Jobs Without College

In 1966, I was sixteen years old.  At school we were all asked to fill out a form stating what we thought we might like to do after we graduated from high school.  While most of the men said they would like to be doctors or accountants, most of the women said they wanted to be nurses or teachers.  I think I fell into a category of my own.  I am the only one who responded  with “I want to be a Playboy Bunny.” 

  I grew up in foster homes and a Children’s home.  During my childhood and even into my teens, I never really felt loved.  I had the impression that if I were a Playboy Bunny that I would be seen as beautiful and glamorous.  I thought if I were a Playboy Bunny, then I would surely be loved.  

In 1972, I was a single twenty-two year old living in New York City.  At the time I was working as a secretary for a major record company, Atlantic Records.   As much as I loved the job, I was starting to get bored and felt that it was time for a change.   I was getting some small jobs as a model and even had a few auditions as an actress.  Since I was working a nine to five job, it made it very difficult to be available to go on auditions.  When I mentioned this to a few of my friends, one suggested that I try to get a job as a Bunny at the Playboy Club.  I could work nights and be available for auditions during the day.  This comment was really meant as a joke since I am small breasted and the likelihood of me getting hired was minimal.

Not being one to back down from a dare or a challenge, I decided that I would go and see if I could actually get a job as a Playboy Bunny.  Of course, I wasn’t about to tell anyone.  I figured that if I didn’t get the job, no one would know, so what did I have to lose.  I called the club to find out the specifics of the interviews.  I just had to show up between 2 and 4, fill out an application and be interviewed.  Sounded easy.  

When I got there I entered the room, gave someone my name and got an application to fill out.  There were at least fifteen other girls waiting ahead of me to be seen.  It felt more like an acting audition.  They were all attractive and most were well endowed.  As each one of the girls came out of their interview, they would tell their friends that the club wasn’t hiring right now but were going to keep their names on file.  I really felt like I was wasting my time but since I was already there,  I decided to wait.

It was finally my turn.  I went in and was introduced to Jadee, the Bunny Mother.  We chatted for awhile and then she told me that she was sending me to wardrobe to have me try on a Bunny costume. ” What!  I thought you weren’t hiring?” I said.  “That’s what we tell the girls who are not Bunny material.” she replied.  “But what about my small breasts?” I asked.  Nothing like pointing out ones flaws at an interview.  She told me that a Bunny needed to have a pretty face, nice skin, hair and teeth and a good butt and legs, the rest could be enhanced.  

I was then sent to wardrobe and put into a Bunny costume.   Amazing what one of those costumes can do for a body.  I was then taken upstairs where I met the General Manager, who had the final say.   He congratulated me and welcomed me to the world of Playboy.

After two weeks of training. I was officially working as a Playboy Bunny.  I worked at the New York Club for about a year.  It was an experience that college could not have given me and it also trained me for future jobs as a cocktail waitress.