Going 100% Full Time Starting Saturday

[Julie Marie]

This Saturday I'll be going totally full time. No having to go back to guy, unless I want to and I don't see that happening. How is this possible when I can't transition at work? Tomorrow I am getting laid off.

That sentence usually brings people down but I've been expecting it for some time and, if I want, I can probably go back to work for another contractor in a week or two. But I like this company and they want to keep me but they simply have no work in my local.

Knowing this was a real possibility I have been planning what I will do. The first thing I thought was to speed up the electrolysis by having two or three sessions a week, maybe more if my skin can take it. The beard shadow HAS TO GO! In the area of vanity I plan to get some acrylic nails, probably Saturday. I also REALLY need to have my hair done. It's been well over a year since I've had it styled and at that time I had a guy's cut. I really think a good styling and hair coloring would make a big difference.

Of course there's a lot of things to do around the house and my doctor mentioned he may know some people who need electrical work done, AND who wouldn't be freaked by having a TS do it.

All in all this is a great opportunity to experience full time in the strictest sense. It will give me an idea where I am.

In a lot of ways I'm really excited!

Julie

[Melissa]

Awesome Julie.  I bet that will feel great.  You'll be walking around with a big smile for the next month.  I know I was after going fulltime.

Melissa

[TheBattler]

Congratulation Julie,

I am so happy for you.

Alice

[Steph]

That is the greatest news Julie.  You are not going to believe the relief you're going to experience not having to live two lives.  You're free to finally be you.  Life has just begun

Steph

[Sheila]

Julie,
  I have a couple of things to say, first you will be marvelous hon. Second, look at solar gel nails instead of acrylic. I like them a lot better, they stay on and you go back in about 3 weeks and get fills done and it isn't as expensive for the fills as getting a full set of acrylics. Third, why would a transsexual go and do someone's electrical. I could see a woman doing it but not a transsexual. Think about it. I'm really happy for you. Things work out for the best.
Sheila

[tinkerbell]

Congratulations Julie!  I wish you all the best this Saturday and always!

I'll be thinking of you!



tinkerbell



Edit: Karen fixed Tink's sig icon

[Hazumu]

RAY!!
YAY!!
Atta-GIRL!

Karen

P.S., doesn't it REALLY start Friday at quittin' time? 

[Julie Marie]

Julie,
  I have a couple of things to say, first you will be marvelous hon. Second, look at solar gel nails instead of acrylic. I like them a lot better, they stay on and you go back in about 3 weeks and get fills done and it isn't as expensive for the fills as getting a full set of acrylics. Third, why would a transsexual go and do some one's electrical. I could see a woman doing it but not a transsexual. Think about it. I'm really happy for you. Things work out for the best.
Sheila

Hi Shelia,

I'd do gels if I could find a reputable place around here that does them.  I went to a place nearby a little less than a year ago and they did an awful job, sanded off my cuticles to the point of bleeding in several places and I later found a fungus developing under three of the nails.  Luckily I caught that and treated it immediately.  It seems most of the places around here are little shops poorly run.  I'll keep looking though.  I like gels because they aren't affected by nail polish remover.

As for my comment about a TS doing electrical work, I was making the statement to point out I'd be working for a main-streamer rather than someone in the community.  Almost everyone I know outside the community is anything but tolerant so I speak with that perspective in mind.

Initially this layoff was seen as a great opportunity but I was only looking at eliminating the see-saw world.  There's still financial obligations that don't change and I'll be without a paycheck.  I was just starting to get back on my feet from the divorce and feeling pretty comfortable financially.  A year ago I almost lost my house, now my house is my only debt and I've got money in the bank.  I've been able to save a lot in the short time I've been back to work and now I could lose all that.

I could choose to focus on working but that will mean I can't make any real plans for living F/T and I may end up on a job that could be more stressful in the see-saw sense than the one I've been working.  The bottom line is I am ready to live full time and I'm ready for SRS but financially it would be a bad decision.  It's the battle between emotional comfort and financial comfort.  If I choose the former I may have to work until I'm 65 or 70.  If I choose the latter I'll face two more years of this see-saw world but then I can retire comfortably at 58 and complete my transition then.  I just don't know if I can last two more years.  It's something I need to answer for myself.

Thanks everyone for the support.  I really appreciate it.

Julie

[HelenW]

Congratulations, Julie Marie, on achieving this milestone!

Doing any kind of work with your hands would be tough with longer nails, I figure, but if it makes you smile then go ahead!  If they're strong enough you can leave the wire strippers and screwdrivers at home (LOL)!

hugs & smiles,
helen

[Hazumu]

Hi, Julie;

Are you saying that long, beautiful nails are one of the roadblocks to financial stability? (point to ponder, nothing more )

Like many of us T-girls, HRT has made my nails mega-brittle.  I'm constantly filing out little divots or (HORROR!) cutting to near the quick a nail that has torn and is unrepairable.  I've decided that I can live with wearing the drugstore press-ons for three days when I wish to glam-up a bit.  And it give me an excuse to soak in a warm tub on the fourth day and CAREFULLY remove them.

I also have mechanics gloves in the glove box (!) in case I have to do anything inside the engine compartment.  I may end up getting a set of gloves for video shoots -- after a shoot is when I find myself filing out divots...

But this is small-potatoes -- you have to decide to work or not.  If you decide you need to work, and find the only way you can get employment is in drab-mode, then may you fully enjoy this brief respite of being yourself 24/7, and may it give you strength to go back out into the harsh workaday world and secure both your transition and your retirement!

You go, girl!

Karen

P.S., the book, "The Beauty Bible" has a lot of no-nonsense information about hair care, skin care, makeup, and the pros and cons of artificial nails.  The author says they ain't a good idea from a purely mechanical and health (of your real nails) standpoint, but offers advice on what to watch out for when you're gettin' 'em done anyway.

[Melissa]

I keep my nails short, unpainted and usually bitten.  My hands seem to pass just fine anyways.  Nails are NOT essential to being female.  I think you should do your nails because you want to, rather than to pass.

Melissa

[Ricki]

I share in your transition and happiness that follows..
remember you have me and other friends always unless susan get's invetsigated by the IRS and owes them money or something? hehe.....
Best wishes for fulltime status
Ricki

[Suzy]

Wow!  How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!  Good luck.  You are gorgeous and you will do great.

love,
Kristi

[Julie Marie]

For those of you who haven't seen the other thread, the layoff turned into sitting home waiting for work to pick up.  And what looked like a month or more being off could be as little as two weeks.  Then Friday evening I'm talking to my boss and he has some more at home work for me to do.  I ended up working most of yesterday and he said there's more to come.  So I really have no idea what will happen as it's now a day to day thing.

I'm not complaining.  I need to work.  But the image of living full time for a month or more, without the work breaks, is something I know I need to do.  I'll still be full time until I'm called in but I can't make long term plans that would give me a better taste of what life will be like.

However, I have stepped up electrolysis.  That's a biggie.

Julie