First week of RLE

[Carole Cross]

Yesterday I completed my first at work as Carole. I work in a xactory which is very male dominated, I am the only female working on the shop floor. I was not really sure I would be accepted when I went back, so I was suprised to see that the majority were treating me as before and even saying good morning to me as I walked through the door. For the first few days there was a bit of awkwardness between me and some of my colleaugues, I don't think they were quite sure how to interact with me, but by the end of the week they were getting used to it. I did not encounter any hostility or nasty comments directed at me although some are still a bit distant. As a whole, I am pleased the way it turned out and over the next few weeks should improve once everyone is more comfortable interacting with me. :D

[luvSophia]

Congrats on the first week Carole. Isn't it great when waking up, going to bed and everything in between is just you? I was soooo happy to not have to do the gender flip flopping once I started my RLE. Enjoy!

[TxKimberly]

Good for you!

[Mariah]

Yay! ^^

[AllieSF]

Way to go. I am so happy for you and the fact that you have been able to do that at your current place of employment. i see so many transitioning and transitioned women that have so much trouble finding work and maintaining it. I do wish you the best of life as you continue to live your life as it was meant to be.

[Suzy Harrison]

That's a great start Carole - in fact that's the hardest part out of the way. Showing them you feel happy, relaxed and content will also make a good impression on them.

Occasionally, in the first few months, someone will call you by your old name, but don't let it worry you - as everyone else takes time to adjust too and people will slip up. Even after nearly a year, that still happens once in a while to me - mistakes will happen now and again.

Congratulations you're well on your way

hugs
Suzy

[Jorja]

Congratulations Carole, you have taken the biggest step in transition in my opinion. As Suzy said, in the beginning there will be thoes that make mistakes but don't worry they need time to adjust too. Realize that not everyone will be happy with your decision and thoes problems can be worked out. Relax, be happy, and be yourself.


Jorja

[Faith_G]

You are living the dream! :happy:

[Maryanne_sa]

Hi Carole,

This is wonderful news. Well done. Glad that your reception was ok, and no problems so far.

Could you tell me if you have had voice training lessons before you started your RLE?


Take care,

Maryanne

[Carole Cross]

Thanks girls, I still need to work on my voice, that is another reason why it will take time for others to accept me. Hopefully I can sort that out soon, it will help me become more confident.

[pamela_a]

That's great Carole. I remember when I transitioned at work it was a huge non-event and it sounds like the same for you.

As the other girls said it will take some time for everyone to become accustomed to your new name so there may be slips.

Relax and enjoy being yourself now. Congratulations

[Veronica_Jean]

Congratulations Carole!!

I'm sure things will continue to improve. Just enjoy living life for the first time ever :)

Veronica

[Midnight Skye]

That's fantastic Carole. I'm glad things went well and you didn't have any major problems. That's got to be a huge weight off your back. I'm both eager and mortified of going full time at work. But hearing things are going well for others is really wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

[GypsyKaren]

Carole, you've always handled things in the right way and this is no different, keep it going!

GK :g1:

[Sheila]

Carol, glad everything went well for oyur first week :), long may it continue :)

[Traci Elizabeth]

Way to go Girl! Transitioning in a manufacturing environment seems like it would be more difficult than a lot of other places especially with an all male work force.

So I salute you for your strength, perseverance, and positive attitude. And I am really happy it is working for you.

Each day, week, month will be better and happier for you! Congrats!

[Zenith]

+1 on the Congrats...great that you can relax and RLE without job issues to be concerned about...confidence will build for you too...

[morgan51]

Great news Carol glad to hear all is going well congratulations!

[Emmaclaire]

Well done carol on your first week
Ive just about done nine years now going to Mr Thomas for my op this year
but well done on your week hun

Emma

[Teri Jean]

Good morning Carol,
The first week I was at work it was strange for everyone also so hang in there. I'm glad for your experiance this first week.

Teri

[Katesback]

You go girl!

One little tidbit. If you have the opportunity to change jobs in the future to a position where the people never knew the person from before that is a HUGE bonus!

[Empress Lainie]

It will only get better dear and you will be soooo happy with yourself and life.

[Melissa A.]

Cool, Carol. I couldn't be happier for you. I could have written most of the same words(wait a minute, I think I did!) in describing my current coming out experience at work. I hope it all aids others with anxiety over the same.

Hugs,

Melissa:)

[Deborah_UK]

That's good Carol, especially in that sort of environment. When I went full time (4 months now) I was (and still am) working in a mixed office environment and everything has gone brilliantly.

You'll be wondering why you had nerves beforehand! :)

[~Emma D~]

That's fab Carole, I hope it continues to go well for you:)

[carolinoakland]

Yay, Carol's of the world united! I found that the first month or two I'd wake up and I'd feel that first day of school excitement, all the new people who were going to meet me for the first time. And as you become more comfortable with yourself you will be more confident. And THAT'S the best accessory a girl can ever wear.... Wear it proud honey. Carol

[Carole Cross]

Thank you all for your kind words. :hugs:

I am planning to change jobs in the near future but I am not sure what to do just yet. I would prefer to work in a more mixed environment, possibly retail.

[Super Amanda]

Congrats, Carole! I've been away from the site since Feb and it's exciting to see all of the great news around here! Isn't it wonderful to just be yourself, all the time?

[Carole Cross]

lol. Amanda, I've just posted a similar comment on your thread.

[katieblush]

Hiya Carole, have not been here for a while,glad i caught this post of yours.

I wish you well,wow what a huge step and i will be following in your footsteps,soon i hope.

Best wishes *Katie*xx

[Karen564]

Congrats Carole,

I'm so happy for you!!! :hugs:

In time, you'll see it's no different than any other day as far as how people interact with you, but the important thing is that your now just happy to be your true self & people will sense that...

:hugs:

[CharleneT]

Yay, Carol's of the world united! I found that the first month or two I'd wake up and I'd feel that first day of school excitement, all the new people who were going to meet me for the first time. And as you become more comfortable with yourself you will be more confident. And THAT'S the best accessory a girl can ever wear.... Wear it proud honey. Carol

:iagree: ! !

Confidence - Happiness - Contentment

Wear it proudly indeed !!

[Carole Cross]

I have just finished my second week and I feel more confident in myself and I think others have realised this and are interacting with me as they were before. One or two are still to come round but otherwise there are no problems. :)
I am still using my male voice but hope to start using my female voice over the next week or two.

[Denise01]

Congrratulations on the completion of your first week of RLT.

My RLT really started 23 July last year the day i moved to ottawa, but as far as the therapist and doctor is cocerned it is Early Jan 2010, the day i started on hormones..
for me everything had been going very well and I get no problems out as denise, in fact i now feel more comfortable out as Denise that i do drab

My full year will be up in Jan 2011, and shortly after that i hope that i will be able to be on te list for surgery


Denise :):):):):)

[Karen__Starr]

Woohoo, good to hear all went well.