A warm hello to everyone here.  I'm so glad I found this community, what a great resource!  I am 43 and just recently started hormone treatment and counseling for three months now.  I will be moving from Arkansas, a terrible place to be transitioning IMO, to Portland in the next month.  I have a background in shipping and aviation and want to go back to school to work on a Master's or Phd program.  I would be interested in hearing the opinions of others here on a good career to choose.  I would like to earn a good living, but also want to feel accepted before, during and after my transition.  Also, I would like to know if anyone knows of an insurance company that will pay for SRS?  I would do almost anything to work for a company that would pay for SRS.  Also, I would like to hear from those who have had laser hair removal and if so how effective it was compared to electrolysis.  I have enjoyed reading all the comments on this forum and have learned a great deal already and I hope to make many friends here.  Thanks again for any suggestions.
Susan

Hi Susan,
First, welcome! I'm new here to, great community  As for career, I can't help you there. I'm not even sure what it is I really want to do yet. Portland should be a lot more welcoming than Arkansas though I'm sure. On the laser hair removal, I'm having some done in two weeks, I'll let you know how it goes. I know that it's best for people with dark hair and lighter features. There are some good links in the forums on hair removal. Look around the site, there's so much here! Again, welcome, Meghan

Greetigns- Sorry I can't help you with any of your questions (FTM) but just wanted to say Hi and Welcome. Portland is great, moved here a little over a year ago (I think)  and love it!
Very welcoming community with a lot going on.
I spent several hours searching the archives when I first came on and found answers to a lot of my qurestions. The ones I couldn't or wanted more recent feedback on people have been great about answering.
ANyway Welcome
Myles

I'm with Myles in that I can't really answer your questions but I thought I'd pop my head round the door anyway...
Hope you enjoy your stay

Welcome Susan,

I agree, Susan's is a great resource. Regarding insurance covering srs, rare, but I heard Aetna has covered this only if there is a rider covering it for your particular group or company. Someone in my therapy group has Aetna and is checking their coverage.

Nice to meet you and good luck on the move.

Hugs,

Rhonda

Hey Susan, I'm glad you introduced yourself. I'm new on the journey, and I can tell you that this is the best place to get honest answers and help. Look forward to hearing more from you.
-Barb

Hi Susan, Greetings and salutations,  Hair removal  Let me think Chainsaw??   LOL
Welcome 
Donna

Susan,

Glad you found us and are beginning to shar your story.  I look forward to hearing more from you.

Again, welcome!

Kristi

Hello Susan,
Glad to meet you.
Those are good question but I don't have any answers for you.
I'm sure there are other here that do.
I'm glad you found the site.
If your look for friends and or information about gender issues this is the place.
Please read the site rules if you haven't already at:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html
Then check out the Wiki, with ton of info on the gender topics. Oh and check out our chat and links section too. Have a great read.
Welcome to Susan's.
Jillieann

Welcome to the neighborhood. Career? Whatever makes you happy and give you a sense of accomplishment. Employers who pay for GRS? Check out www.hrc.org That is the Human Rights Campaign. They may have some information on that sort of stuff.

Hello Susan and welcome to...Susan's...lol. You'll definately love it here and be able to get great advice and information. As far as your questions, your career should be something that makes you happy. I'm in a career that I love that happens to be extremely financially rewarding, but the one thing I tell people when they ask about my career is that I love what I do. Even on a bad day, it's better than the best day at a company or career I'm not happy with.

As for laser hair removal, I've had 1 session and have not had hair grow back in the last 5 weeks in about 80% of my face and neck. I have 5 more sessions, as well as a 2 year gaurantee with free removal of any hair that grows back, and am confident that it will be plenty to remove all my hair. It's cheaper, easier, and more convenient, but is not for everyone. If you have dark hair and light skin then you are perfect for it and I say do it before even considering electrolysis, trust me I've done both. If you have light or red hair and/or dark skin then it may or may not be beneficial for you. You'll have to weigh the options and see if laser is something that would work for you.

I personally haven't heard of anyone getting insurance or their company to pay for SRS, FFS, or any other procedures (except therapy), but from the other responses it may well be possible. A little more research may turn up some useful resources for finding an insurance company that will pay for it.

Sarah

Welcome, Susan!

I'm happy to make your acquaintance!

From what I've seen, for some reason, careers involving computers are common among trans people.  I think it's important to specialize in something that can't or won't be exported to China, though.

I've heard that Portland is a very accepting place for many.  My two sons live there now and I hope I'll be able to visit them before long.

I hope we'll be seiing more posts from you and that we'll have a chance to get to know each other a little better real soon.

hugs & smiles
helen

Quote from: HelenW on May 27, 2007, 10:56:11 AM
Welcome, Susan!

I'm happy to make your acquaintance!

From what I've seen, for some reason, careers involving computers are common among trans people.  I think it's important to specialize in something that can't or won't be exported to China, though.

I've heard that Portland is a very accepting place for many.  My two sons live there now and I hope I'll be able to visit them before long.

I hope we'll be seiing more posts from you and that we'll have a chance to get to know each other a little better real soon.

hugs & smiles
helen

   I agree with Helen about computer centered careers. A lot of us are in them and the people who are seem to have less resistance when transitioning. I can't guarantee you that, of course.

   I work in computers. I'm not transitioning, but I have a ridiculous amount of freedom. I think it's because the normals fear computer people more than they fear transpeople.   I'm not transitioning, but I am out about who I am, so who can say?

   Good to meet you. You sound like you have a plan and I wish you the best.


Love,
Rebecca

Welcome to Susan's Susan.   
I couldn't think of a better place where you could find honest and useful answers to your queries.  Enjoy the journey.

HLLL&R

Maebh