Just FYI, I'm taking a leave of absence..

[Karen564]

And I promise keep this short for once.......LOL

Well girls, I'm taking a sanity break from the site..

But will still be on my facebook & yahoo when time permits me to do so..
I do want you to know that it wasn't an an easy decision to make, and there will be some people here that I will miss very much..:sad:

So all this may be very good news for some and maybe not so good for others, but Winter break will be over for me in 3 days before I start classes again which are extremely demanding of my time, and just so my friends know, I had passed my 1st class (Pathophysiology) with an A- , and I want to continue getting high grades if not higher, which I feel is imperative for me to have a successful new career in the medical field..
I'm sure everyone here will get the advise they need regardless of my absence & I will come back here at some point, but honestly just don't know when that will be, so who knows.

Just letting you know, I'm healthy & very content living my life as a woman 24/7 and love the demands put on my brain matter in college too.

I wish everyone here much success on achieving their goals and fulfillment of their dreams in 2010.. & beyond...

Take care & be well
Love,
Karen

:love:

[pamela_a]

I had passed my 1st class (Pathophysiology) with an A-

Congratulations Karen, that's not an easy class.

We'll miss you but school is far more important. Keep up the great job.

[Teri Jean]

Karen, since I have worked in higher ed for 26 plus years and in that time I've seen some amazing students. You strike me as one of those individuals who are and will be in the top row of students who faculty remembers over all those they instruct. Yes we will miss you and your thoughtfulness. From me girl, all I ask is that you do nothing short of the best that you can. Hug and best wishes. Your sister Teri

[Miranda09]

Good luck Karen. Stay focused on your education and you'll succeed. Drop back whenever you get the opportunity and just say hi so we know everything is OK with you. :)

[Starling]

Good luck, Karen. I'll miss your posts.

:) Lallie

[SuzanneBender]

Karen get cracking on those books and continue to show the world that you are not only beautiful and witty but also the smartest gal in the class.

You posts will be missed. I will friend you on facebook and hopefully we can stay in touch.

Hugs

Suzanne

[kristyk]

Karen you sound like a smart cookie and you have given me good advice in the past I'll miss seeing you on the site, keeping bringing us your good grades from time to time

good luck Karen

KristyK

[Andy66]

I'm happy for you and wish you the best.

[CharleneT]

Take care and good luck in all your classes !

Charlene

[Karan49]

Karen, I'm new here, and I wanted to thank you for your contributions. I find your posts thoughtful, informative and especially useful. I wish you the best in your studies. Karan49

[helenr]

good luck Karen! reminds me of the Dear Abby reply years ago-when an older individual expressed interest in becoming an MD but was concerned about the time required,etc. Her reply was-to wit- well, how old will you be in 4,6 years if you don't make the effort? Time goes fast, you will earn your degree with merit. best,helenr

[sherri52]

We'll miss you Karen. Hope your not gone too long.:hugs:

[Karen564]

Hi everyone, I want to thank all of you for your well wishes....that was very sweet..:hugs:

Guess the 1st thing I should say is, I'm back!!!! & here for a while...actualy I have been back here for a week now, but thought I give an update & say Hi right here on my old thread..

I finally just found out (last night) what my grade was for the class I mentioned & reason for my leave of absence here, which btw was Medical Billing & Claims. And that class has now been over since the end of January.. I don't know why it took so long to grade me....acually I do have an idea why, but that's another story...lol

So anyway, it was an A- , so I'm good with that:), that now makes two A- grades so far...

Not so sure I'll be getting that in the current class I'm doing now (Medisoft), which many are taking it over for a 2nd time now because they failed the 1st time around....It is extremely hard...and my computer in the class is messed up...and causing me lots of grief & stress..because half my grade for that class depends on it....we are now over half way done with that class, and I will be glad to put it behind me...and just hope I can pass on the 1st try..
After it's done, the others should go well, except for a few more tough ones..I heard Pharmacology is supposed to a tough one as well, so we'll see..

Well, that's the update for now..

:hugs:

[Faith_G]

Welcome back and keep up the good work. :happy:

[GypsyKaren]

It's always a pleasure to see you, Karen, keep up the good grades!

"Other" Karen

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Karen I read your posts..

It's exciting and affirming to read about how you are moving forward!
Kate

[Melissa A.]

Hope I'm not too late...I'll miss your presence here Karen, I really will. I'm happy and excited for you and your future. All the best to ya as you work towards it.

Hugs,

Melissa:)

[Karen564]

Thanks Faith & Karen, and I am trying my darnedest at keeping mo grades up to par...
If you asked my instructors, they would tell you I'm a huge pain in the azz because I make them correct their answer sheets.....LOL

To be honest Kaitlyn, I didn't really think anyone reads my post, but nice to know some do...

