2. PICK AND PERFECT A CIRCUS TALENT

We're not going to lie to you: not anyone can join the circus. Just because you're ready to abandon your dental practice to give tightrope-walking a shot doesn't mean that all the circus owners will be clamoring for a piece of you. You've got to have some sort of circus talent. Unless, of course, you're willing to clean animal poop.

While no one expects you to be a juggling genius or a unicycling prodigy (although it certainly couldn't hurt), the circus does look for people who know their stuff. So if you haven't already, find an interest and perfect it by taking lessons and/or attending a circus school or camp. We'll get into circus schools later, but first, we'll discuss your occupation choices.

Highly-specialized circus talents
Less-specialized circus talents
And if all else fails…

Highly-specialized circus talents

The following circus occupations are ones that you've probably never tried before because they're not popular hobbies or your average after-school lessons. The fact is that unless you are intensely determined, you probably can't get one of these jobs. But who are we to stand in the way of your foolish dreams?

  • Trapeze artist. If you are somebody who yawns on roller coasters, you're perfect for the trapeze. Keep in mind, however, that you'll have to develop your arm muscles and get over your bitter distrust of coworkers. For more info, check out TrapezeArts.com.

  • Tightrope walker. Funambulism (tightrope-walking's fancier name) started off as "rope-dancing" and used to be performed over knives. Just be thankful that the profession has evolved. Visit this site for more interesting facts and a breathtaking job description.

  • Fire breather/Eater. Okay, to set the record straight, we don't advocate you looking for any job that involves shoving a burning stick down your throat (unless we're getting a cut of your stipend). But because we're here to educate and not coddle, here's a site on firebreathing, including steps on how to do it (and useful tips such as: "make sure no one is standing in front of you when you firebreathe;" and "get the address of the nearest intensive care unit before you start").

  • Bearded lady. A genetic predisposition is required.

Less-specialized circus talents

Many people already possess the ability to juggle, work with animals, or do impressive flips. If you're one of these people, you have a great advantage over the average wannabe circus performer and should look into developing your talent.

  • Stilt Walker. If you've tried it and you're a natural, you have our blessing to make a career out of stilt walking. It's fun and it makes you taller. What more do you need?

  • Clown. You find that people frequently laugh and point- you're already halfway there! To learn more about clowning, visit the Clown Museum. And please don't be one of those scary clowns that make children cry.

  • Unicycler. Any unicycler will attest to this: once you've mastered just one wheel, you can never go back to two. It's not nearly as hard as it seems. Check out Unicycling.org for more info.

  • Juggler. So you know how to juggle three balls, eh? Wimp. Visit Expert Village for fancier juggling tricks to add to your repertoire. Don't call the circus until you've mastered the art of juggling axes, bowling balls, babies, and flaming torches (and we're talkin' at the same time).

  • Acrobat. Just 'cause you can do two cartwheels in a row doesn't mean you're circus material. If you're dreaming of becoming a professional acrobat, you've hopefully been taking gymnastics classes since you were one and a half. Many people are limber - you've got to be better and than all of them. To learn more, click here.

And if all else fails…

  • Ringmaster. A good ringmaster possesses the ability to command the attention of a crowd and excite people, but we're going to let you in on a little secret: it's basically just public speaking in a tent. If you have a booming voice and a sense of the theatrical, it might be perfect.

  • Animal Caretaker/Trainer. If you want to join the circus but not actually be in the circus, this is the route to take. The only qualifications to be an animal caretaker/trainer are that you love animals and are willing to devote your life to them. To find out if this is the life for you, take a look at How To Become An Animal Trainer on eHow.

  • Roustabout. If all the occupations listed above sound too dangerous, too daunting, or just too weird for you, consider getting a job as a roustabout. Roustabouts are the people who put up the tents, drive the buses, feed the animals and clowns, etc. They play very important roles in the circus, even though they never show up in the center ring. They're the handymen and handywomen.