Education or chest surgery?

[Frank]

So, I was a stupid kid and did not graduate high school. Although around here, it doesn't seem to matter because the jobs just aren't there and half the applications don't actually ask how many years you attended anyway. It's looking like I may be able to get a decent paying job though, and I'll be able to save most of it due to living situation but now I'm presented with a tough question.

Assuming I can stick the job and manage to gather 7-10K, should I spend it on chest surgery or should I get into trade school (since the trade I like doesn't require the diploma or ged)? On one hand, I would be able to work far better without having to stuff huge things away. But then I'd still have to build up a significant amount of cash without a diploma again. If I learn a trade and get an Associate's degree or whatever, I at least look educated...but then that's several years with the chest again plus the trade is hard work even without the silly things to hide.

Stay in school kids. It'll make your life much easier. I promise.

[Whynaut]

I would say go for the chest surgery, because that way you won't have to struggle with it during your career.

Why not take out loans to go to trade school? Does the government not offer loans for trade schools? That way you can do both.

OR work at your current job for twice as long (save up 14k-20k) and pay for both.

From someone who is starting their career without top surgery, it's a huge pain in the ass. I'm uncomfortable and taking that much time off of work is going to be tough.

[Alexthecat]

I have a high school diploma but I didn't start college until after top surgery. 22 right now. It's so much easier not having to deal with the chest. Plus if you are going to school and working, the last thing on your mind should be your chest.

[blink]

Between the health problems binding can cause over time, and the myriad ways dysphoria can screw with productivity/life in general, I say chest surgery first. Whynaut makes a good point, too, scheduling time off work for surgery can be difficult. If your life circumstances allow for it, surgery first simplifies so many things.

[King Malachite]

I'm kind of in a similar situation and have been debating if I should go back to school first or get top surgery.  Honestly, I think getting top surgery first would be the best thing to do so.  You can get that out of the way and healed within a year or so while dedication to school would requie a much heavier focus and dedication in my opinion.  I know this is the route I plan on taking.  I do like Whynaut's suggestion of saving up or both.  That would be ideal, or even just taking a class or two to get a couple of classes out of the way.  Best luck in whatever you decide to do!

[Jack_M]

It's a difficult one. I chose school then transition (and thus surgery) and haven't looked back. I make a really good wage now in a job I absolutely love. I worked hard, then got T and the surgery so I could enjoy it all. My concern with the other way about was regret. If I waited, I'd be older trying to start my career and always wondering what if. This way there was no 'what if?' Surgery was always going to happen one day, but in this economy where there's more unskilled people than jobs for them, I'm glad I did it the way I did.

It's essentially your choice at the end of the day. What is more important to YOU. For me, in my twenties, I felt career had to take priority, even if it did make my life a little tougher for a few years, but that won't be the same for everyone.

[harlee]

I'm also doing a trade If I had it my way, I would have gotten the surgery first but the job came up and I took the opportunity (I had been searching for 2 years so I wasn't going to say no!). The only reason why I would have chosen surgery first is because I would have liked a lot of time off to heal and sometimes it can be hard to take time off from work.

Sorry to change the subject but I'm just curious to know what trade school is and how that works? Do you pay for yourself to go to trade school, learn your whole trade there, and then look for a job in your trade? I couldn't find much info on it. 

[Ayden]

Harlee: it depends on where you are. In the states most trade schools (i believe) are run one of two ways. It can be like an apprenticeship or the same as most two year associate degrees. The ones I am familiar with run just like getting a one or two year degree with a heavy emphasis on physical learning.

I went the opposite and I got my degrees first before transition. For me ensuring that I had a skill or some education that would help me be self sufficient was more important. I don't regret waiting at all. It depends on you and what you think will give you the best quality of life.