Greetings from Amsterdam, where I’ve been soaking up the beauty and culture—canals, museums, markets, cafés—and, in one interesting detour, a self-guided tour of the Red Light District.

As I sense some eyebrows start to raise, let me share more about my motivation: I’m a human resources and talent management professional with a keen interest in the world of work, its culture and its career paths. So naturally, I couldn’t miss the chance to wander though this storied neighborhood to take a closer look at this specific worker population, the infamous women displaying themselves behind the glass.

Did they find their work fulfilling? Did their workplace feel safe, physically and psychologically? Were they driven by intrinsic or extrinsic motivation? What were their performance metrics? Career paths? Did they have representation? Collective bargaining? Were the Madams acting as middle managers? Was that a position to aspire to? How did you advance? Could you earn your way to a prime window?

And of course, in today’s world of work, I couldn’t help but ask the most pressing question of all: Are they worried about AI taking their jobs?

The whole scene was oddly Disney-esque. The women—of all ages, body types, and nationalities—were standing or sitting in illuminated booths, all with different costumes and themes. Most had friendly smiles while a few were scrolling on their phones. Texting, playing games or setting up their booking, I’m not sure. Meanwhile, the picturesque canal streets were filled with people of all types, only a small percentage of which were actively exploring a real engagement (though at 10 pm, the hour was still young). I began to wonder what this scene was like in comparison to others in this profession.

It brought back a memory from my bygone actor/waitress days. I once served a private birthday party of 20 absolutely stunning women celebrating their boss, Sydney. I wondered what type of company employed such attractive and international women. A week later, the news of the “Mayflower Madam” broke, and I realized I’d unknowingly waited on Syndney Biddle Barrows herself and her elite escort team. A more glamorous work environment, perhaps – at least until the arrests were made.

Of note, I am only considering this a “workplace” for women who choose it. It’s kidnapping or slavery for anyone who doesn’t, and that’s not work, which is my area of interest. Every worker—whether behind a glass window or in a glass tower—is navigating the same terrain: safety, value, dignity, and change.

Maybe the real takeaway is this: Even the most unconventional workplaces invite us to reflect. On power. On perception. On progress. On what really matters when it comes to work worth doing.

So, I’ll leave you with this question:

What’s mattered most to you in your past or present workplace cultures? What’s been the view through your glass?

And now on to the museum!

Here’s to your following your curiosity and gaining new perspectives, even when it takes you on unconventional paths!