Hookup Culture vs Agency Work

Escape the risks of hookups; embrace the empowerment of agency work. Discover safety, support, and success. Are you ready to make the switch?

It’s no secret that hookup culture has become very appealing to younger generations, particularly gen z’s and millennials, especially in New Zealand. The idea of having a one night stand without having to maintain an emotional connection with someone seems far more attractive to a growing population of us young people as it offers them a chance to explore their sexuality while maintaining the time to prioritise professional and personal goals. Look, I get it, I did exactly the same throughout uni. I didn't have the time between balancing my part time jobs, full time sport commitments 4 plus nights a week, and uni assignments, relationships were not on my list of priorities. However, I very quickly learnt that one night stands or hookups are not always the best time. This job gave me back the gift of time instead of working on my feet all day in retail or hospo for 10-12 hours a day for minimum wage. I could finally put more time into building social connections, my studies, and striving to achieve personal goals and ambitions. The risk of sexual assault and physical violence against young people hooking up using online dating apps is increasing rapidly.

A study conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that, A research project involving close to 10,000 participants revealed that nearly 75% of individuals using dating apps had experienced online sexual violence, with two-thirds reporting instances of sexual harassment, and over a quarter indicating they had faced sexual coercion (Cox, 2023).

In context to New Zealand, as of 2020, every week at least one Aucklander came forward, revealing that they had been sexually assaulted by a stranger whom they met via a dating app. In some cases hookups from online dating sites may lead to extreme physical violence (Wilkinson, 2020). So is it really worth it? 

What if I told you, you could have the best of both worlds? What if you could still have the “no strings attached” kind of benefit that hookup culture offers you but in an environment where you have constant access to enhanced safety protocols, established boundaries and expectations, professional support and resources, and financial stability and consistency all in one? Well that's what the world of escorting offers. I know many people believe industry is dangerous, disgusting, or dirty but yet hookup culture is normalised? Where there are little to no safeguards in place? I have personally experienced physical violence and sexual coercion during town hookups and it leaves you feeling completely empty, violated, and like your body is not your own anymore. But nobody talks about that. Everybody is so quick to assume that sex work will create those kind of feelings and emotions but in my experiences i’ve found it to be so empowering and its helped me to establish my boundaries in a safe space where everyone in that environment has my back. Should something go wrong, people are quick to intervene in an agency environment. There's the benefits of having the security of always having other people in the lounge, security, a booking assistant onsite until the last girl finishes to facilitate bookings and look after your wellbeing and safety, as well as 24/7 CCTV footage on entry, ensuring peace of mind throughout your shifts. 

If you're considering escorting as a profession, there are numerous advantages it offers over engaging in hookup culture. Firstly, escorting provides a sense of control and agency over one's work and interactions. Unlike casual hookups, where dynamics and expectations can be unclear, escorting allows individuals to set boundaries and establish rates. This control over the work environment can contribute to a greater sense of safety and empowerment. Additionally, escorting often involves financial compensation, providing a reliable source of income that may be lacking in sporadic hookup encounters. This financial stability can empower women to pursue their goals and live independently. Furthermore, escorting can offer opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as developing communication skills, building confidence, and exploring one's sexuality in a supportive and non-judgmental space. Finally, the companionship aspect of escorting goes beyond mere physical gratification, allowing escorts to form genuine connections with clients and provide emotional support and intimacy that may be absent in casual hookups. Overall, escorting offers women a structured, empowering, and financially rewarding alternative to engaging in hookup culture.