LEARNING TO SAY GOODBYE – Part 01

Professional Post for Circus Artists & Performers

Sometimes we want to keep trying until the very end… but sometimes, it is already too late.

Hi and welcome.

My name is Raúl Veiga, and I am a circus artist… too.

I say “too” because, in truth, I have worked in many areas of show business: actor, dancer, clown, artistic director, magician, choreographer and performer.

At this moment, I have more than 20 years of career experience.

Throughout my journey, I have worked with beautiful companies around the world, including:

• Cirque du Soleil
• Disney
• Cirque Medrano
• Cirque Éloize
• Recirquel
• Circus Ivanov
• Manuel Weisheit

Between contemporary circus and classical circus, I can honestly say I have built a large experience in this small world.

Now the difficult part

Today I want to speak with you about something many artists struggle with:

How to accept a job… and how to let it go when you know it is not good for you.

Because yes — sometimes saying goodbye is the smartest professional decision.

The backstage reality of this business

Let’s be honest.

Behind the lights, applause and glamour, this industry is not always fair or kind.

You often need to:

• fight to be noticed
• deal with people you dislike
• stay diplomatic under pressure
• accept uncomfortable compromises
• protect yourself constantly

I will make future posts about how to apply professionally to circuses around the world, salary negotiation and contracts.

But for now, let’s talk about something even more important:

Learning to say goodbye

Sometimes, especially in difficult moments, we become desperate to work.

We think:

“I absolutely need this contract.”

And when that happens, many artists start accepting conditions that damage their dignity, their finances or their peace of mind.

Why?

Because fear whispers:

“If I do not accept, terrible things will happen.”

Listen to your inner warning

When your heart tells you:

“This situation feels wrong.”

Listen.

That voice matters.

I am not saying do not take risks.

I am saying:

If a deal is disrespectful, unclear or unhealthy, learn to say:

This is not good for me.
If your conditions cannot change, I prefer to stop doing business with you.

That sentence can save years of frustration.

Common red flags from managers

You send your material. They answer. You discuss terms.

Then this often happens:

• They disappear after your reply.
• They read your message and never answer.
• They ask your price only to push it down.
• They repost the same ad days later.
• They ask for extra work without extra pay.
• They undervalue your performance.
• They refuse travel costs.
• They waste your time.

Sound familiar?

Important advice about money

Never start too low just to be chosen.

Because if you undervalue yourself first, many people will try to reduce it even more.

Remember:

You are not charging only for one show.

You are charging for:

• years of training
• injuries survived
• equipment paid
• coaching invested
• travel experience
• stage presence built over time

Your price includes the invisible years behind the visible performance.

Ask other artists

If something feels suspicious, ask other performers.

Use Facebook groups, professional communities, private messages.

Artists united are stronger than artists isolated.

Information protects people.

Sometimes goodbye is success

Many artists think success means saying yes.

Sometimes success means saying:

No.

Sometimes walking away now avoids bigger problems later.

Sometimes the contract you reject protects the future one you deserve.

Final thought

You are not only an artist.

You are also a professional.

Protect your talent. Protect your time. Protect your dignity.

And if needed…

Learn to say goodbye.

— RAÚL Veiga