Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: Kayy! on April 06, 2017, 12:25:16 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Kayy! on April 06, 2017, 12:25:16 PM
Post by: Kayy! on April 06, 2017, 12:25:16 PM
So i currently work as a machinest and enjoy the work but as i think about transitioning I worry what I would do for work and is one of the things that is holding me back from transitioning. So i was just curious what some of you have done or what new job you found instead? I asked this because if any of you have worked on a shop floor im sure you can understand my consider.
Thanks!
Kayy
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Thanks!
Kayy
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Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: davina61 on April 06, 2017, 12:59:23 PM
Post by: davina61 on April 06, 2017, 12:59:23 PM
Work in a garage doing MOT but we have a female technician ,see how it goes when I come out
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: RobynD on April 06, 2017, 01:12:05 PM
Post by: RobynD on April 06, 2017, 01:12:05 PM
I was your standard office/technology worker. I transitioned after i was self-employed, but even prior to that i presented fairly feminine. I experienced no real issues.
I would think women would make as great of a machinist as a man would. I see women in "traditionally male" professions fairly often such as construction, skilled trades, etc. You may not have to change vocations at all.
I would think women would make as great of a machinist as a man would. I see women in "traditionally male" professions fairly often such as construction, skilled trades, etc. You may not have to change vocations at all.
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: SailorMars1994 on April 06, 2017, 01:22:57 PM
Post by: SailorMars1994 on April 06, 2017, 01:22:57 PM
Luckily the 1980s and 1950s are a long time ago. Woman are found all over the place including in the military, coal mines, construction, ect and males are also able to work as receptionists, nurses and child care workers. I think it is healthy to break the binary on work and do what you heart desires ^.^
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Mikka55 on April 06, 2017, 02:26:23 PM
Post by: Mikka55 on April 06, 2017, 02:26:23 PM
I work in a sports arena, big company. and I work as a concession cook. Everytime I work there are at lease 50+ cooks. High majority is males i would say 90/10. That's only the cooks, that's not including cashiers, beer vendor's etc etc. The thing with big companies or anywhere rumours spread like wild fire. So..... im slowly very slowly transitioning at work. I keep telling people I am not who you think I am. So yeah.
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Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Mikka55 on April 06, 2017, 02:27:59 PM
Post by: Mikka55 on April 06, 2017, 02:27:59 PM
I am just on hrt and I did my treach shave... last year dec 2016.. got a few days off.
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Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Sno on April 06, 2017, 02:58:50 PM
Post by: Sno on April 06, 2017, 02:58:50 PM
Hi Kayy!
There was a lot of work done in the uk during the war, where they actively compared he two sexes in machine shops, and discovered that the women were faster than the menfolk, and produced more consistent, higher quality work, (wartime time and motion studies). This was discovered after campaigns like Rosie the Riveter ran for recruitment. The unenlightened management of the era reverted back to its sexist ways post war, but their work was not forgotten.
I'd expect a fair amount of 'banter' but the folk most likely to be challenged will not be the folk on the floor ;)
Rowan
There was a lot of work done in the uk during the war, where they actively compared he two sexes in machine shops, and discovered that the women were faster than the menfolk, and produced more consistent, higher quality work, (wartime time and motion studies). This was discovered after campaigns like Rosie the Riveter ran for recruitment. The unenlightened management of the era reverted back to its sexist ways post war, but their work was not forgotten.
I'd expect a fair amount of 'banter' but the folk most likely to be challenged will not be the folk on the floor ;)
Rowan
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: josie76 on April 06, 2017, 06:45:36 PM
Post by: josie76 on April 06, 2017, 06:45:36 PM
I'm doing regional repair of heavy equipment for my main income. Sometimes I just fix electrical systems or electronics but I also do some heavy lifting with hydrostatic drive parts from time to time. I have two big concerns right now. With summer approaching I'm wondering how I will keep my growing breasts under wraps. Also I have already found muscle reduction has given me new physical limits that my job may sometimes exceed. The other day I had to remove and reinstall a large hydraulic motor from a gear drive. Pulling it out was no problem. Putting it back was a serious issue for me. Some of its weight was supported by the hydraulic hoses but from the side. In order to reinstall it I have to hold it straight and get the shaft splines lined up by slightly rotating the whole motor with the hoses. Sometimes this is hard to do, but the other day I was truely at my limit. Immediately my legs felt like I had run all day. I was sweating profusely. After each try I had to kneel down to rest for a time before I could try to lift it again. After about 5 tries I did get it back in.
