Ah, what the hell. Here's the skill backwards as well!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Has Anyone Seen My Jaw? It's Somewhere on the Floor...
Okay, I know this isn't actually circus, but I take a lot of liberties with that kind of thing on this blog. If it's even remotely acrobatic, inspiring, and awesome, it counts. At first I found an animated gif of the incredible feat and thought the video it was pulled from had to be out there somewhere. I'm glad I thought to check because it turns out the gif was made so that the trick is performed in reverse. The good news is that skill remains exceptionally impressive when seen as it was performed.
Ah, what the hell. Here's the skill backwards as well!
Ah, what the hell. Here's the skill backwards as well!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Sinking Ship
It was a day like any other. I was going through my Facebook feed and catching up with the news friends and colleagues.
"We won the gold in Paris!"
"Big premiere in Moscow tonight!"
"Heading for Australia in a week!"
My heart sank and jealous feelings bubbled to the surface. Then, like a sledgehammer, it hit me: I have been with my company too long, my career has stagnated, my unhappiness is only increasing, and I've been in France for so long that no one even knows who I am anymore.
Shit.
When I started working for my company, I thought I had found the work environment I had always been looking for. But the more time that passed, the more the true nature of the company was revealed. Yes, most of the people are nice enough, but then why don't I feel like I can trust anyone I work with? Why don't I feel like I can go to anyone for support? Why do I feel like a victim* so much of the time, and like I need to keep my distance from so many people?
Just below the surface, there is something very wrong at a human level. C left because of it. And I know others who have/will as well. There are a number of people who really aren't that happy there but they stay because it's easy and because it's safe. Frankly, there are a few of people there (Associates, no less) who would be unable to work anywhere else. They aren't good enough at what they do and other companies wouldn't put up with it. As others in the company have stated "They were born under one hell of a lucky star."
And now, as the tour winds down and the Associates settle further into the twilight of their careers, some among them (sadly, those with the most influence) seem to be embracing their latent megalomaniac tendencies.
I am so worked up about this I can barely get any thoughts out. That's one of the reasons I've been putting off this post for so long. I just feel so angry so much of the time!
So I've decided to start letting go. Instead of feeling guilty about spending time alone while on tour, I've decided to focus on accepting the way I feel and that it's okay to feel that way, and start to focus on new projects. I guess that somewhere along the line part of my identity as an artist as well as my artistic worth got wrapped up in the identity and product of the company. But the things I want to share and express and the things the company wants to express never really were to be found on the same page, let alone the same book.
It's true that at one time I had hoped to stay on for the next show. But that was before I even really started and it was mostly out of fear and the desire for long term security. I knew fairly early on that I didn't want to continue past this show. And yet it's taken me close to four years to understand that leaving a job, or having a job end doesn't mean the end of everything else in my life.
For once in my life, my timing is perfect. This ship is sinking and it's time to go.
* This stems from a specific event that I have never written about. Maybe one day, when the tour is over, I will.
"We won the gold in Paris!"
"Big premiere in Moscow tonight!"
"Heading for Australia in a week!"
My heart sank and jealous feelings bubbled to the surface. Then, like a sledgehammer, it hit me: I have been with my company too long, my career has stagnated, my unhappiness is only increasing, and I've been in France for so long that no one even knows who I am anymore.
Shit.
When I started working for my company, I thought I had found the work environment I had always been looking for. But the more time that passed, the more the true nature of the company was revealed. Yes, most of the people are nice enough, but then why don't I feel like I can trust anyone I work with? Why don't I feel like I can go to anyone for support? Why do I feel like a victim* so much of the time, and like I need to keep my distance from so many people?
Just below the surface, there is something very wrong at a human level. C left because of it. And I know others who have/will as well. There are a number of people who really aren't that happy there but they stay because it's easy and because it's safe. Frankly, there are a few of people there (Associates, no less) who would be unable to work anywhere else. They aren't good enough at what they do and other companies wouldn't put up with it. As others in the company have stated "They were born under one hell of a lucky star."
