Is being an escort an exotic lifestyle, or something you take up out of desperation?

Neither. It's a job. Sometimes it's irritating, sometimes it's fun (orgasms are pretty great anyway), mostly it's pretty bland. It's a lot like customer service except that instead of just having to be (or pretend to be) friendly and helpful, I also am (or pretend to be, depending on the client) flirtatious and totally into the sex. The money is excellent and it beats the hell out of working in fast food, where I had to deal with 10 times the asshole customers, no supportive management, and reeked of grease all day.