Lost my Job

[CaraVolent]

I started hormones (Estradiol Micronized and Spironolactone) on August 7th.  The next day I lost my job.  I've been unemployed since that date.  The reason I lost my job didn't have anything to do with being transgender.  That Saturday I got sick with the flu.  I've been sick pretty much up until this weekend when I my fever finally subsided.  This weekend I've been somewhat in a daze about things.  I'm glad I'm on HRT now.  Really glad.  However, I had worked up to everyone at work being on the same page with me, and they were all OK with it, for real.  Now I'm jobless.  I've already looked into a similar position elsewhere.  Only, I've represented myself as male and haven't let on about transitioning or anything.  This feels like a blow to me.  I was really going for full-time and was really feeling like I was making huge progress in that area.  I may just be ranting about this, however it has been really hard for me to deal with all these things happening at once.  Then having to back track to male again to just get a job equal to the pay that I made before.  Anyone have a similar experience?  I don't have much in the savings department so I'm just operating on emergency mode.

[ssneha23]

Not really a similar experience. But I had to hold back my plans to go fulltime. I recently started a job where I presented myself as male because I was yet to go full time. I so planned to go full time at least outside work, but some friends explained to me that it was too soon for me to do that. They said I WILL surely be fired if folks at office found out.

I totally understand your pain. Its so tough gathering courage to go full time andbface the world only to pull back ..

Tc girl... I am sure it will get better

[Taka]

money first, is all i can say. mostly because i know i feel more confident to be different when the job is stable.
i don't have much with losing jobs, only troubles to get one. it's not fun to be jobless, not at all.
i hope you find a new job soon.
remember that masks can be put on and taken off. you don't have to be a man to get the job, it's enough to play that role, knowing it's just an act. be an actor, and view it as a serious job, one that in the end will get you a better income. and you can still be you outside job interviews.

unless you actually feel more confident as a woman. i've heard claimed that some studies show that higher testosterone levels (how much higher depends on sex/gender) and lower cortisol levels are more likely to get you through a job interview.

[Ltl89]

I am so sorry you are going through this.

To answer your question, I went through unemployment for a good portion of my early transition.  It was hard to deal with this all during such an already tense period which made me panic, but it didn't last.  Remember, this is only a temporary thing.  Just like hormones take some time to work, it's only a matter of time before you find something new.  While it's hard to keep this mentality during a frustrating job search, it's true and will do you lots of good to remember.  You've already made it through the early stages of transitioning, which is pretty challenging, so please remember that you know how to see things through during the time times.  That's what saved me.

In any event, I hope you find something very soon and am sorry you are dealing with this all at once.

[Christy]

Sorry you lost your job. I know going around as a man is not easy. I do that at work too. I do it because transitioning won't do me much good if I can't afford food and a roof over my head. Just know who you are on the inside and you can always be yourself outside of work. Then one day in the future you can either come out on the job or find a job that accepts you for who you are.

[JenniferGreen]

I had a similar experience . Just as I entered counselling and admitted my TG status to myself I was let go from my job. I felt bad as I wondered if my work on myself had somehow impacted on my performance. Three months of unemployment later and I was going mad. When I finally got a job I was terrified that I was going to lose that if I came out. I have a well paid job and need to work to pay debts and maintenance. Not many people seem to talk about the finance and work impact of all this but I think it is a big consideration. A lot of girls I meet seem to be financially secure with pensions and money. I can't do that and need to work and earn good money. I know you will find work soon and my thoughts are with you. It's a horrible time. PM me if you want to chat. I feel your stress. Jx