Tomorrow I start my new job.  Honestly, I'm super excited to start working and save up money, but I'm also terrified.  Now, I know I am capable of doing a good job and being a hard worker.  The problem is I'm scared they won't like me.  I've always been this way.  I care deeply about how other's perceive me.  And the fact is, I'm a bit scared about how they will react to me since I'm transitioning.    My friend used to work there (he got me the job) and has said that they are easy going people, but I worry.  Right now, my main boss knows I'm trans.   She is okay with it, according to my friend, but I don't know if she told anyone else or how they will react.  I'm unsure about what I'm walking into and who knows what.  My friend says some people are lgbt friendly, so that's a plus, but you never know.  Perhaps I should calm down.  I'm going to be as affable as I can be and work as hard as possible.  I just hope my lifestyle won't be an issue because it's hard for me to hide everything appearance wise.   Even though I'm still early into my transition, I'm getting there and people are noticing.  I know they were fine with my friend who was a straight but very feminine guy with long hair, so that's a good thing.  Maybe I'm getting nervous over nothing.  I guess I just want it to go well and I'm scared.  Eh, I hate first days and the nerves that come before.  Just wanted to rant and try to get rid of some of my nerves. 

Since your boss knows, and you're harassed by coworkers, immediately go to her. She'll have the authority to decide what needs to be done.

Baby, I have felt similar to this on every job I ever started. It is natural to be walking into the unknown, but how many times have you walked into a new situation and found it to be OK? Just breathe baby. It is going to be OK. People are not there to watch and judge you, they are there to work and make a living just like you. I will be thinking about you tomorrow, I hope that helps. When you step into the building I will be giving you a BIG HUG! I think I speak for all of our family members when I say we are with you. We may be a bit dysfunctional, but we are united together in supporting each other. Feel that support when you go in.

Like you are always telling others here,  keep a positive attitude and carry yourself with pride. Know that you are being yourself and blow off any negative criticism that may come your direction.  Its natural to be scared or nervous going into a new place of work.  Just keep that chin up and stay true to yourself

What you are feeling is normal. I've felt that way everywhere I've gone to a new job or even a new position at my current place of work. You meet new people and become friends or not and that's the same for everyone in life. Good luck at your new job!

Thanks everyone.  I'm probably panicking  too much.

Quote from: Willow on October 13, 2013, 03:03:21 PM
Since your boss knows, and you're harassed by coworkers, immediately go to her. She'll have the authority to decide what needs to be done.

I'm not really worried about harassment.  I doubt it will come to that since they know one of my best friends really well and worked with him for years.  It would be too awkward.  I guess I'm worried about how some of the doctors will react because they tend to have conservative leanings.  That in itself isn't an issue at all, but I have one strike against me because some of them hate my previous political employer.  So, I don't want to give them a bucket list of reasons to dislike me from the get go.  However, I'm probably over thinking things.  I'll just work really hard and do my best.  There will probably be no issues. 

I have started many, many new jobs over the years and I never got over that nervous feeling; it's normal and goes with the territory.

You will be the new person on the job and people will be naturally curious about you so you'll get extra attention tomorrow. Just smile and be friendly, and be the person that we all know you are from here and I'm sure that people will like you and you will fit right in 

LTL,

It's normal to feel anxiety about starting a new job, especially being trans. Something I've noticed throughout my transition, and time here, is that we (trans people) tend to over think and worry too much about being trans that we always think the worst is going to happen. From a lot of our experiences, we were worried for nothing.

Try to breathe and stop focusing on how you're trans and starting a new job. Just focus on how you're starting a new job and I bet it will make tomorrow go easier for you.

Good luck tomorrow, I hope all goes well.

*HUGS*

Amy

Since your boss says she's cool with it, chances are your company has an anti-discrimination policy in place. I wouldn't worry about it. Most companies don't want inner conflict over something silly like gender identity. If people have an issue with it but management doesn't, then they're at the disadvantage, not you. BTW, from what I've noticed, the companies that allow for harassment to go on are the companies that are poorly ran and will not stay in business long anyways.

