Ever since surgery, which is still fresh, I finally feel I am ready to start my life at the age of 36. Before, I simply had no life, the gender dysphoria controlled my daily life to point I could barely function. Until my 32th birthday, my life was a living hell, until I sorted myself out and started my transition. I did bad at school, almost got no schooling nor certification at all, because I was an underachiever. I wanted to be dead every single day, was depressed for at least 20 years, so I simply had no future, I thought.

Being trans has ruined my life until now. The transition was the best thing I did. Now I finally see the sunshine, and I start to think what I should become... and what I should do with my life. I always wanted to be a surgeon. But I guess that dream is complicated to realize at my age. It takes at least 12 years of study. I can go study medicine, that takes 6 years or so. But it also involves money. Money that I need in my transition.

I missed the boat in so many things in life... only because I was afraid to be myself and to transition. It really hurts... it feels like that no matter what I do, I can never seem to get on track, just to be "normal" and have a normal chance in life. 36 seems young, but it is an age where I seem to be trapped: young enough to make career changes, too old to make bold career moves such as becoming a surgeon. It seems better to be young, or just old. Being in between makes me feel so indecisive and stuck.

Did you change jobs? or went to school while or after hrt/surgery?

What do you want to become?

In 12 years you will be 48. At today's lifespans you have about 40 more years ahead of you (from 48 to 88). Lots of people, particularly doctors, work into their early 70s. So if you want to be a surgeon why not do it? Dr. O, famous FFS surgeon, retired in his 70s.

I know a transwomen in her very late 20s and she's finishing her pre-med now. By the time she's done, she'll be 31, I think? Then 12 years and she'll be 43? Yet she's going for her dreams.

Just me, but I'd say go for your dreams.

Good luck, no matter what you choose to do.

I think Liz is right there is no dream you can't achieve.
          Like u i also lived like in hell but when things clear for me i complete my education,get some job i always want to do,start helping other facing things like i did and got more and more dreams about my future to fulfil.Why i let any thing or my past to stop me for my future dreams? 

Plenty of people have mid life career changes, no reason you can't start now if you know what you really want to do. And speaking of late retiring doctors, the Endo that I had during my first attempt at transition was in his seventies then and apparently worked (admittedly at reduced hours) until he was in his early 90s!

Have you considered practicing law?  My wife didn't become an attorney until she was in her 30s.  That's only 3 years of school, and is a potentially lucrative career.  I have lots of friends who are lawyers, and many of them do awesome things for LGBT rights.  Anyway, your "bang for buck" is likely much better than practicing medicine.  I even know someone who got an MD, and realized later that medicine didn't pay the bills (malpractice insurance and loans), so they became an attorney and made much more money. 

Not sure if this 'young whippersnapper' can comment. But in the end if you want to do/try medicine. Do so...

Regret is an awful thing to feel dear.
As with transition, earlier would've been always better but does that mean you regret that choice now? Same can happen with the career change .

You can always try, and see how things work out.
Which reminds me off my fav saying.

"Aim for the moon, you may miss but you'll still land between the stars"

Hope I helped.

-Luna

You could always study to be a surgical nurse and from there continue your education if its not satisfying. Nursing is a Bachelor Degree and you generally choose your field.