February: Foot in the Door

I've just finished my first weekend as a professionally employed flying trapeze trainer! Woohoo! Completely knackered, aching muscles and ripped hands but a really satisfying feeling. I'm still learning – not ready to catch yet – but have graduated from 'just helping out' to being a paid member of staff! So that's my weekends sorted ;) And Circus Arts owns flying rigs all up and down the East coast, so when I move on from Sydney I should be able to keep on working (up until the annoying six month visa limit).

But it's been tough finding other circus work. After taking down the Circus Oz tent the momentum I had really died down: I felt like I'd chased every avenue there was and started reaching dead ends. No circus spaces in need of Static Trapeze trainers, and no Chinese Poles. So, I started thinking about my original love – 'shiny' pole! I had a great time keeping it up myself and teaching it to my wonderful private student Nadia back in London, so I applied to a number of studios here to see if they needed any trainers. End result: as of mid March I will be teaching one class per week to beginners at a studio in north Sydney. It's only one class but it's a start. And the studio's ethos embodies everything I love about pole: physical and mental well-being and empowerment for women. Heels are optional and wiggling is just for fun! ;)

I'm still very much in need of other work as my circus hours aren't nearly enough to survive on. Visiting temping agencies has made my heart sink – and made me remember why I wanted to fight not to end up back in an office! But it would probably be a good way to save up some money to get in to my own accommodation and for future travels. So it'll either be that or cafe work...

Aside from job hunting I've been having a great time with new friends and enjoying the sunshine. I've had a really beautiful day out on a boat down at Cottage Point – where I tried (and totally failed!) at wake-boarding.

I've also tried Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) (much more successful!), had an amazing week house-sitting by the beach in Manly, and continued trekking up to Newcastle for my Chinese Pole fix! Clearly I'm turning in to an Ozzie when a six hour journey doesn't phase me.... ;)