I think the best choice I ever made so far was going to school in order to learn a new profession and believe it has given me a much better outlook & sense of direction on where I need to be & do in order to move on with my life in a more productive manner.
I had hit a bottom point last year with no light at the end of the tunnel and saw my transitioning coming to an abrupt halt if I couldn't figure out a way to get out of my old way of earning a living, work came to a halt, no money coming in, etc. , then at my lowest of lows, down to my last few bucks & surviving on only lettuce..
My therapist turned out to be absolutely no help what so ever when I needed her the most, and saw her advise not helpful at all, in fact was more back words, and knew there was no Fn way I was going to go backwards..(that's another story in itself)
I then said enough is enough!!! and decided to take charge of my life again with a new sense of determination, rather than have my life in charge of me or my therapist for that matter!!
So I crawled out of the pits of hell again & started to fight back for my life..

Then started looking for schools, training, work, any work at all no matter how menial, then after some money came in was also planning on getting into a class to be a CNA (only a 30 hr course) ...but then I got a phone call from a college admissions Representative named Sara, and made an appointment to see her the next day...we discussed many options & then she had me convinced to take the Professional Medical Course (2000 hr course) instead..
The rest is history....or will be once I get all my certifications.

Sara was like an Angel sent from heaven to help me find my way out of the darkness & back into the light..
So school /career are my top priority now, along with my children as always, and getting any improvement surgeries later as long as it doesn't affect my 1st priority, so basically, I swapped my priorities around...but sooner or later all the pieces should fall into place..

I've really been feeling so good ever since for once in my life, I now feel so much more normal living my life as a woman in every sense even with being pre-op than I ever did trying to live as a man or part-time woman..words just can't describe it !

Once again, A big Thanks to many here for showing their support..:love:

[Karen564]

Hope I'm not too late...I'll miss your presence here Karen, I really will. I'm happy and excited for you and your future. All the best to ya as you work towards it.

Hugs,

Melissa:)

No Melissa, your not too late really, because I'm back now after a Month+ of hiatus, this is an old thread, but may still need to disappear every now & then depending on school work..
But thank you very much all the same..

:hugs:

[Kaitlyn Michele]

I think the best choice I ever made so far was going to school in order to learn a new profession and believe it has given me a much better outlook & sense of direction on where I need to be & do in order to move on with my life in a more productive manner.



I am interested in knowing more about this part of it...it seems impossible to get a new education, but when I think about how much I've changed my life, isnt it better to think anything is possible???

My career was very successful, but I'm guessing its over...so far i just don't see how to get back into my finance world...i'm tolerated quite affectionately, but getting hired is different...so i'm looking into consulting but thats a crap shoot at best, and that's what every financial person does when they are out of work..

so then i thought about psychology/therapy...i love this field, not just because I'm T but I like to analyze and discuss people problems...but to make any money i would have to invest time and $$ into a serious degree that would tak emany years...i'm told i can work during this time to help pay for school..

so i'm interested in any story about going back to school at an older age..

btw the other benefit seems to me to be the concept of going to a place where i am only known as Kaitlyn...i just don't have that right now, everybody knew me as a guy....so thats a huge benefit as well

Thanks again for your message Karen:hugs:

[Melissa A.]

No Melissa, your not too late really, because I'm back now after a Month+ of hiatus, this is an old thread, but may still need to disappear every now & then depending on school work..
But thank you very much all the same..

:hugs:

Okay, Rather embarrassed, now. Read the dates on posts, Mel. :doh: Yw, Karen, and good luck, again.

Hugs,

Melissa:)

[boardpuppy]

I hit and miss reading threads because of the Grands not knowing I'm Trans. In fact I'm more Trans than crossdress, which is what I though at first. I do love to read your threads and comments in others even if I have no idea how to word or what to post as a reply.

Hugs,
Alice

[Tomara]

Hi Karen
I just wanted to say congratulations on your grades and on taking charge of your life , you should be very proud of yourself for your accomplishments. I hope you continue to do well in school and find a rewarding career when you graduate.
Sincerely
Tomara

[Starling]

Kaitlyn and Karen, I'm really impressed at how you've organized your lives to facilitate your life change. I feel I've backed myself into a corner with work and marriage, and at my age I may lack the fire it would take to burn my bridges. I'm doing what I can to honor the woman within me, though, and to bring her out in my life and relationships.

It gives me strength, in my inner journey, to follow your progress along the transition road to integration. In fact, I draw a great deal of inspiration and knowledge from all the women here. I'm grateful for your sisterhood.

:daydreaming: Lallie

[Karen564]

I am interested in knowing more about this part of it...it seems impossible to get a new education, but when I think about how much I've changed my life, isnt it better to think anything is possible???

