Ladies Perspective--
1. I would have missed out on some great friends, both male.. and more rarely... female. It seems in the hobby-- friendships between men and women are much easier than in the real world, since there is no question as to whether or not "we gonna smash"
2. I would still be incredibly naive. Despite having been a dancer in the mid 90's.. I was always a "clean dancer" back then. At the time when I first got involved in the hobby-- I could still count all of my sexual partners on my 2 hands and had room to spare.
3. On the negative side-- the hobby did cost me bigtime in terms of where I am in life. Getting outed cost me quite a bit-- had I never been in the hobby, I would never have been outed and would likely have a thriving practice right now.
4. For me, the hobby was a HUGE boost to my self esteem. Having men tell you that you are beautiful and PAYING for the opportunity to be with you for an hour or two can be incredible for the ego. I don't think I'd have the confidence I have if not for the hobby. I've always had faith in my brains.. the hobby gave me more confidence in my looks.