I am floating the idea of moving out the pacific Northwest, preferably Portland or Seattle area. I am sick of living in this hell with my parents and in an environment where decent employment is difficult to find, and people are not all that accepting and seem highly judgmental about even small differences or imperfections (people are very conservative, not just in the political or religious sense, but also in the sense of unwilling to take risks, give second chances, or try anything new). I have no idea how to get a halfway decent job because I have a spotty work history and I am kind of socially awkward, and have long-ish, impossible to manage hair, so I don't do well in interviews and people are unwilling to take a chance on me) but will do almost anything to pay bills and transition without turning tricks. I don't know either area, and where to live or how to find an affordable living situation. I do know if this will work out for me, but my current living is unacceptable when I cannot go out in my own town as myself, or be myself around my parents, or cannot seem to find employment.

sometimes you just have to do it. There are all sorts of minimal jobs to get started with. I moved to New Mexico from Chicago and did dishwashing, bus boy(girl), adobe brick making, truck stop gas attendant, propane filler. rock breaker for rock specimens and City of Santa Fe road Maintenance crew.

I've looked into doing something like this myself, and I've come across a few tips that seem helpful:

1. Plan ahead. Save money, know your credit, scout the area digitally, network with people in the area. Look for LGBT resources before heading out.

2. Prepare to live cheap. Hostels are a good option, as is subletting. Minimalism will be a survival skill.

3. Job hunt, but don't drive yourself insane. Be willing to swallow your pride and take on menial work as a stopgap, but don't settle.

4. Have an exit strategy if things go wrong. Not necessarily going back home, but keep some options open.

Making a fresh start can be helpful. I moved several states away from my home state. At first it was just for school, but I stayed because no one knew my history. The job market is pretty minimal at this point, especially if you haven't gotten a degree.

If you do move, see if there is a transgender group nearby. You may be able to lease an apartment with another transgender. for that matter, another cis woman. See what the job market is in the areas you are considering moving to first. Without the constant criticism and worrying about others knowing you are transgender, you will feel better. One step at a time.
There are site online that offer grants to transgenders to help them get the surgeries they need.

sam1234

Rachael, you have to do what you have to do sometimes. It's true when I moved, my job came with me and that I didn't have to change states to get a fresh start, but sometimes you have to take that chance. I would do your homework before going to either. Both markets are different from each other. Seattle has trans support groups in several different places. I'm sure Portland much have some as well, but I would check things out. Job Market in Seattle is competitive, but considering the population base that shouldn't be a surprise. Several past and present members of Susan's are from both markets. They should be able to help you more. I just travel to and from Seattle do to transition needs that can't be met where I live. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah

The economy is sluggish and has been for a long time so jobs may be hard to find where ever you go. With that said, there more job possibilities in a large city than a smaller town depending on your skill set. One thing that helps me was having relatives in my destination city that I could stay with. I attempted to earn my keep by helping them with any task I could around the house while their sons were out doing who knows what. Many jobs can be found online so you should go to one of the job web sites and search the area you are interested in for jobs you can do. Should you find one, you can indicate when you might be in the area for an interview and when you can start the job.

Good luck in your search.

Pacific Northwest is a nice place. Seattle is expensive (Portland too). Olympia, WA is an "open" area and cheaper cost of living. Stick with the larger cities if you're looking for work. Vancouver, Spokane, Portland, Seattle, and Olympia are best bets. If you move to Washington, stay away from Tacoma if possible... it's the ghetto. Not a good place for ANYONE to live. Same with Longview... it's meth capital of the Pacific Northwest.