off, leave. Don’t wait. Don’t make excuses. Your gut is your best tool.
If a client becomes aggressive, say “I’m leaving now,” walk to the door, and leave. Don’t argue. Don’t try to reason. Just go. Once you’re outside, call the police. Tell them you’re an escort and you felt unsafe. They’ve been trained to handle this. You won’t get in trouble for reporting a bad client.
Protect Your Identity and Financial Privacy
Never use your real name on the platform. Never use your home address. Never link your escort profile to your social media. Use a separate email address just for this work. Open a separate bank account-preferably with a digital bank like Revolut or Monzo. Don’t cash checks. Don’t accept bank transfers from unknown names. Only take cash or use payment apps like PayPal with buyer protection enabled.
Keep your finances clean. Track every payment. Save receipts. Don’t deposit large sums all at once. Spread it out over weeks. If the tax office asks, you can prove it’s income from a legitimate service. You’re not hiding anything. You’re running a business.
Build a Support Network-You’re Not Alone
This work can be isolating. You might feel ashamed. You might worry about judgment. But thousands of women in the UK do this safely every day. You’re not broken. You’re not a victim. You’re a business owner.
Join private escort forums on AdultWork. Read the safety threads. Ask questions. Share your experiences. Find mentors. Talk to escorts who’ve been doing this for years. They’ll tell you what to watch out for. They’ll warn you about bad clients before you meet them.
Consider connecting with charities like the English Collective of Prostitutes or the UK Network of Sex Work Projects. They offer legal advice, mental health support, and safety training. You don’t need to go through this alone.
Know When to Walk Away
There’s no shame in quitting. If you feel drained, anxious, or unsafe-stop. If your mental health is suffering-stop. If you’re not making enough to cover your time and risks-stop.
This job isn’t for everyone. And that’s okay. You don’t have to prove anything. You don’t owe anyone your body or your time. Your worth isn’t tied to how many clients you see or how much you earn.
If you decide to leave, you can delete your profile. You can change your name. You can disappear. No one can force you to stay. You always have the power to walk away.
Final Thought: This Is a Job-Treat It Like One
You’re not selling sex. You’re selling time, attention, and comfort. You’re providing a service that people pay for. And like any professional, you deserve respect, safety, and fair pay.
Start slow. Learn the rules. Protect yourself. Build your reputation. And never let anyone make you feel like you’re less than.
Is it legal to be an escort in the UK?
Yes, it’s legal to sell sexual services in the UK as long as you work alone and don’t run a brothel. Soliciting in public, pimping, or having someone else book your clients is illegal. Always arrange meetings directly with clients and avoid shared spaces.
What’s the safest platform for escorts in the UK?
AdultWork is the most trusted and safest platform for independent escorts in the UK. It has verified profiles, client reviews, reporting tools, and a long-standing reputation. Avoid lesser-known sites-they’re often filled with scams or predators.
Should I meet clients at my home?
Never. Meeting clients at your home puts you at extreme risk. Always use hotels, short-term rentals under a business name, or neutral locations. Your home should remain private and untouched by your work.
How do I screen clients properly?
Ask for their full name, where they’re from, and what they want. Check their reviews on AdultWork. Do a Google search. Use a burner phone. If they’re vague, pushy, or refuse to answer questions, block them. Trust your instincts.
What should I do if a client becomes violent?
Say “I’m leaving,” walk out immediately, and call the police. You won’t be penalized for reporting abuse. Police in the UK are trained to handle these cases. Your safety comes first-always.
Can I use my real name on AdultWork?
No. Use a pseudonym. Never link your escort profile to your real name, social media, or home address. Protect your identity like you would for any online business.
Do I need to pay taxes on escort income?
Yes. Escort income is taxable in the UK. Keep records of all payments. Use a separate bank account. Report your earnings to HMRC. You can claim expenses like travel, hotel bookings, and safety equipment as business costs.
How do I handle clients who don’t pay?
Never agree to a session without payment upfront. Cash is safest. If they offer to pay later, walk away. If someone refuses to pay after a session, report them on AdultWork and block them. Do not chase them. Your safety is more important than one payment.
What if I want to stop doing this?
You can delete your profile anytime. You can change your name. You can disappear. No one can force you to continue. There’s no shame in leaving. Your well-being matters more than any job.
Are there support groups for escorts in the UK?
Yes. Organizations like the English Collective of Prostitutes and the UK Network of Sex Work Projects offer legal advice, mental health support, and safety training. You’re not alone-help is available.