I left the circus to pursue stomach-churning career and earn SIX figure salary – but it’s not for the faint-hearted
A WOMAN has told how she left the circus to pursue a career that turns her stomach and is now making a six-figure salary.
Toni Cartwright, from Brisbane, Australia, traded in gymnastic rings for a construction job that’s not for the faint of heart.
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Originally, the woman said that after graduating from high school, she wanted to pursue a career as an acrobatic air circus performer.
However, after her passion dried up, she decided to bring her unique skills to the job site and landed a job as a rigger.
But over time, the 29-year-old wanted a bigger challenge and has now been pictured perched on a crane, looming over the city skyline.
Toni told 7Life that her life didn’t go the way she thought it would.
She said: “My life has been turned upside down.
“I just threw myself head first and followed the opportunities that presented themselves from there.”
Thanks to her certificate as a master locksmith, Toni was able to develop from machine operator to crane operator.
And now she’s maneuvering tower cranes — the large lifting structures you typically see in cities that can reach heights of more than 260 feet.
In addition, crane drivers have to climb several ladders, which often sway in the wind when they reach the driver’s cab.
According to Seek, crane operators in Australia can earn up to $135,000 a year.
Toni claimed the role wasn’t for the faint of heart, but her experience of high-altitude acrobatics helped her secure the gig.
She said: “The contractor could have picked any other crane operator, but he wanted someone on the post to just serve rather than try to manage the job site… and that’s exactly what he got.”
Since then, Toni has been documenting her career on TikTok to showcase the perks of her job.
She said: “I absolutely love that I work so hard here all day and that once I come down and leave the site I don’t have to take any work home with me.”
“The only thing I have to think about when I get home is what I’m going to eat the next day.
“I love that I can switch off and not have to mark reports or do what other people have to do when they’re home after work.”
Toni hoped her social media content would inspire others to get involved with the building game.
She said, “I think for so many people it’s seen as educational, eye-opening and ambitious above all else.”
“If any of my content enlightens, uplifts or inspires any man or woman, it far outweighs the few negative keyboard warriors.”
Another TikToker has shared how he made his first £100,000 after a simple career change.
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