We've all heard of college coeds turning to stripping to pay those tuition bills. But it's usually assumed they put their clothes back on once they don that cap and gown.
But according to a new British survey--yes, a real one conducted by two female researchers at the University of Leeds--one in four lap dancers has a university degree. And they continue to dance after graduation and earn big bucks doing it. (An average of £48,000 a year (approximately $75,000) - after paying commission and fees to the club where they work.)
The researchers say some of the strippers are aspiring actresses or models--hoping that this line of work will help them break into the industry. Others--especially those with arts degrees--just can't seem to find that perfect post-graduate job in their field. And stripping at night leaves them free to go on job interviews during the day. (Though how they wash off all that glitter before slipping on that business suit, I can't tell you.)
But don't feel bad for these women of the new economy. The research also shows most of them are pretty happy with their choice of profession. Times have changed and researchers say this new generation of strippers doesn't feel exploited, but rather empowered at being able to make large sums of money for a three minute dance and a little chat.
Their biggest concern? Security. And clubs who exploit them.
While this was a British study, it appears the current US economy also has recent college grads turning to their bodies to make a quick buck. Earlier this month, a recent grad of the for-profit Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale (partially owned by Goldman Sachs) Carrianne Howard lamented that after spending $70,000 for her degree in video game art and design, she could only find a $12 an hour job at a company that folded a few months later. So she turned to a Cocoa Beach topless club to pay off those student loans. Now she makes $400-1,000 a week and is hoping to return to school--studying business this time.
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