And now, as the tour winds down and the Associates settle further into the twilight of their careers, some among them (sadly, those with the most influence) seem to be embracing their latent megalomaniac tendencies.
I am so worked up about this I can barely get any thoughts out. That's one of the reasons I've been putting off this post for so long. I just feel so angry so much of the time!
So I've decided to start letting go. Instead of feeling guilty about spending time alone while on tour, I've decided to focus on accepting the way I feel and that it's okay to feel that way, and start to focus on new projects. I guess that somewhere along the line part of my identity as an artist as well as my artistic worth got wrapped up in the identity and product of the company. But the things I want to share and express and the things the company wants to express never really were to be found on the same page, let alone the same book.
It's true that at one time I had hoped to stay on for the next show. But that was before I even really started and it was mostly out of fear and the desire for long term security. I knew fairly early on that I didn't want to continue past this show. And yet it's taken me close to four years to understand that leaving a job, or having a job end doesn't mean the end of everything else in my life.
For once in my life, my timing is perfect. This ship is sinking and it's time to go.
* This stems from a specific event that I have never written about. Maybe one day, when the tour is over, I will.
The Oscar Goes To...
In case you missed it, Cirque du Soleil's performance at the 84th Annual Academy Awards.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Circus Equivalent Needed
While performing the viola at an Orthodox Jewish synagogue in Presov, Slovakia, Lukáš Kmiť was interrupted by the ring of a cell phone. His response to this act of rudeness was absolutely brilliant.
I've already expressed my desire to work for a company that enforces this policy, especially since I currently work for a company that seems to have this policy. But until that day arrives, I need to find the acrobatic equivalent to the viola pwnage that went down in that video.
Hats off to you, Lukáš Kmiť. Way to keep it classy like a boss.
I've already expressed my desire to work for a company that enforces this policy, especially since I currently work for a company that seems to have this policy. But until that day arrives, I need to find the acrobatic equivalent to the viola pwnage that went down in that video.
Hats off to you, Lukáš Kmiť. Way to keep it classy like a boss.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Send In the Clowns
From Oddity Central:
Ortrud Kastaun, a 61-year-old woman from Germany, has set a new Guinness record for the world’s largest collection of clown related items.
Orty, as her friends know her, has been collecting clowns for the last 15 years, and has so far amassed 2,053 different clown-related items. She’s had to move to a bigger house that would accommodate all her creepy smiling buddies, and has even opened a small clown museum close to her home, in Essen. But Kastaun hasn’t always been obsessed with clowns; it all started in 1995, when she was a recovering alcoholic going through therapy. ”I remember being in therapy one day putting a jigsaw together. The image was of a clown in a jack-in-the-box. Something just clicked. From that I day on I began collecting clowns,” Orty remembers. It was a tough time for her but she credits clown for helping her get passed it.
The passionate clown collector admits her friends often ask her if she finds the clowns scary, but she always answers “no” and says she sees them as “absolutely positive characters” that helped her get over her alcoholism. Ortrund says she opened her little museum to allow people to discover her wonderful world of clowns. If you ever want to stop by, all you need to to is schedule a visit. You can find contact details on Orty’s Clown Museum website.
Ortrud Kastaun, a 61-year-old woman from Germany, has set a new Guinness record for the world’s largest collection of clown related items.
Orty, as her friends know her, has been collecting clowns for the last 15 years, and has so far amassed 2,053 different clown-related items. She’s had to move to a bigger house that would accommodate all her creepy smiling buddies, and has even opened a small clown museum close to her home, in Essen. But Kastaun hasn’t always been obsessed with clowns; it all started in 1995, when she was a recovering alcoholic going through therapy. ”I remember being in therapy one day putting a jigsaw together. The image was of a clown in a jack-in-the-box. Something just clicked. From that I day on I began collecting clowns,” Orty remembers. It was a tough time for her but she credits clown for helping her get passed it.
