Ask QC: I’m a former escort but should I take this job?

Dear Ask QC,

A few years back when I was struggling with college and debts I decided to escort. I did this for a little over two years and the money helped get me successfully through college.

Since graduating it’s been difficult to get work but recently I landed my dream job in a major tech company. The interview process was in several stages, the final part included a tour of the facility with the other job candidates. During that tour I spotted 3 former (and regular) clients from my escorting days (two work in the department I am assigned to) and one in a more senior management position but a different department. I don’t think they noticed me as my appearance has changed somewhat (I’m more buff, hair color has changed and I was dressed formerly) plus I was in a group of several candidates and staff so I’m fairly confident that they didn’t see me during that visit.

The thing is, once I start there for sure I would be interacting with these guys on a day to day basis in the work place there. During my escorting days, I always behaved professionally, courteously and most importantly discreetly. If I happened to bump into a previous client in a public area, restaurant, etc the standard code was not to acknowledge them (as they may be with family, friends or colleagues). But I now have mixed feelings in this particular case; do I treat them as though I have never met them before or acknowledge them when a private moment occurs? Also as they are all senior to me within the organization do you think my previous intimacy with them will compromise my position and career there?

As far as I know, I’m fairly sure that non of my former clients had any influence in the selection process and with me getting the position. This really is my dream job and I’m hoping that my former past won’t come back to haunt me nor affect the rest of my life or career – it was just a necessary and short period of my life after all.

I’m reaching out here as I feel there may be some other guys here who’ve either escorted or used the services of an escort in the past and I’d be interested to hear their views and any real solutions to my dilemma.

Thanks for your comments guys xoxo

Cal

Hi Cal and thanks for writing in with your questions and concerns. We all have had different life experiences and routes which have led us to where we are today. In an ideal and non prejudicial society your former past as escorting wouldn’t be a problem, however, we don’t live in an ideal world do we? It’s good that you have behaved professionally and discreetly during your escorting days and as you have said, this was in the past and just a means to an end to get you financially through college. So dear QC readers, what advice would you give Cal? Should he take this job and if so, how should he handle his former clients as new work colleagues? If you have any ideas on how to help him with this issue then please share your thoughts, advice and experiences in the QComments section!

Need advice? Just send in your questions and the QCollective will get you some answers!