Quote from: Alainaluvsu on October 13, 2013, 08:31:42 PM
Since your boss says she's cool with it, chances are your company has an anti-discrimination policy in place. I wouldn't worry about it. Most companies don't want inner conflict over something silly like gender identity. If people have an issue with it but management doesn't, then they're at the disadvantage, not you. BTW, from what I've noticed, the companies that allow for harassment to go on are the companies that are poorly ran and will not stay in business long anyways.

Well, it's a medical office, so things are a bit different.  Still, I would be shocked if anyone was bad.  From what my friend has told me, I expect everyone to be very nice and fun to work with.  He says they are like a smal family.   I just tend to build up negative scenarios when I get scared.

Quote from: Amelia Pond on October 13, 2013, 06:17:06 PM
LTL,

It's normal to feel anxiety about starting a new job, especially being trans. Something I've noticed throughout my transition, and time here, is that we (trans people) tend to over think and worry too much about being trans that we always think the worst is going to happen. From a lot of our experiences, we were worried for nothing.

Try to breathe and stop focusing on how you're trans and starting a new job. Just focus on how you're starting a new job and I bet it will make tomorrow go easier for you.

Good luck tomorrow, I hope all goes well.

*HUGS*

Amy

You're right. Still, there is no hiding it, especially since one person definitely knows.  So it's natural to freak a little.  Though, I shouldn't worry.  Everything will be fine and I'll just have to focus on the tasks at hand.

Quote from: Eva Marie on October 13, 2013, 03:37:48 PM
I have started many, many new jobs over the years and I never got over that nervous feeling; it's normal and goes with the territory.

You will be the new person on the job and people will be naturally curious about you so you'll get extra attention tomorrow. Just smile and be friendly, and be the person that we all know you are from here and I'm sure that people will like you and you will fit right in 

Thank you, I really do appreciate the positive sentiments!

Okay, must calm down.  I have a half an hour before I blow dry and then straighten my hair.

Okay, hair is done and I'm loving the way it looks!   I just hope they expect their new "male" employee to come in with long straight girly hair, lol.  I'm just going to be myself and not hide anything intentionally.  Hopefully, that will be an okay strategy!  I'll report later, must leave soon and need to take my mind off of it.

Nail it Sis

And you can change the number plate to LtL any day.

Hugs

Cindy

I'm with you baby girl! Go get 'em!  A big Jessica HUG!

Good luck on your first day LTL big hugs

Much luck in your days efforts. Do not stress the little things, keep you head in the work game and you will be fine.

Isabell

Hopefully I am not far behind you in the job situation, LTL.  As your main supervisor knows then you should have no problems.

Well, things went pretty good!  I'm still learning, as it is my first job in medical, but I really like it. While it's hectic, I think I can get used to it (better than politics, lol). All of the people are friendly and down to earth, so I think everything will be okay.  Plus, I detect that they may know.  I just learned that my friend's mom works there and she must also be aware of my transition.  With 2 people in the office knowing, it's kind of hard to keep it hidden.  In any case, the people are nice and very professional.  It seems like an awesome environment with much to get done.  Since I love being productive, that will suit me well! My only regret so far is my worrying and for being so shy.  There is no reason to worry, so I don't know why I'm so nervous and shy about letting myself out of my shell.  It's not like there is anything wrong with me for being trans and no one is acting weird about it.  Maybe, I need to get over my personal fears and finally let myself out of my shell.  Besides, I'm still presenting in "male mode", so I can ease into the situation without fully coming out or making a scene.  I don't know, I'm rambling.  My point is it was a good first day, and I think my fears about people not liking me or others having a problem with my situation are more in my head.   Just need to move past that stuff and believe in myself.  After all, I am a good person even if I am weird, lol.

Quote from: Ms. OBrien CVT on October 14, 2013, 03:44:52 PM
Hopefully I am not far behind you in the job situation, LTL.  As your main supervisor knows then you should have no problems.

Ms.OBrien,

Keep your head up.  Things can come around when we least expect it.  I have faith that you will find something.   Sometimes you have to look at every angle or search in areas you never thought about.  And sometimes luck will find you when the former options failed.