I think I now have a plan to transition.

[saraht123]

It looks like I'll soon be taking a 1 year career break to study for an IT qualification. My current job is not in IT, but it looks like there will be an opportunity for me to return to full time work in a different department in an IT role. Otherwise, I can return to my current job.

I also want to use my study break as a chance for near full time RLE.

My company has good trans policies in place, But I have a strong feeling that many departments might be a bit unprepared to actually have to deal with a real, live trans person.

I'm pre hrt, pre everything except 9 months electro. Not yet officially out at work, though some colleagues may suspect.

I'm seriously thinking I might be able to return to work as a woman, if I can get on hormones maybe, and clear most of my facial hair in the next 12 months or so. I may even be able to get some FFS procedures done at some point?

I don't know if I'll be passable in 12 months (or ever). The timescale feels rushed. It will be a really busy year.

I don't know why I'm writing all this down. I guess I'm trying to run things through in my own mind. I might not get another opportunity like this. I'm not getting any younger. I really want to do this now but I'm full of trepidation, lacking confidence in myself and still scared of losing people from my old life. On the other hand, I feel hopeful I might just be able to do this somehow.

Sorry this is so disjointed. I guess I'm asking; am I hoping for too much in 12 months? Or should I seize the day?

[mfox]

I had to leave a really good job to make transition easier.

From the moment I knew I was going to do something, to going full time, was about 6 months for me.  That was spent growing my hair out, having early laser+electrolysis sessions, and part-time RLE (figuring out clothing, makeup, etc.). 

Once I started HRT and went full time once I left work, I think I became comfortable enough to "pass"/feel natural   after 3-4 more months of full time RLE.  So taking a year off is a generous amount of time in my opinion from where you are.  In a year you should have gotten through the early awkward phases.

(Having your facial/body hair gone is such a big impact on daily life.  You don't need as much makeup, your morning routine gets shorter, you pass better.  For me I set a goal that when my face is done, I can try to go back to work)

[saraht123]

Thanks. Sounds like it may be do-able. It's going to happen sooner or later anyway, I just never thought I might have an opportunity so soon. 

[Rachel]

You look beautiful now so HRT can only help.

Perhaps starting HRT now before you leave will give you some extra time and you may find you can be on HRT a while before leaving.

[saraht123]

Awwww thanks. I've had a really good day already and no one ever called me beautiful before, so that's the icing on the cake

X

[Jessie Ann]

I think you may find that you can transition faster than you think.  I did not start HRT until the first of March this year and I was full time outside of work by the middle of May and full time at work and everywhere by the middle of June.  I didn't start electrolysis until March and while I have to use a little more makeup than I would like, I was amazed at how quickly I was able to make my transition work.  Good luck to you girl.

[saraht123]

Congratulations. That is really speedy. It takes me 3 months to decide on a pair of shoes, let alone transition.

These last few days I feel like I might actually have a future. There is hope and I feel happy