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[Wild Flower]

I have one year left in my military contract and I realize I do not want to leave my "work" environment behind but I also do not plan to progress in my field. It leave me with one or two options, either go back to college or to renew a new contract. Spice things up, it would be a different branch and job, and I may take a paycut for a year. ((27k anually, room/board, medical food, resources))

If I renew my contract it does come with diminishing returns, but at least theres a steady paycheck and benefits (adding years to my pension plan). If I go to college, theres a better career in the long run. My job would also fund my transistion if I do declare doing so (hormones and surgery). I am just terrified of that concept of doing it on the job and right now... But the dysphoria is making me more depress. It maybe an avenue I want to use though when I am ready. But yes the military accepts transgender people now.

I just do not have the motivation for college and I feel so behind. I can do college on the side. And I will never lose my gi bill. Opinions please.

[Dena]

There are far to many factors for me to see a clear path for you. If you continue without the blocker portion of HRT, you will be fighting dysphoria and I don't know which path your heart will be in. Should you start on the blockers, you outlook may be change and you will be willing to face more of a challenge. Without knowing how HRT will fit into your future the answer to your question is almost unknowable.

[Deborah]

Well, I went to an Army hospital and declared myself today and it was actually a very good experience.  The Dr there was extremely accommodating and kind of went the extra mile getting all my medical stuff sorted and into the system.

Even if you aren't sure where you want to go with this, you could start simple and just talk to the mental health people.  Then decide where to go with it from there.

Talking to people here about it helps a lot.  Talking to a professional about it with the words coming out of your mouth helps 100 times more.

And if you like the military environment, nothing you will find outside is going to measure up.  Speaking as a 20 year veteran.

[Wild Flower]

There are far to many factors for me to see a clear path for you. If you continue without the blocker portion of HRT, you will be fighting dysphoria and I don't know which path your heart will be in. Should you start on the blockers, you outlook may be change and you will be willing to face more of a challenge. Without knowing how HRT will fit into your future the answer to your question is almost unknowable.

Well I thought it over. I know I am going to transistion. I am dying inside, and feel like a zombie on most days. I just have to be brave about it.

I need my job because I need the stability of this life for now. I did for a long enough time and its "easy" more or less. Maybe I will have a different opinion later.

And if the military going to provide medical services I may as well stay in because its on my mind anyways besides.

[Dani]

I am another military retiree, but via a different route. I have 4 years active duty and 18 in the reserves. This allowed me to attend college on the GI bill, which I did and graduated with NO student loans.

The combination of a civilian career (VA Hospital) and a reservists military duties worked well for me. I am now retired with a comfortable pension. Plan for your future.