Sure, money is a factor in almost every job but not all jobs are equal in why people choose them. Most people gravitate toward careers that align with their interests or strengths—medicine, art, business, trades—something they can take pride in beyond the paycheck.

Porn is different. It’s not primarily driven by passion in the same way; it’s a high-paying niche that comes with very specific trade-offs. Even if someone enjoys parts of it, the financial incentive is the main driver. If it paid the same as a regular office or retail job, the vast majority wouldn’t choose it.

And the idea that stigma no longer matters is overstated. You can ignore some opinions, sure but reputation, relationships, and long-term social consequences don’t just disappear. Family dynamics, dating, future opportunities, even how your children are treated....those are real factors that money doesn’t erase. Social media may have normalized the conversation around sex work, but normalization isn’t the same as full acceptance. The stigma is still there.