Photo by Ranald Mackechnie/Guinness World Records
The passionate clown collector admits her friends often ask her if she finds the clowns scary, but she always answers “no” and says she sees them as “absolutely positive characters” that helped her get over her alcoholism. Ortrund says she opened her little museum to allow people to discover her wonderful world of clowns. If you ever want to stop by, all you need to to is schedule a visit. You can find contact details on Orty’s Clown Museum website.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Beauty is Embarrassing
I like movies, but very rarely take the time to watch them. This film, however, I can't wait to see!
Do what you love. It's gonna lead to where you want to go.
Do what you love. It's gonna lead to where you want to go.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
24hrs
The last 24 hours have been a pretty wild ride on the old circus wagon in my mind. I've been stressed about future employment, future adventures, and how virtually no decisions could be made about employment or adventures (especially adventures) until I got confirmation from this, that, or the other.
Well, last night I got some confirmation.
I had applied for the Festival Montreal Completement Cirque as one of the artists for their outdoor shows. They were looking for original acts that could be integrated into an urban setting and performed in the streets. To me, German wheel seems an obvious choice and a perfect fit! I mean, look!
Clearly, the folks at MCC did not agree with me and I was rejected.
I'm not going to lie. It hurt. I don't know what it is, but for some reason I just feel like I can't make it in my home town! And seeing as my home town is kind of a big deal in the world of circus, it makes me wonder if I've really got the chops for this line of work...
This morning I got another e-mail from MCC. "What's that?" you say, "They realized that you would in fact be awesome for the festival and are giving you the job?"
Hahaha!
No.
They were sending out a mass e-mail saying they're still looking for acts.
Way to pour salt on the wounds, MCC!
As I made the four hour return trek to the school to go train, I really had to ask myself "Do I still want to be doing this?" That may seem melodramatic after one rejection, but it's actually the third time in the past little while. But those other two (also from Montreal) were not in the last 24 hours, so I won't go into further detail.
I trained, I hurt, I came home. In my inbox was an application request for the Newcomer show in Leipzig. It's a festival that offers artists the opportunity to get a foot in the door of the German Variete scene. Hm. My time with my company is coming to an end, and I would love to work in a German Variete...
Just below that particular e-mail was an offer from a company right here in Montreal! One of the companies that had recently looked me over on a different project! And for once, I was actually available for the dates they needed! There is a small hitch, of course. I will have to fly in from Europe in order to do the gig. But it's a huge opportunity! I feel like the Montreal scene has forgotten me and this would allow an influential home town company to see how I work, as well as provide a vehicle to showcase my work to a bigger market!
The only thing in all of the above that I can confirm 100% are my feelings of being overwhelmed and full of hope. I really want this gig and I am so scared that my having to come in from Europe will screw it all up.
All of this keeps bringing me back to a pearl of wisdom I once heard. How you'll go for long spells with nothing and then suddenly, a whole bunch of offers will fall in your lap all at once, so much so that you may even have to turn some of them down.
After working professionally for six years I was beginning doubt the verity of that claim. And while I'm not exactly turning down contracts, it certainly is a lot of work related stuff to fall into my lap in the span of 24 hours.
The last time I had this many circus related events occur in such a short period of time, I realized that I wanted to be in the circus and set that dream in motion. One can only hope that history is about to repeat itself.
Well, last night I got some confirmation.
I had applied for the Festival Montreal Completement Cirque as one of the artists for their outdoor shows. They were looking for original acts that could be integrated into an urban setting and performed in the streets. To me, German wheel seems an obvious choice and a perfect fit! I mean, look!
Clearly, the folks at MCC did not agree with me and I was rejected.
I'm not going to lie. It hurt. I don't know what it is, but for some reason I just feel like I can't make it in my home town! And seeing as my home town is kind of a big deal in the world of circus, it makes me wonder if I've really got the chops for this line of work...
This morning I got another e-mail from MCC. "What's that?" you say, "They realized that you would in fact be awesome for the festival and are giving you the job?"
Hahaha!
No.
They were sending out a mass e-mail saying they're still looking for acts.
Way to pour salt on the wounds, MCC!
