employment

[Alexis79]

So...I am starting the really early steps now (scheduling a therapist asap to set in motion hrt in low dose, putting together a plan for electro, getting ready mentally and emotionally for the probably end of an otherwise strong marriage because this is a line in the sand issue for her, and setting down a schedule otherwise with milestones).

However, the biggest fear I have isn't the loss of relationships - I have always been less social (good at it, but no burning desire or need to do it) than most. I have the support of my two best friends already, one who is a longtime trans ally and is excited I am ready to push ahead. I have a small family who don't talk much at all, and can only offer support or an emergency house to stay if I ever become destitute.

My biggest fear is this:

I have a high paying job in the ultra conservative boys club known as the mining industry. I am an engineer with a P.E (P.Eng) license and an MBA, and a lot of goodwill built up at my new job right now (been there since october). I am also past due an entire paygrade promotion that my boss said at hired ate he is working towards getting later this year. Long term, I feel my employability is very high, if I can complete transition to high passability in this position/company. I don't expect to show much for at least 6-9 months due to my personal timeline even if hrt works exceptionally fast (36, so not expecting that).

So I figure I have about a year before it is a worry about bringing hr and the boss into the full time switch conversation. However, the industry is in a rough spot, so any risk means a tough chance of reemployment for about 2 years from now.

So my question for people is this?

For those of you in more technical and higher management roles, how did transition affect your employment, employer, employment prospects, etc? I am talking engineers and high salaried people, where there is a ton at stake from financial responsibilities and salaries.

I am hopeful that my personal situation is good due to positive impressions, a very open boss, and the fact that standard work attire are these horrid safety shirts that are unflattering and covering for everyone. All people where them, and they can cover anything up due to the standard safety material for fire resistance. But it is risk that i am trying to analyze right now.

Thanks for any assistance in data for my question in advance.

[Ms Grace]

I was in a medium paid very progressive girls club, so certainly not the same situation as you. Being ultra conservative might make it difficult for you, even if the management is onboard dealing with small minded colleagues might be an issue. Problem is, as with everything in this process, you usually can't prejudge the reaction of others and you won't know until you know,

[Beth Andrea]

I'm not in the employment category you mention (I'm union blue collar...GO UNION!! LOL), but I do know that what you're asking can be done, and has been done. I know nothing about "office politics" though, but it can work out.

Passability is a function of 101 little things and probably 5 big things (no, not "that" thing )...if you pass with some of those details (no beard, soft skin, breasts, good voice, etc) that doesn't mean you'll pass 100% of the time...some people won't know, others will. If you get most of the details more on the femme side of the spectrum, then yes you'll pass most of the time...but there'll always be that handful of people who will "just know" of your past.

Whether or not they make a big deal of it really shows what kind of person they are, not who you are.

Do the best you can at work and during the transition process (which can take several years; rarely does someone pass in under a year)...assure them by word and deed that you are still the same quality person they hired, and there shouldn't be any problem. (I would suggest getting in touch with HR and finding out company policies regarding anti-discrimination etc)

Good luck, and enjoy your journey!

[Alexis79]

I agree that one year is not an actual  timeframe. I am simply projecting out to when I feel things in theory should be far enough along financially to no longer fear unemployment while I continue and finish working on myself.

So I agree to that disclaimer.

[Ms Grace]

Keep in mind sexism - how do the, presumably few, women in the industry get treated?

[lilredneckgirl]

I  was  self  employed,  still  am,  so little  to  no  effect  in  my  transition.
  know a  girl  from  West  Virginia,  she  worked  the  coal  mines,  welder  and  field  maint. 
  she  ended  up  leaving  the  mines  a  short  time  before  srs.  issues  in  non  acceptance  abounded  for  her. 
not  trying  to  rain  on  your parade,  but  coal  miners are  a  different  breed,  rough  work  takes  rough  attitudes.