My career was very successful, but I'm guessing its over...so far i just don't see how to get back into my finance world...i'm tolerated quite affectionately, but getting hired is different...so i'm looking into consulting but thats a crap shoot at best, and that's what every financial person does when they are out of work..

so then i thought about psychology/therapy...i love this field, not just because I'm T but I like to analyze and discuss people problems...but to make any money i would have to invest time and $$ into a serious degree that would tak emany years...i'm told i can work during this time to help pay for school..

so i'm interested in any story about going back to school at an older age..

btw the other benefit seems to me to be the concept of going to a place where i am only known as Kaitlyn...i just don't have that right now, everybody knew me as a guy....so thats a huge benefit as well

Thanks again for your message Karen:hugs:

Hi Kaitlyn,
I think that's why were here, to let others know there are options in this life. I know that were both about the same age with very similar situations regarding family, divorced, 2 kids about the same ages and the path we are pursuing.

It's certainly not easy for either of us being middle aged because we do have long established past working careers, which can create many more problems for any of us while transitioning & out of work in our chosen field of work at the same time, just as you experienced 1st hand trying to get back into the working world, hey lets face it, many employers would rather not hire a transitioning individual when they have so many other choices to pick from.

Myself being 49 years young thinking about pursuing a completely different career was also another big obstacle in my life at this point, it reminded me of when I was in High School as I was whacking my brain trying to figure out what profession I wanted to pursue once I got out...It wasn't an easy choice back then, and wasn't an easy choice now at 49 either..but for myself, I knew I had to do it..I didn't see any other way around it..
If I had your career, I'd 1st try think to of something were I could apply your past working experience as a bonus on a resume for a similar field of work..
You being in Finance can apply that in many different industries, Banking, Insurance, Med & large Corporations, Manufacturing, Medical...etc....

But if you really wanted to pursue something totally different that you think you'll really love, like Therapy, then I say go for it....it's certainly not easy, but neither is transitioning and doing them both together is even more challenging, so we really are a tough bunch & must be to have gotten this far into our lives..it's a testament of our determination to survive in a harsh world.

I chose the Medical field because I love to help people, and the course I'm doing will give me many choices, it'll be totally up to me where I want to apply it, and my dream now is to take it even further and go back to school after I settle into a new job & get multi certified as a Radiologist down the road...I may even end up going to school for the rest of my life if I can afford it, because I love challenges & learning.

As far as when I inquired into this school, I brought up the question about my age & whether or not this was going to work (it was also a huge concern of mine, among many other things)...and she informed me that there are now many older students lately all pursuing new careers and asured me that would not be a problem...

In my class, it's a total mix of young & old....so I don't stick out as anything unusual..and were all females, which is even better!!!
The instructors like the older students better because were more mature & dedicated..
AND, just as you mentioned, the added benefit of it all, it really is wonderful going somewhere as my true self, the woman I was destined to be & should of been from the very start..

So in my usual long winded reponse....LOL

I say Yes!, Absolutely!! It is way better to think Anything is possible & Can Do anything!! I say never hold yourself back..

:hugs:

[Melissa A.]

Kaitlyn and Karen, I find both your stories are something to admire, same goes for all the women and men everywhere who either made the decision or were forced to change careers and transition, as well. It really is an amazing feat.

It's something I think about from time to time, especially durring this freezing cold time of year. I am attracted to psychology, and have been told I have a knack for listening and insight, but when I weigh the pros and cons, things point toward staying where I am. I'm a 50 year old freight railroader with a pretty good income, a pension, great health insurance, I don't think I can handle being poor again, and I really dont hate my job. But at the risk of sounding somewhat sexist, It just doesn't feel like it suits me as much anymore. It may be less becoming female, than just changing and growing in general, as I transition. I've seen what I'm capable of in my personal life, and perhaps that shows me that I'm capable of so much more. Coming out at work used to be a source of great anxiety for me. This place is macho world times 10. The only other woman is the lady who runs the place, and unfortunately, in my(and most other's)opinion, she's an insecure, incompetent, micro-managing, not-very-intelligent individual. But as far as my identity is concerned, now I really don't give a darn. I show up at, and leave work every day in women's jeans and a woman's top, my hair is, well, certainly not styled for a guy, and I dont try to hide my breasts in the least. I genuinely like most of the guys I work with, and most of them seem to be fine with me, even though I feel very much like an alien when the male talk starts in the crew room. And I know they are talking about me like a bunch of hens when I'm not there. I will be coming out soon, as I will have no choice when the name-change goes through. The company, in Jacksonvile, has known for quite a while.(I work for a rather gigantic company) Being in a union, in addition to the gender identification laws in NYC, means I can't ever be fired for being trans. I'm more concerned with, and always have been, with my relationships with the guys I have to work with, in what can be a very dangerous job.

