Gentlemen, gentlemen...
Yes the Yak is splendid...
...but they put the tailwheel at the wrong end!!!
My first flight after my PPL skill test was transition on a Bellanca - so my recommendation would be : learn flying tailwheel aircraft! It sharpens up your flying tremendously. You might even combine it with glider flying and get some towing time as well - lots of fun!
Hang in there - the tide will turn again
Ivan