Well, look at it this way. You will need to work whether you are trans or not. Transgender people depend on a source of income like everyone else. I don know, however, what you mean about going into your shell. Sometimes interacting with others, especially people from your past, makes it harder for you to move forward. It's like you are afraid to come out of the closet to everyone. I'm the same way. I think the only solution to this is taking small steps as you feel comfortable. If you have a therapist, brings this up. Let them know you are afraid of letting yourself out and feel concerned about confronting people from your past. It seems the only way to get over it is to take small steps and build some inner strength. Nonetheless, I know exactly how you feel.