Job Hunt

[jjmetro]

So, I'm now on the hunt for a new job/career. Haven't lost my current job, but it gets harder and harder every day to not walk out. A combination of the over emphasis on masculinity, the current state of a failing store, the negativity in general, and a commission only position where even the owner seems not to care if business is in steady decline. Harley Davidson was my life for the past 10+ years, and the only adult salary I have ever made was in this field. I have no idea what/where to even start for work, but am looking at companies with trans friendly policies, as I'm not sure where my life is headed. I want to make sure if I decide to go further, I won't be out of a job. Seems like even though I haven't really made any moves or decisions regarding my gender, the serious thoughts have started to throw a wrench in the works that is my life. Everything is so up in the air right now, I'm feeling lost.

My fallback career is suddenly no longer an option, partly because of a social non tolerance for everything we talk about on this site, as well as my own physical disabilities. I can't wrench on or ride Harley Davidsons anymore. I don't want to fall back into retail, but really don't have any other experience/training. For the first time in a long time, I have no idea what the future holds, or even what I want it to be.

I've never been one to shy away from a challenge, and whatever decisions I make, I'm sure I will rise to the occasion. Just don't even know what the decisions are, or where to start.

Lost in Texas
JD

[Rachael Leigh]

I would think you could find a call center job, on the phones all day but could be a good place to look at.
There are a lot in this metro area

[Ashley Wray]

Good Luck to you!

But yes keep your job for now and definentley start looking. I have done that a few times and you will sleep better at night. And once you get something on the line and some interest shown in you from other companies will make you bearing it out at your current job that much easier as you will know your that much closer to a new career.

I got kinda pushed out of my last job and was not prepared I sat around for a month and realized Holy Crap I'm out of money! I was so used to getting paychecks cause had never been unemployed before that I kept thinking about payday then realized its all going out and nothing coming in. Lucky for me I had a few customers I have known for years and one of them hired me, but making considerably less money also. I feel better now and have an income even if it is lower but I don't have the high pressure of the sales job was in either.

Check out any job fairs if they have them around your area and network with old contacts / clients who know you and your work ethic. Even if you don't have the experience you can start out entry level and work your way up. Make sure it's something that interests you so you are also happy, It's not all about the money!

Maybe this opportunity could be good and give you the freedom to pick a new line of work that matches your life style. It's amazing what you can do when you are motivated by getting out of your current situation. Make sure to stay confident and positive and this will shine when you interview. Lastly make sure you do some homework on the company you are applying to before the interview, companies like to ask what you know about them and tto see you did your homework and your not just taking the first thing thrown at you.

Good Luck!

[Badwolf]

Also if you want to stay in Texas, I'd get in touch with the LGBT community locally. You'll find a lot better resources on Trans friendly local details than you will on here.

In general depending on how you pass, call centers do work well all around. Many retailers and hospitality companies are also more likely to be friendly, but this can vary A LOT by location. Certain office jobs for small companies also never hurt.

[natalie_cheryl]

Try looking at trip advisor my wife works for them and loves it!

[mechamoose]

Not a panacea, but try this:

transgender friendly jobs (https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&es_th=1&ie=UTF-8#q=transgender%20friendly%20jobs)

Good luck, sweetie! Have courage!

- MM

[Edyta_C]

You might try an area that is more friendly to your situation. Austin might work for you.

Edy

[mechamoose]

Edyta_C: Yah, my son lives in Tx. Austin is kind of the liberal oasis in the middle of all that conservative attitude.

- MM

[Eryn]

So, I'm now on the hunt for a new job/career. Haven't lost my current job, but it gets harder and harder every day to not walk out. A combination of the over emphasis on masculinity, the current state of a failing store, the negativity in general, and a commission only position where even the owner seems not to care if business is in steady decline. Harley Davidson was my life for the past 10+ years, and the only adult salary I have ever made was in this field. I have no idea what/where to even start for work, but am looking at companies with trans friendly policies, as I'm not sure where my life is headed. I want to make sure if I decide to go further, I won't be out of a job. Seems like even though I haven't really made any moves or decisions regarding my gender, the serious thoughts have started to throw a wrench in the works that is my life. Everything is so up in the air right now, I'm feeling lost.


Perhaps you should broaden your horizons in the field you know. There are motorcycles out there other than HD that aren't so testosterone-oriented, there are stores that handle peripheral motorsport products, and there is even the broader automotive field. If your current employer is poisonous, find a different one that suits you better.

You could even look at getting retrained, but be careful of those for-profit colleges.

[Beverley Sims]

Hold on to your present job until you can find something else.
I do feel that moral issues have to be put aside in favour of practical thinking.
Sorry, JD.