As I made the four hour return trek to the school to go train, I really had to ask myself "Do I still want to be doing this?" That may seem melodramatic after one rejection, but it's actually the third time in the past little while. But those other two (also from Montreal) were not in the last 24 hours, so I won't go into further detail.
I trained, I hurt, I came home. In my inbox was an application request for the Newcomer show in Leipzig. It's a festival that offers artists the opportunity to get a foot in the door of the German Variete scene. Hm. My time with my company is coming to an end, and I would love to work in a German Variete...
Just below that particular e-mail was an offer from a company right here in Montreal! One of the companies that had recently looked me over on a different project! And for once, I was actually available for the dates they needed! There is a small hitch, of course. I will have to fly in from Europe in order to do the gig. But it's a huge opportunity! I feel like the Montreal scene has forgotten me and this would allow an influential home town company to see how I work, as well as provide a vehicle to showcase my work to a bigger market!
The only thing in all of the above that I can confirm 100% are my feelings of being overwhelmed and full of hope. I really want this gig and I am so scared that my having to come in from Europe will screw it all up.
All of this keeps bringing me back to a pearl of wisdom I once heard. How you'll go for long spells with nothing and then suddenly, a whole bunch of offers will fall in your lap all at once, so much so that you may even have to turn some of them down.
After working professionally for six years I was beginning doubt the verity of that claim. And while I'm not exactly turning down contracts, it certainly is a lot of work related stuff to fall into my lap in the span of 24 hours.
The last time I had this many circus related events occur in such a short period of time, I realized that I wanted to be in the circus and set that dream in motion. One can only hope that history is about to repeat itself.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Beat That!
While wandering around the internet, I came across these fun pictures of Guinness Book of World Record holders in the field of circus!
The longest duration to maintain a Marinelli bend is 50 seconds and
was achieved by Iona Oyungerel Luvsandorj (Mopngolia) on the set
of Lo Show de Record, in Milan, Italy, on 18 April 2009.
Dr. David R. Admovich (The Great Throwdini, USA) threw 102
14" throwing knives around his partner Target Girl Tina Nagy (USA)
in 1 minute, in Freeport, New York, USA, on December 26 2007.
As you can no doubt imagine, this left me wondering what other circus feats classify as 'officially amazing' by holding a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. It didn't take long for me to regret ever having wondered such a thing...
My first search led to what seemed to be the official Guinness website and didn't have anything more exciting than the record for most hula-hoops spun simultaneously by an individual (107, almost 5 rotations by Aleysa Gulevich).
Then I ended up on Youtube, and that's when things got weird...
As someone who does German wheel, I feel the need to cry foul on a couple of things. Firstly, their feet are strapped in up to their calves. If you look at the clip of the former record holders, you can see that they used real German wheels and had the added difficulty of actually doing the work required to keep themselves strapped into the wheel. Also, I don't know what kind of wheels those blue wheels are supposed to be, but they look much wider than a German wheel. That would make the rotation in free hand much more stable. If you were to do those free hand rotations in a regular wheel and have such poor body position, the wheel may very well wobble, thus spilling the liquid, and even risk tipping over. As far as I'm concerned, those three cheated.
Also, rhythmic gymnastic wheel? What?
The more I looked, the more frustrated I became and the more doubtful I was of whatever results came. Fortunately, I remembered the following video, and it cheered me up in record time.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Race Against the Clock
It was the last weekend in Lyon before we broke for Christmas and yet another multiple month break. There were only three shows to get through and, of course, something had to come along and complicate the home stretch.
As we had had a four day break between shows, pretty much everyone took off. I'm sure that most of you have already guessed what happened next.
It was just after 5pm and I was about to go for a stroll through the park to clear my head. As I was heading off site, the head stage tech stops me and says "I just got a phone call from A. There's a problem with his train and he might not make it back in time for the show. It might work out, but just in case, we're having a meeting in 15 minutes. Don't go anywhere and spread the word."
Great.
