Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi guys.
I've working at my job now for 8 months. I just started T 5 weeks ago. Originally I was supposed to start school in mid September (thus quitting my job) so I had no worries about co-workers noticing much change in me. Now, due to reasons my school course has been moved to January. I'm fine with this as long as I'm still getting to take my class. Problem is, is that if I stay at my job until then my co-workers are going to notice things changing. I work in an unfriendly oilfield/construction job with a bunch of guys that use homophobic, racial etc slurs regularly. Its not a friendly environment. Do you guys have any expirences with this sort of ordeal? I plan to go stealth in the work place eventually. Not to mention I usually get treated like a kid, sort of talked down to at times...I am young and I present as male ( I have my whole life ) sometimes I think that these guys don't really know what to make of me in the first place. I'm already an odd man out, and I don't want to make things worse. Any tips?

I'll also add that money isn't a huge issue, since these types of jobs pay very well ( I save as much money as I can) so if I absolutely have to can quit if things get too sketchy.....however I'd still prefer, if possible to have steady income. 

They treat you like a kid, how old do they think you are? They might just think you're a "late bloomer".

I just turned 23. Although I present as male (I look very androgynous), they know I'm female because I've not changed my name yet. My plan was that after school I would go thru changing my name and gender marker. I've had to work and support myself since I was 17-18 yrs old so this has made my transitioning little delayed and bit intimidating. I'm not sure how to navigate the workplace.

Oh, dang. That blows the late bloomer excuse out of the water. Sorry, I don't know how else to approach a situation like that. In that case it might be best to start job hunting for a place you can start fresh after the name change and everything.

Yeah quitting and maybe temping or job hopping like staying somewhere for a couple paychecks then splitting, that maybe my only option at this time.

I'd keep the job for now, because having an income is always better, regardless of savings. Plus it's easier to find a job when you already have one. And that's probably what you should do if you are unwilling to come out at work. Start shopping around for new employment and only take a new job if you can be stealth. Honestly, another month, maybe two, and you're voice will likely start causing people who don't know to question what's going on. Good luck bro! And mad respect to you for supporting yourself for so long. I hope everything works out for you.

Sounds like they are likely already confused. 6 months on t probably will actually either clear things up for some of them, even if they don't understand exactly. Other people probably won't even notice.

Quote from: KamTheMan on August 20, 2014, 06:24:52 PM
I'd keep the job for now, because having an income is always better, regardless of savings. Plus it's easier to find a job when you already have one. And that's probably what you should do if you are unwilling to come out at work. Start shopping around for new employment and only take a new job if you can be stealth. Honestly, another month, maybe two, and you're voice will likely start causing people who don't know to question what's going on. Good luck bro! And mad respect to you for supporting yourself for so long. I hope everything works out for you.

Thanks Kam. I think you're right about looking for a job while still having one. Going jobless will just be added stress.