I work through an agency, and I personally couldn’t see myself working independently. Keyword here is « personally ». What is good for me might not be good for another person. They manage my appointments, and that works perfectly for me. I’m comfortable there, I choose my own schedule and breaks, and I can ban a client if I want to.
Have I had less-than-pleasant experiences? Yes. Was that the agency’s fault? No. It was the fault of the person who didn’t respect my boundaries, and the exact same thing could have happened if I had been working independently. When it happened, I ended my day. No one forced me to stay. They asked me what had happened so they could make sure it wouldn’t happen again. I’ve taken days off when I was originally supposed to work. I’ve shortened my shifts when I was scheduled for longer hours. It’s a business relationship, whether people like it or not, and it needs to be treated as such.
I think it’s low-quality journalism to only highlight negative experiences. There is a significant difference between “glorifying the profession” and portraying it in the most sordid way possible. I also think it’s highly unethical not to address the agencies that actually use really coercive practices. Either tell the whole story, or don’t tell it at all.
Let’s not forget that there are always multiple sides to a story. I absolutely agree that some agencies are truly horrific, and I genuinely feel for the people who have gone through those experiences. I used to work at a salon, and was treated awfully for many years. It is not about what you do, it is about who you’re collaborating with, their respect towards you and your respect towards them.
At the end of the day, everyone is free to make their own decisions—whether that means working through an agency, working independently, or leaving the industry altogether.