Apparently there were massive wind storms across the country and many of the train tracks were covered in branches and fallen trees. Trains were either delayed or stuck sitting in the middle of nowhere. Many possibilities were proposed, even having him take a cab from whatever the next stop was, even if it would cost over 200 euro. But it was decided that at that hour, on the weekend before Christmas, near a city like Lyon, the traffic would be horrendous and there was no way he would even get to the tent on time.
As such, it was decided that we would come up with an A-free version of the show and hope that he at least made it back in time for his act, which is in the second half of the show. We'd also delay the start of the show in order to gain a little more wiggle room.
So we went through the show and tried to figure out how to adapt already complicated transitions so that we could skip the bits with A. Stressed and tired, we came up with a plan and hoped for the best.
Fast forward to the wings just before the show. We warmed up, we waited, we paced. Finally, ten minutes before the official start time we got the call that A had arrived in downtown Lyon. As good as the news was, it didn't change the fact that it took a little over half an hour to get from Lyon to where we were performing. But it looked like we were going to make it.
We continued to wait when suddenly, A bursts into the tent still clutching his back pack. He wasn't warmed up and hadn't eaten since 8 o'clock that morning (it was now almost 9pm) but he not about to cause any further delay. He's extremely stubborn and there really isn't any arguing with him. So, stressed and agitated, he changed into his costume and we all got into place.
The show went off just fine, though I don't think anyone really relaxed until it was over. After my act I ran to the kitchen and grabbed some bread for A so that he would at least have a little something in his belly to get him through the show.
What should have been a three hour journey ended up lasting over twelve hours. And people wonder why I prefer to stay on site on weekends.
As we had had a four day break between shows, pretty much everyone took off. I'm sure that most of you have already guessed what happened next.
It was just after 5pm and I was about to go for a stroll through the park to clear my head. As I was heading off site, the head stage tech stops me and says "I just got a phone call from A. There's a problem with his train and he might not make it back in time for the show. It might work out, but just in case, we're having a meeting in 15 minutes. Don't go anywhere and spread the word."
Great.
Apparently there were massive wind storms across the country and many of the train tracks were covered in branches and fallen trees. Trains were either delayed or stuck sitting in the middle of nowhere. Many possibilities were proposed, even having him take a cab from whatever the next stop was, even if it would cost over 200 euro. But it was decided that at that hour, on the weekend before Christmas, near a city like Lyon, the traffic would be horrendous and there was no way he would even get to the tent on time.
As such, it was decided that we would come up with an A-free version of the show and hope that he at least made it back in time for his act, which is in the second half of the show. We'd also delay the start of the show in order to gain a little more wiggle room.
So we went through the show and tried to figure out how to adapt already complicated transitions so that we could skip the bits with A. Stressed and tired, we came up with a plan and hoped for the best.
Fast forward to the wings just before the show. We warmed up, we waited, we paced. Finally, ten minutes before the official start time we got the call that A had arrived in downtown Lyon. As good as the news was, it didn't change the fact that it took a little over half an hour to get from Lyon to where we were performing. But it looked like we were going to make it.
We continued to wait when suddenly, A bursts into the tent still clutching his back pack. He wasn't warmed up and hadn't eaten since 8 o'clock that morning (it was now almost 9pm) but he not about to cause any further delay. He's extremely stubborn and there really isn't any arguing with him. So, stressed and agitated, he changed into his costume and we all got into place.
The show went off just fine, though I don't think anyone really relaxed until it was over. After my act I ran to the kitchen and grabbed some bread for A so that he would at least have a little something in his belly to get him through the show.
What should have been a three hour journey ended up lasting over twelve hours. And people wonder why I prefer to stay on site on weekends.
Friday, February 17, 2012
C is for Circus
I'm sorry. Did I write "C is for Circus"? Any one who grew up watching Sesame Street knows that it's cookie, cookie, cookie that starts with C. It's been a while since I've had a post about circus themed baked goods, and seeing as I'm catering a bridal shower this weekend, I'm definitely in a sweet mood. So without further ado, cookies!