Sorry I went off on my own stuff there, I just really wanted to say that I admire you both for the path you are following. I'm honored to know people like yourselves.

hugs,

Melissa:)

[Brooke Smith]

Kaitlyn and Karen, I'm really impressed at how you've organized your lives to facilitate your life change. I feel I've backed myself into a corner with work and marriage, and at my age I may lack the fire it would take to burn my bridges. I'm doing what I can to honor the woman within me, though, and to bring her out in my life and relationships.

It gives me strength, in my inner journey, to follow your progress along the transition road to integration. In fact, I draw a great deal of inspiration and knowledge from all the women here. I'm grateful for your sisterhood.

:daydreaming: Lallie

Lallie,

Thanks for expressing your feelings for Kaitlyn and Karen and I'd add Melissa as well. You write so much more eloquently than I do, but your perspective(based on your situation)mirrors mine.I feel exactly the same way about how they are handling their transitions and their lives. They are an inspiration to me too.

:love:...Brooke

[Karen564]

Okay, Rather embarrassed, now. Read the dates on posts, Mel. :doh: Yw, Karen, and good luck, again.

Hugs,

Melissa:)
It's fine Melissa, no worries, I've done it myself many times too, it happens, so no biggy..
And Thanks again...
:hugs:


I hit and miss reading threads because of the Grands not knowing I'm Trans. In fact I'm more Trans than crossdress, which is what I though at first. I do love to read your threads and comments in others even if I have no idea how to word or what to post as a reply.

Hugs,
Alice
Thanks Alice,
I'm sure when the time is right, you'll think of something, we all have a voice & opinions to express..
:hugs:



Hi Karen
I just wanted to say congratulations on your grades and on taking charge of your life , you should be very proud of yourself for your accomplishments. I hope you continue to do well in school and find a rewarding career when you graduate.
Sincerely
Tomara
Awwww:o, Thanks so much Tomara...:hugs:

A girl has to do what a girl has to do...and this girl had to do something positive..



Kaitlyn and Karen, I'm really impressed at how you've organized your lives to facilitate your life change. I feel I've backed myself into a corner with work and marriage, and at my age I may lack the fire it would take to burn my bridges. I'm doing what I can to honor the woman within me, though, and to bring her out in my life and relationships.

It gives me strength, in my inner journey, to follow your progress along the transition road to integration. In fact, I draw a great deal of inspiration and knowledge from all the women here. I'm grateful for your sisterhood.

:daydreaming: Lallie
I hear ya Lallie, and thank you!
I had those same exact thoughts about feeling backed into a corner (trapped) my whole life up until 5 years ago , and back then would have never dreamed of getting this far, and I know my journey isn't over yet in this lifetime, it's funny how time flies by..
I wish you the best of luck on your journey & wherever that takes you..

:hugs:



Kaitlyn and Karen, I find both your stories are something to admire, same goes for all the women and men everywhere who either made the decision or were forced to change careers and transition, as well. It really is an amazing feat.
Thanks again Melissa,
But don't make me start blushing...:o

From my own prospective, I don't see myself as anything special or any more amazing than the many other sisters before I came along or ones currently doing what they had to do to move on with there lives..
I do believe transition makes all of our stories uniquely amazing feats.. And consider myself very fortunate to know so many amazing women that transitioned long before me and I have utmost respect for them & their accomplishments..

I can appreciate your situation too, and it can complicate matters even more, it's perfectly understandable why nobody really wants to leave a career they spent their lifetime doing & doing well..nor should they ever have to leave all that behind to start all over again..
As time goes on, all you can go on is what's in your heart & gut feelings, but as long as your happy doing what your doing & being well compensated for it, then I see no reason not to keep doing what your doing..

Transition requires one to adapt to their surroundings, but is also fluid like water, and makes one take the path of least resistance, as time goes on in our transition, but sometimes our surroundings can turn to oil, and as you very well know, water & oil won't mix... Plus our needs are so ever constantly changing in one way or another the farther we transition, so I see nothing as ever being set in stone.
I guess I just want to fly like an Eagle... and be free.




Thanks for expressing your feelings for Kaitlyn and Karen and I'd add Melissa as well. You write so much more eloquently than I do, but your perspective(based on your situation)mirrors mine.I feel exactly the same way about how they are handling their transitions and their lives. They are an inspiration to me too.

:love:...Brooke

Thanks Brook...

I had seen many girls that trasitioned long ago that were my inspiration too..

:hugs:

[Starling]

Thanks for your support, Karen.

:hugs: Lallie

[Starling]

Lallie,

Thanks for expressing your feelings for Kaitlyn and Karen and I'd add Melissa as well...

I would too, Brooke, and thank you for your sweet compliment.

:daydreaming: Lallie

[Kaitlyn Michele]

WOW!!!

I'm embarrassed..and now i'm crying....

but its all good..
:love: :drink:

btw..

i am going to need some references for my applications!!!!! :heehee:

[LisaM]

What a wonderful post! You ladies are wonderful role models. I truly admire your internal strength and determination.