Life is in for a change that's for certain.
Life is in for a change that's for certain.
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Jazmynne on April 06, 2017, 09:04:24 PM
Post by: Jazmynne on April 06, 2017, 09:04:24 PM
yes I work in a masculine job with 18 other males. the job I have is ag related. while I am not in transition or on hrt at the moment I do have some breast growth but didn't think they were that noticeable. this morning one of the coworkers put his left arm around my shoulders and just that quick with his right hand reached up and grabbed a hold of my left breast. I was total caught off guard at this moment he held on for a least 10 seconds till I said hey now. I then calmly sked him if they were sticking out that far, no comment from him. so maybe will ask him if he found out what he wanted to know. when it comes to t shirt weather could be interesting. sorry if this somewhat hijacked the subject but I wanted to comment because of the masculinity part. sometimes I am embarrassed to say I am male. :embarrassed:
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: kaitylynn on April 06, 2017, 11:15:42 PM
Post by: kaitylynn on April 06, 2017, 11:15:42 PM
I am an appliance repair woman. Pretty physical and male dominated field. Out of a few hundred field technicians, I am one of three woman. The company never batted an eye when I came out to them and they have worked to make sure the process has been smooth for their part. I find I can still do most of the work, so I stick with it because I am fiarly good at it :)
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Rachel_Christina on April 06, 2017, 11:39:35 PM
Post by: Rachel_Christina on April 06, 2017, 11:39:35 PM
Work in wine cellar.
Very physical, I am feeling the 9 months HRT
Very physical, I am feeling the 9 months HRT
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: bobbisue on April 06, 2017, 11:44:29 PM
Post by: bobbisue on April 06, 2017, 11:44:29 PM
I also work in male dominated field I am a mechanic even though we are protected by legislation in my home province I plan on delaying coming out as long as possible I have had fairly good success with hair regrowth and am using that as a reason for growing out my hair I also have started wearing bib overalls to work in anticipation of breast growth as i will be starting HRT in may I have experimented around the house and found that they do hide quite a bit also people dont notice slow changes until they get quite obvious
bobbisue :)
bobbisue :)
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: natasha on April 07, 2017, 07:31:41 AM
Post by: natasha on April 07, 2017, 07:31:41 AM
I work as a mechanic............its hell on the nails!!
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Niki Knight on April 07, 2017, 08:35:12 AM
Post by: Niki Knight on April 07, 2017, 08:35:12 AM
Hi Hon
I work construction. The physical and cardio limitations are the only things effecting me. I can't lift what I use to but still manage.
As for acceptance, I deal with a lot of distributors, clients and bring in trades such as electricians and gas fitters to do projects. So I deal with a lot of rednecks for lack of a better term. Most people are cool with it and have never really had a a bad situation arise. I did have one gentleman quit his position from my company when I came out do to religious beliefs. Other than that situation everyone is pretty understanding and good with it. Im in Canada so maybe a bit different where you are.
Huggs Niki Marie
I work construction. The physical and cardio limitations are the only things effecting me. I can't lift what I use to but still manage.
As for acceptance, I deal with a lot of distributors, clients and bring in trades such as electricians and gas fitters to do projects. So I deal with a lot of rednecks for lack of a better term. Most people are cool with it and have never really had a a bad situation arise. I did have one gentleman quit his position from my company when I came out do to religious beliefs. Other than that situation everyone is pretty understanding and good with it. Im in Canada so maybe a bit different where you are.
Huggs Niki Marie
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Barb99 on April 07, 2017, 09:00:51 AM
Post by: Barb99 on April 07, 2017, 09:00:51 AM
Manufacturing Engineer
100% male environment. At least it was until I happened! The acceptance has been pleasantly surprising. I have been full time at work for over a year. I meet with people inside and outside of the company on a daily basis and have not had a single problem with anyone.
100% male environment. At least it was until I happened! The acceptance has been pleasantly surprising. I have been full time at work for over a year. I meet with people inside and outside of the company on a daily basis and have not had a single problem with anyone.
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Kayy! on April 07, 2017, 04:15:28 PM
Post by: Kayy! on April 07, 2017, 04:15:28 PM
Thanks for all the replies it worried me alot when i think about my work and transitioning its good hearing that its not miserable and that there are more accepting people than I would think.
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Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: josie76 on April 08, 2017, 05:45:41 AM
Post by: josie76 on April 08, 2017, 05:45:41 AM
Quote from: Jazmynne on April 06, 2017, 09:04:24 PM
yes I work in a masculine job with 18 other males. the job I have is ag related. while I am not in transition or on hrt at the moment I do have some breast growth but didn't think they were that noticeable. this morning one of the coworkers put his left arm around my shoulders and just that quick with his right hand reached up and grabbed a hold of my left breast. I was total caught off guard at this moment he held on for a least 10 seconds till I said hey now. I then calmly sked him if they were sticking out that far, no comment from him. so maybe will ask him if he found out what he wanted to know. when it comes to t shirt weather could be interesting. sorry if this somewhat hijacked the subject but I wanted to comment because of the masculinity part. sometimes I am embarrassed to say I am male. :embarrassed:
Wow I don't know if I could have stayed calm if some guy cupped a feel so to speak. I'm sorry that happened to you.
As far hiding them, the one thing that may help in my situation is my belly fat. Since I'm still a bit overweight my belly if relaxed sticks out enough it somewhat masks my breasts at least under a few layers. Without a sweatshirt on, my wife says the shape is unmistakable.
One of the things I noticed with muscle reduction. My abdominals shrank enough already that all that belly fat just kinda drops low and center. It has started to make my waist more defined some.
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Amy1988 on April 08, 2017, 06:35:25 AM
Post by: Amy1988 on April 08, 2017, 06:35:25 AM
Quote from: Kayy! on April 06, 2017, 12:25:16 PM
So i currently work as a machinest and enjoy the work but as i think about transitioning I worry what I would do for work and is one of the things that is holding me back from transitioning. So i was just curious what some of you have done or what new job you found instead? I asked this because if any of you have worked on a shop floor im sure you can understand my consider.
Thanks!
Kayy
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
I'm an engineer in large group dominated by men but no one knows I'm transgender.
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: 2.B.Dana on April 08, 2017, 07:55:55 AM
Post by: 2.B.Dana on April 08, 2017, 07:55:55 AM
Quote from: Jazmynne on April 06, 2017, 09:04:24 PM
yes I work in a masculine job with 18 other males. the job I have is ag related. while I am not in transition or on hrt at the moment I do have some breast growth but didn't think they were that noticeable. this morning one of the coworkers put his left arm around my shoulders and just that quick with his right hand reached up and grabbed a hold of my left breast. I was total caught off guard at this moment he held on for a least 10 seconds till I said hey now. I then calmly sked him if they were sticking out that far, no comment from him. so maybe will ask him if he found out what he wanted to know. when it comes to t shirt weather could be interesting. sorry if this somewhat hijacked the subject but I wanted to comment because of the masculinity part. sometimes I am embarrassed to say I am male. :embarrassed:
I have had gynecomastia since puberty and the breast grabbing has happened many times over the years. I can totally relate to the awkward and embarrassing feelings that can come from it. Normally this happens in a group of guys, one on one they normally aren't that bold. Along the way I began to say " I normally charge for that" and everyone laughs it off and are on their way.
Due to a trial of testosterone therapy my growth kicked into high gear. I now wear a 40G bra every day, and have for the last two years. I think I have had only two guys give me a visual response along the way and it was a odd look like this doesn't compute. Many other guys with gyno have said the same thing. Men don't read other men as having breasts and really don't see them. Women are another matter, they will check you out, any normally a pleasant response. I have one lady I see regularly that stares at them the whole time we are together.
I wear mostly women tops when not at work and try to force myself to be more open with them each time I am out. Although walking across a parking lot against the wind can make them look huge ;D Still not quite accustomed to that.
I am self employed as a commercial cleaner and in most places I can be nearly invisible during the day. Most people pay very little attention to the "help". It's hardest when I am working at small yacht harbors. The folks there seem much more interested in "checking" me out for some reason.
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Alanna1990 on April 08, 2017, 03:00:10 PM
Post by: Alanna1990 on April 08, 2017, 03:00:10 PM
I fix computers and diverse electronics, when I began dressing the way I wanted to there was this client who told me He wouldn't be able to give me more clients if I didn't dress properly for a technician, I told him that I was going to look even more different in the future, he hasn't given me more jobs but everybody else in his office has, so no problems there, and also, I completely out now, everybody I know knows about me and my transition, so no problems there.
New clients usually come by recommendation, they look at me but never complained, and, since I know people expect a dirty man to fix their computers I'm at a disadvantage, but I give every client my best possible work, so they trust me with future jobs, they recommend me and the cycle continues, it's slow but that way I'm not worrying about discrimination and stuff, I just wait and the work will come to me.
New clients usually come by recommendation, they look at me but never complained, and, since I know people expect a dirty man to fix their computers I'm at a disadvantage, but I give every client my best possible work, so they trust me with future jobs, they recommend me and the cycle continues, it's slow but that way I'm not worrying about discrimination and stuff, I just wait and the work will come to me.
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: NotSure81 on April 08, 2017, 03:14:53 PM
Post by: NotSure81 on April 08, 2017, 03:14:53 PM
I'm an electrician by trade.
I fear coming out at work and also because of the place I live. I don't know 100% that my company is transphobic but the owner is highly religious, but very family oriented. However our company does work with a lot of manufacturing and large companies around town may not want some transgender electrician on their site or may not do business with our company if I'm transitioning. This town is stuck in the 1950s ways.
My only hope is that I can find a new place to work electrical that wouldn't mind having a transitioning/transgender person. My state has zero protections though. :/
I fear coming out at work and also because of the place I live. I don't know 100% that my company is transphobic but the owner is highly religious, but very family oriented. However our company does work with a lot of manufacturing and large companies around town may not want some transgender electrician on their site or may not do business with our company if I'm transitioning. This town is stuck in the 1950s ways.
My only hope is that I can find a new place to work electrical that wouldn't mind having a transitioning/transgender person. My state has zero protections though. :/
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Christine1 on April 08, 2017, 03:51:39 PM
Post by: Christine1 on April 08, 2017, 03:51:39 PM
I'm also an electrician. I work in a school dist. Its a very so called progressive but people are people. Some will be Ok with it but I think most will not be regardless! I will soon find out. I work with only guys at work so we will see. I'm sure they will think i'm hot for all of them! Can I just LOL!!
Title: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: RavenMoon on April 10, 2017, 02:43:36 PM
Post by: RavenMoon on April 10, 2017, 02:43:36 PM
I'm a graphic artist. I don't know what my coworkers think of me, but they only know me as a guy, albeit with long hair and that wears nail polish. Lol. I'm very androgynous. They seem to like me just fine. [emoji3]
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Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Jerri on April 10, 2017, 04:49:05 PM
Post by: Jerri on April 10, 2017, 04:49:05 PM
I started my transition at a company I worked for for 26 years, started as a millwright and moved into supervision and planning just before I began to transition, all very much male dominated positions. I am now working as a facilities maintenance lady for an apartment complex in a small navel air station town. very conservative male oriented role. I have found some questioning people at first however once they see that I am very good at my job they seem some what supportive. I dont think people are as critical as long as we are competent at our tasks. My bosses love having someone here that is reliable and can offer them a broad perspective on many issues.
I find work to be much supportive than my family and social groups
I find work to be much supportive than my family and social groups
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Debra on April 11, 2017, 05:27:41 AM
Post by: Debra on April 11, 2017, 05:27:41 AM
yep software development. I'm often the only female dev at smaller companies
Title: Re: Anyone in a "masculine" job while they are transitioning?
Post by: Thessa on April 11, 2017, 05:32:07 AM
Post by: Thessa on April 11, 2017, 05:32:07 AM
Self-employed IT Security Consultant
I hope that my clients will be able to see that I still have the same knowledge and drive.
I hope that my clients will be able to see that I still have the same knowledge and drive.