First we have some beautiful cookies from Whipped Bakeshop:
Clearly the images on the cookies have been printed on some kind of edible paper, but that doesn't change how awesome they are.
A while ago I posted some iced sugar cookies. I found the circus menagerie, I found the caravans. But I never did seem to find any cookies depicting the artists. While this batch of cookies may have quite a few furry performers in it, that's more than made up for with the awesome trapezist and ringmaster.
And while this post is about cookies, there's another pastry treat that starts with C. And that is why I'm going to share this incredible cake by Elizabeth Hodes Custom Cakes and Sugar Art.
That elephant? All sculpted sugar.
First we have some beautiful cookies from Whipped Bakeshop:
Clearly the images on the cookies have been printed on some kind of edible paper, but that doesn't change how awesome they are.
A while ago I posted some iced sugar cookies. I found the circus menagerie, I found the caravans. But I never did seem to find any cookies depicting the artists. While this batch of cookies may have quite a few furry performers in it, that's more than made up for with the awesome trapezist and ringmaster.
And while this post is about cookies, there's another pastry treat that starts with C. And that is why I'm going to share this incredible cake by Elizabeth Hodes Custom Cakes and Sugar Art.
That elephant? All sculpted sugar.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
What I Really Do
They're currently all the rage and you've no doubt seen them everywhere. The good news is that the circus community is not one to be left out! If you have others, send them my way!
And because this blog's heart belongs to the German wheel...
And because this blog's heart belongs to the German wheel...
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Oh the Roue-manity!
I have no idea what happened here. I found this image in some dark corner of the internet. All I know for sure is that whatever that monstrosity is supposed to be, at one time it was a German wheel...
Rest is peace, little wheel...
Rest is peace, little wheel...
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Gold Medal Moment
In case you missed it, here's one of the gold medal winning acts from the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain de Paris 2012, complete with interview. Ladies and gentlemen, Maxim Laurin and Ugo Dario of Baskultoo!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Scout's Honour
I'm a big fan of scouting. While I might have been a Brownie, and a Girl Guide, my real love of scouting comes from my brother. Growing up, he was my ultimate idol. And he was a hardcore scout. I could brag about him for ages, but that's a story for another time.
Why am I talking about scouting on a circus blog? Because of this:
That's right! You can earn a merit badge in circus!
To gain the Circus Skills Activity Badge you complete the following requirements:
Why am I talking about scouting on a circus blog? Because of this:
That's right! You can earn a merit badge in circus!
To gain the Circus Skills Activity Badge you complete the following requirements:
- Select one skill from any two of the five alternatives below. Under experienced guidance, show by continuing effort some achievement in the two selected skills. Demonstrate the two selected skills before an audience.
- aerial: trapeze, roman rings, aerial ladder, aerial rope, wire walking or related skills
- balance: trick-cycling, stilts, ladder, tightrope, wire walking, perch, roller bolo, slack-rope
- manipulative: plate spinning, cigar boxes, club swinging, devil sticks, diablo sticks, juggling
- ground: handstands, tumbling, acrobatics
- clowning: including make-up and costume
- aerial: trapeze, roman rings, aerial ladder, aerial rope, wire walking or related skills
- Find out about aspects of circus life, and discuss these with an adult.
- Observe at least two circus or street performers events and discuss these.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The Magic and Madness of the Creative Process
The following is a really neat infographic from the folks at Virus Comix that takes us on a journey through the creative process via a metaphorical street map.
There are the obvious road hazards of self doubt (which appears, as in life, way too often) and comparing yourself to others, both wonderfully depicted as various torture devices, and an endless loop respectively. Then there are many little details that are not only humourous, but elicit sighs of "been there" and "too true".
View the full image here.
There are the obvious road hazards of self doubt (which appears, as in life, way too often) and comparing yourself to others, both wonderfully depicted as various torture devices, and an endless loop respectively. Then there are many little details that are not only humourous, but elicit sighs of "been there" and "too true".
View the full image here.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Tuques Off
Being a proud Canadian, I can't resist a special nod to the gold medal winning artists who represented the Great White North at the Festival Cirque de Demain de Paris.
