Today is my 1 year anniversary!!

[Michelle James]

Yep one year ago today I began living full time as female. I should be happier about that but it leaves me with questions, like what's next? Why is it so hard to find a job? I really am at a crossroads. Should I go backwards and dress male to make it easier to find work or stay the course. Should I see about HRT at this point? I don't expect anyone to have answers, but I would like to hear from anyone who has been where I am now and what did you do?

[AllieSF]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!! Way to go. I hope this next year brings you all the happiness and fun that you deserve. Through this time of confusion will eventually come clarity. The one thing that is really important to make the rest easier is to know who you are and proceed down that path, which you appear to be doing. The next thing is to find a job to to avoid falling into that terrible financial hole, which then affects everything else. Good luck.

[jillleanne]

What's next? Well, year two of course. I hope you have been watching the world news lately. What job? I do not know your situation with education, experience or traaining but there are currently few positions available in most occupations with the exception of the service industry. If you have beed a full year 24/7 en femme, why change back for employment? I suspect you considered all this when you went full time, so I'm curious, what have you done during the past 12 months regarding employment? Did you resign so you could live full time? If so, have you considered telling your past e,ployer with the idea of getting the old job back? I guess only you can decide what's best for you, and as for your financial position, only you know what you need to do. Congrats. on your first year.

[Julia_in_Pa]

Hi Michelle!!!

First off a HUGE congrat's on this milestone.

You did a year RLE with no HRT???

If there isn't health issues stopping you I would start HRT ASAP.

This can do nothing but assist you.

Only you can truly answer the question whether or not to regress but you have done something that many many talk about and very few do and that's live full time as their true selves.

In my opinion I would stay the course.

I suffered unemployment twice in five years of full time and both times I saw it through.

Whatever you decide you must be proud of what you've done Michelle.


Julia

[Jorja]

Congratulations on one year RLE. What is next? Maybe try this next year on HRT? See what that brings at this time next year. Maybe start an exercise program. Maybe take some classes and learn about something you have always wanted to learn about. Maybe write a book about your experiences over the past year. Maybe go visit that cousin you haven't seen in 15 years. It is a big world. What would you like to do?

In case you haven't looked around the corner lately, you are not the only person not working and looking for a job. There are signs that the economy is slowly improving but it is going to take a little longer. This is a tough time for everyone. Hang in there.

[Rianna Humble]

Hi Michelle, congratulations on your first year, it is a great achievement :thumbsup:

I know first hand how soul-destroying it can be to find yourself out of work and unable to get back into a job. I agree with those who have encouraged you not to go back to male mode - not only will that not increase the number of job-ads but in my not so humble opinion it would make it much harder to restart your transition if your future employer doesn't know who you are before they take you on.

Hormone therapy does make a difference (says she after less than 2 weeks on the happy pills) so I would encourage you to pursue that course, you have earned the right.

I admit that I have not exactly been where you are now because I was fortunate enough to be able to transition in place, but I have known long-term unemployment twice in the past. Have you considered taking a job in a different role to your previous jobs? That's how I got back into the employment market.

[Kathryn Martin]

Michelle, it's time to move forward not backwards. I think you have proven everything you need to and HRT is the right next step for you. I will cross my fingers for you and hope you will take that step. Take care

Kathryn

[Melody Moore]

First of all congratulations!

I also did a period where I lived fulltime as a female before starting hormones, and I found it
helped me to feel reaffirmed in my decision that hormone therapy was the right thing for me.
I hope you find that same peace now to move forward to your next phase of this incredible journey. :hugs: