Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: Jestwacked on April 18, 2016, 09:09:38 AM

Title: Working while transitioning
Post by: Jestwacked on April 18, 2016, 09:09:38 AM
I am possibly going to start HRT in the next couple of weeks so therefore medically transitioning. Is it a good idea to work while transitioning or is there some reason not too? 
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Jessirules on April 18, 2016, 09:23:25 AM
No reason not to!

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Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: AnonyMs on April 18, 2016, 09:42:53 AM
Very few people have the option of not working while transitioning.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Midnightstar on April 18, 2016, 09:48:36 AM
I would assume a lot of people work while trying to transition
i actually may start trying to find a part time job soon while getting my g.e.d
and if that happens i may also be going on T so with that all said yea its scary thinking about it
but i think i'll be okay i bet everything will work out if you wish to do that :)
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Jestwacked on April 18, 2016, 10:17:51 AM
Quote from: AnonyMs on April 18, 2016, 09:42:53 AM
Very few people have the option of not working while transitioning.

No need for the snarky response, the question was getting at is there any reason transitioning would prevent someone from working, I have every intention to work.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: AnonyMs on April 18, 2016, 10:22:08 AM
I don't mean it to be snarky. Just that few people can do it, so most are working, and it must be ok.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Lynne on April 18, 2016, 11:45:44 AM
It certainly seems easier to transition while not working if you have the means to support yourself.
You can transition at your own pace, you don't have to worry about what your co-workers or bosses think while you are changing. You don't have to hide your changing body and you can better deal with the emotional roller coaster that comes with transitioning. You can also avoid a lot of the possible discrimination as a lot less people will know about your situation. Of course transitioning at work can be a wonderful experience as well but I like to be on the safe side.

For example my girlfriend did her social transition before her first real job so she didn't really have any gaps in her CV and because she could change all her school papers as well nobody can see anything out of ordinary.

My situation is different. I have almost 15 years of professional experience and if I don't include that in a CV they won't take me seriously and if I include it they can do a background check and they will either think I lied or they find out that I'm transgender. I don't have a choice now because we don't have enough money to live if I don't work so I'll have to find a way to go full-time at work(and keep my job) or save enough money to transition without work(that would take a few years more).
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Rachel on April 18, 2016, 01:22:41 PM
There is no reason to not work and transition provided the place you are working is LGBT friendly.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Jacqueline on April 18, 2016, 02:25:56 PM
Unless there is something specific medically to you, there is nothing that should stop you from working.

There are sometimes emotional shifts that come faster than they used to...

When you start experiencing secondary sexual characteristics shifts you may have to decide and shift your wardrobe...

Last but not least. You may have to schedule breaks to the wash room more often.

Some people have an increase in fatigue.

When I  consider the physical shape of some people with diseases or late in pregnancies that push on through a normal work week... I got nothing to complain about.

With warmth,

Joanna
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Emileeeee on April 18, 2016, 03:28:46 PM
Working while transitioning is a great way to build confidence. You'll also have a provable work history should you decide to switch jobs later. If you quit to transition, you may find that recent high school graduates outrank you on the experience pole.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: karenpayneoregon on April 22, 2016, 07:35:10 AM
Hello,

Speaking from experience, there are no outward indicators to others that you are on a hormone regiment and for you the changes to emotions they will surface over time, body features differ from person to person and are gradual so that others will not notice for the majority of people you interact with regularly. With that said there is no viable reason not to work which sounds like this is your plan and are simply looking for reasons that might inhibit you in one way or another.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Jestwacked on April 22, 2016, 08:38:42 AM
Quote from: karenpayneoregon on April 22, 2016, 07:35:10 AM
Hello,

Speaking from experience, there are no outward indicators to others that you are on a hormone regiment and for you the changes to emotions they will surface over time, body features differ from person to person and are gradual so that others will not notice for the majority of people you interact with regularly. With that said there is no viable reason not to work which sounds like this is your plan and are simply looking for reasons that might inhibit you in one way or another.

You are saying that I don't want to work and I am looking for reasons not too? Because if that is what you are saying that was never implied and is FAR from the truth.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: karenpayneoregon on April 22, 2016, 09:29:22 AM
@Jestwacked, I believe you have interpreted my reply incorrectly, it's the reverse, I see that you plan to work when I replied.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Stevie on April 22, 2016, 12:27:43 PM
 I transitioned openly at work slowly over time, I figured my co-workers could get acclimated as I changed.  Worked for the most part only a few people were surprised when I made it official.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Cindy on April 22, 2016, 04:38:44 PM
Quote from: Jestwacked on April 22, 2016, 08:38:42 AM
Quote from: karenpayneoregon on April 22, 2016, 07:35:10 AM
Hello,

Speaking from experience, there are no outward indicators to others that you are on a hormone regiment and for you the changes to emotions they will surface over time, body features differ from person to person and are gradual so that others will not notice for the majority of people you interact with regularly. With that said there is no viable reason not to work which sounds like this is your plan and are simply looking for reasons that might inhibit you in one way or another.

You are saying that I don't want to work and I am looking for reasons not too? Because if that is what you are saying that was never implied and is FAR from the truth.


It is time that you wound back on belligerent responses.

I suggest you take a deep breathe and think of what people are saying before you respond in this manner.

Cindy
Forum Admin
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Debra on April 22, 2016, 07:50:33 PM
Quote from: AnonyMs on April 18, 2016, 09:42:53 AM
Very few people have the option of not working while transitioning.

^ This. Just good to have a company that supports you.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: Rebecca on April 26, 2016, 04:44:13 PM
Only 3 months in on hormones but if anything I have become a better worker than before.

Getting on with other people easier too.

If your experience is similar you will have nothing to worry about with work.
Title: Re: Working while transitioning
Post by: RAY on April 27, 2016, 03:11:17 PM
Working while transitioning is not a bad idea. It takes courage and confidence to do it. Have no fear to do this. Look at your work environment do they support LGBT?. Go for it! ;)