Once again, congratulations to Héloïse Bourgeois and William Underwood, and Maxim Laurin and Ugo Dario!
Photos by Bertrand Guay, courtesy of Burguscircus.
Once again, congratulations to Héloïse Bourgeois and William Underwood, and Maxim Laurin and Ugo Dario!
Uh-Oh Moment
I'm sure you've heard of an "aha!" moment. It's a moment of clarity, a defining moment where you gain real, life-changing wisdom.
Sounds pretty good, no?
I would very much like to tell you that I had an "aha!" moment. Unfortunately, my monikered moment was the "aha!" moment's unwelcome cousin: the "uh-oh" moment.
It isn't news that I'm not terribly happy at the company I'm currently working for. I know I've mentioned it before and there will soon be a post on their latest rage inducing actions. But I've always maintained that it's worth sticking it out. There are some really great benefits to this contract, benefits I will unlikely prosper from again and should therefore prosper from for as long as I can. While not working much bothers me, we do receive unemployment pay when we're in between dates. There is only a year left on my contract (or maybe not, but that's another post), and it's worth having that extra income coming in.
But what does that have to do with my "uh-oh" moment?
I was browsing my Facebook feed and kept reading about the circus exploits of friends and colleagues. People performing in Moscow, winning festivals, landing jobs with awesome companies... Then suddenly, it hit me.
My career has stagnated and it's because I have stayed with this company for so long. I need to get out.
When I first got hired I was super stoked by the idea of having four years of job security. But seeing as my company doesn't work too much and mostly sticks to France, I feel as though I have fallen into obscurity. Even though we don't work often (in my opinion anyway), somehow there has always been an overlap in dates whenever other work possibilities have come. As a result, there's really only that one gig on my CV from 2009 to present.
I don't want to go back in March and recent events have only intensified that feeling. At this point, there's so little time left it's not even worth leaving. By the time they found and trained a replacement for me, the tour would be over. It took eight months from the time C announced that she wanted to leave and the time her replacement started. And the way things are going, we could just as easily finish in August as December.
I've started taking steps to get on new projects. I just hope they work out, and that I'm not jumping ship too late.
Sounds pretty good, no?
I would very much like to tell you that I had an "aha!" moment. Unfortunately, my monikered moment was the "aha!" moment's unwelcome cousin: the "uh-oh" moment.
It isn't news that I'm not terribly happy at the company I'm currently working for. I know I've mentioned it before and there will soon be a post on their latest rage inducing actions. But I've always maintained that it's worth sticking it out. There are some really great benefits to this contract, benefits I will unlikely prosper from again and should therefore prosper from for as long as I can. While not working much bothers me, we do receive unemployment pay when we're in between dates. There is only a year left on my contract (or maybe not, but that's another post), and it's worth having that extra income coming in.
But what does that have to do with my "uh-oh" moment?
I was browsing my Facebook feed and kept reading about the circus exploits of friends and colleagues. People performing in Moscow, winning festivals, landing jobs with awesome companies... Then suddenly, it hit me.
My career has stagnated and it's because I have stayed with this company for so long. I need to get out.
When I first got hired I was super stoked by the idea of having four years of job security. But seeing as my company doesn't work too much and mostly sticks to France, I feel as though I have fallen into obscurity. Even though we don't work often (in my opinion anyway), somehow there has always been an overlap in dates whenever other work possibilities have come. As a result, there's really only that one gig on my CV from 2009 to present.
I don't want to go back in March and recent events have only intensified that feeling. At this point, there's so little time left it's not even worth leaving. By the time they found and trained a replacement for me, the tour would be over. It took eight months from the time C announced that she wanted to leave and the time her replacement started. And the way things are going, we could just as easily finish in August as December.
I've started taking steps to get on new projects. I just hope they work out, and that I'm not jumping ship too late.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Why People Go to the Circus
Because as much as people wish they could do this:
It usually ends up looking like this:
It usually ends up looking like this:
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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