Sometime we need to face our fears, and overcome them. This is my story about conquering my insecurities.
After I sold my business a year and a half ago to raise funds for transition, I found myself needing to get back into the working world. I had been doing insurance sales for over 15 years, however I was managing to do this in the wrong gender. I never quite felt that I had reached my peak, since GID was heavily weighing on me for at least the last 5 years. By the end, I could barely face my customers.
Now with a new lease on life, I started looking into many career possibilities. None of these, initially were in sales. I didn't have the money for more college, so I sent out resumes in the field of my college studies. Many resumes later, still no interest.
I decided that I would put my resume out there, this time as a career salesperson. No mention, of course, of my previous gender. I would be selling "John Q. Public" again, but this time as the real me~Julie.
Not unexpectedly, I got many inquiries and some calls from other insurance companies. I summoned my courage, with my partner Julie Marie's help, and started the interviewing process. I went on about 8 or 10 interviews with different companies. I seemed to be doing well, and maybe only got one or two puzzled looks.
I had to face blatant prejudice in one case, where they found out about my male background. The general manager was eagerly courting me into sales management until he found that 20 years earlier I had worked at his company "as a guy". A week later, he sent me an email stating I was not a "good fit"-too much experience!
Fortunately, I found one firm that had an excellent reputation to approach. I had actually gotten a call from a sales manager there, early on in my transition, but never called back. I was not ready at that time, to face my demons. However, now I was. I contacted them again, and scheduled an interview. I knew when I got off the elevator that this was one well run organization. The place just seemed to "feel right".
I was well received by this sales manager, and was invited back to a series of interviews. During the background investigation (since we sell securities and handle people's money), they turned up my old identity. I knew this might come up, and handled it as best I could. The sales manager seemed to handle this revelation with grace. I had already met the owner of this firm once, and he was not aware of my "past". I would be meeting him once more, the following week, with him now knowing the "full deal". This owner, BTW, is a conservative businessman who is revered in our industry.
He was nothing but gracious and professional. After 15 minutes, he turned to the sales manager and said, "let's finish the paperwork and get this going, Bill. Julie, we are very excited to have you join our firm"!
At this point it looks like I will be joining this firm in 2 weeks, once all the contracts are completed. This insurance firm was rated as one of the 101 best places to work in our city, as voted by the employees and an outside consulting company. They represent probably the largest insurance company in the States, which also happens to be GLBT friendly. Not bad! I think my gut instincts about this place held up to be true.
Now it's my turn to shine, helping others protect their families and loved ones. This time, however, it will be as a woman. I want to reward my employer for their professionalism and dignity, one not afraid to hire a woman with a trans past. I will be striving to do my best everyday, making them and myself feel proud of their decision to hire me.
Has anyone else out there gone my same route, that of a professional salesperson? Did you continue with your same company post-op, or interview at a new firm?
