I sit here wondering what will happen with my job. I worked for a major educational institution and they do have a transgender policy for students. But other than a traditional nondiscrimination clause, there is no published policy in regards to staff. I am sure the nondiscrimination policy will protect my job. But I worry very much about what it will mean in my work environment. But my therapist tells me that it won't be much different, or disruptive, then than it is when a new employee starts. But I agree that a group of 20 people knowing that I am trans will be hard on me as well as them. One thing going for me though, is that mother nature has rendered me pretty much bald (I shave off the rest) so I think hormone therapy will be doable with me working in my male mode for some time. But eventually I will have to come out there, or take the easy way out and seek employment elsewhere. I hope this doesn't have to happen, because I do like my job. but the bald head is sort of a double-edged sword since it will be one more very dramatic change in the way I appear when I do come out.
So you are definitely not alone in having doubts pop in your mind. But just like in my case many of those doubts are about things that are unknown. I would definitely look into how long it would take to legally get your name changed, and perhaps weigh your decision on that, since that will be something that is reasonably known to you and can help in setting your goals and timing.
