Well, the part of me that’s generally convinced that people just politely tolerate my presence HATES to do this, however the part that wants to have a decent job and an actual life has told her to stop moaning and gaffer taped her mouth shut, so here we are.

Like many freelancers in TV, the last few years have been incredibly bumpy for me and without wanting anyone to get a tiny violin out it’s no exaggeration to say that this has pushed me right to the edge. I lost my flat, my car and my ability to pay my bills - and sometimes even put food on the table. It’s shit and I know I’m not the only one in this situation. To add insult to injury I broke two bones in my leg back in the autumn and since spent considerable time cooped up like a Temu version of Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window (this is a terrible comparison given that I can see a prison probably containing plenty of actual murderers out of my window)

I’ve had plenty of time to think long and hard about what my career might look like in the future. What could a fifty something lady with a bunch of seemingly random skills but no particular specialism do?

Long story short, it seems I’m a good candidate to become an Intimacy Coordinator. It would allow me to stay in the industry, and with a bit of luck help me offer some measure of protection to folk who may previously have been exposed to some unprofessional behaviour. Also I would get to describe myself as a merkin wrangler which is a very me thing to do.

Anyway, after some rigorous interviews I’ve been selected for a place on a sought after course which is SAG-AFTRA accredited and all very prestigious - but of course this all costs money. I’m back on my feet now and temping like crazy, but the big old gap in my earnings has made funding it extremely tricky. I would much, much rather be working to pay for it - for my own sanity as much as anything else, but needs must when the employment gods have decided that you are condemned to watch endless repeats of Flog It! whilst scrolling through LinkedIn in a haze of meaningless buzzwords.

So in summary, please help in any way you can! The training starts very soon and any sort of donation is VERY much appreciated and I will of course give you a big hug (with clearly defined boundaries) when I next see you.

Thank you pals! xxx