Transition and the job hunt (unemployed again) the sequal

[Guest]

Hi Kieran,

I don't know how you're dressing, appearing, passing, etc. So, I can't say too much specifically.

My inclination would be to go to the interview, try to look job-worthy, and do not mention the trans issue at all. I just have the feeling, that an employer would choose a non-trans person over a trans simply because they would see the other person as a known entity while trans would be unfamiliar and therefore less appealing. During the interview, you can get a feel for what kind of culture exists, in general terms. Once you know who they are, you can then find out more about their policies - without it affecting the interview itself.

For someone like myself, who is post transition but still obviously trans, I would approach an interview as if being trans is the lowest prority in my life, and the biggest priority of the moment is what I can do for the emplyer.

I hope that helps - best of luck, let us know how it goes?

Love, Megan

[KieranD]

Hi Kieran,

I don't know how you're dressing, appearing, passing, etc. So, I can't say too much specifically.

My inclination would be to go to the interview, try to look job-worthy, and do not mention the trans issue at all. I just have the feeling, that an employer would choose a non-trans person over a trans simply because they would see the other person as a known entity while trans would be unfamiliar and therefore less appealing. During the interview, you can get a feel for what kind of culture exists, in general terms. Once you know who they are, you can then find out more about their policies - without it affecting the interview itself.

For someone like myself, who is post transition but still obviously trans, I would approach an interview as if being trans is the lowest prority in my life, and the biggest priority of the moment is what I can do for the emplyer.

I hope that helps - best of luck, let us know how it goes?

Love, Megan

http://www.lauras-playground.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45947&hl=&fromsearch=1

That's the thread about my presentation. I present as male as much as possible (only because I'd rather be seen as male than female). In general I don't get seen as male yet. So, I don't really know how to do what you're asking as I believe I'm visibly different from what they might be expecting. Been on hormones for a year and a half, out as genderqueer/trying to get seen as male for about 7 years.

With your approach and everything do you interview "as male" and see being trans as the lowest priority?

[Guest]

Hi Kieran,

I would try to de-emphasize your trans status, however you can. What they want to see is a person ready and willing to work whose personal issues won't spill over into the workplace. If you go presenting male, prepare a short explanation of why. without going into a history of your transition, I can't tell you what to say exactly - I would have to think long and hard what might even work for myself, let alone someone else - I guess this falls into the "do your homework" category...

Love, Megan

[KieranD]

Hi Kieran,

I would try to de-emphasize your trans status, however you can. What they want to see is a person ready and willing to work whose personal issues won't spill over into the workplace. If you go presenting male, prepare a short explanation of why. without going into a history of your transition, I can't tell you what to say exactly - I would have to think long and hard what might even work for myself, let alone someone else - I guess this falls into the "do your homework" category...

Love, Megan

But I don't know how to de-emphasize my being trans.

[Guest Jade T]

Hi Kieran, I understand what you are going through right now. Since Feb, I outwardly present as female but everything I have for identification is still under my male name. It makes the process of applying for a job daunting as I am pretty sure that most employers in this economy have the ability to choose from hundreds of applicants and would most likely choose a non trans person over me. It doesn't help that my resume and skill set is geared towards male and masculine dominated markets. It makes it very unlikely for me to ever get hired using my old life's skills and training with me looking the way I look now. With the way the hormones are affecting my body, I think I really only have maybe 4 more months or so before I cannot hide the fact I am transgender even if I tried to due to secondary sex characteristics. I have pretty much made peace with the idea that my old life and resume is basically worthless to me in my search for employment.

I have at the moment given up looking for employment until I get my ID changed or I move to a more trans friendly area. If you are able to, perhaps you should move to or search out locations that are trans friendly. You can perhaps check online for jobs that are hiring in those areas and apply for them. If you get an interview and are hired, they may pay for your relocation costs if you are lucky. Another option you may have available is applying for grants or financial aid to further your education and get new job skills to expand your marketability.

I wish you the best in your search. With the economy the way it is, it is tough for all of us to find employment. Sadly, it makes it twice as hard on people like us to get the same job.

Hugs,

Jade

[KieranD]

Hi Kieran, I understand what you are going through right now. Since Feb, I outwardly present as female but everything I have for identification is still under my male name. It makes the process of applying for a job daunting as I am pretty sure that most employers in this economy have the ability to choose from hundreds of applicants and would most likely choose a non trans person over me. It doesn't help that my resume and skill set is geared towards male and masculine dominated markets. It makes it very unlikely for me to ever get hired using my old life's skills and training with me looking the way I look now. With the way the hormones are affecting my body, I think I really only have maybe 4 more months or so before I cannot hide the fact I am transgender even if I tried to due to secondary sex characteristics. I have pretty much made peace with the idea that my old life and resume is basically worthless to me in my search for employment.

I have at the moment given up looking for employment until I get my ID changed or I move to a more trans friendly area. If you are able to, perhaps you should move to or search out locations that are trans friendly. You can perhaps check online for jobs that are hiring in those areas and apply for them. If you get an interview and are hired, they may pay for your relocation costs if you are lucky. Another option you may have available is applying for grants or financial aid to further your education and get new job skills to expand your marketability.

I wish you the best in your search. With the economy the way it is, it is tough for all of us to find employment. Sadly, it makes it twice as hard on people like us to get the same job.

Hugs,

Jade

I live near NYC, and have included NYC in my search (if the position is right...I won't be willing to pay $20 to get to work and back for a position as a fry cook). I'm not sure how else I could/should further my education. If one degree isn't enough do I go for my masters? Do I try to get a bachelors in something else?

[Guest Jade T]

Hi Kieran, I understand what you are going through right now. Since Feb, I outwardly present as female but everything I have for identification is still under my male name. It makes the process of applying for a job daunting as I am pretty sure that most employers in this economy have the ability to choose from hundreds of applicants and would most likely choose a non trans person over me. It doesn't help that my resume and skill set is geared towards male and masculine dominated markets. It makes it very unlikely for me to ever get hired using my old life's skills and training with me looking the way I look now. With the way the hormones are affecting my body, I think I really only have maybe 4 more months or so before I cannot hide the fact I am transgender even if I tried to due to secondary sex characteristics. I have pretty much made peace with the idea that my old life and resume is basically worthless to me in my search for employment.

I have at the moment given up looking for employment until I get my ID changed or I move to a more trans friendly area. If you are able to, perhaps you should move to or search out locations that are trans friendly. You can perhaps check online for jobs that are hiring in those areas and apply for them. If you get an interview and are hired, they may pay for your relocation costs if you are lucky. Another option you may have available is applying for grants or financial aid to further your education and get new job skills to expand your marketability.

I wish you the best in your search. With the economy the way it is, it is tough for all of us to find employment. Sadly, it makes it twice as hard on people like us to get the same job.

Hugs,

Jade

I live near NYC, and have included NYC in my search (if the position is right...I won't be willing to pay $20 to get to work and back for a position as a fry cook). I'm not sure how else I could/should further my education. If one degree isn't enough do I go for my masters? Do I try to get a bachelors in something else?

I personally would go for another bachelors if possible. My reasoning is this: You open the door up to more professions than if you just concentrated on one area of expertise. Perhaps if you get a bachelors in business management, not only do you open the door up to being a supervisor or manager at restaurants (you have the cooking experience already I assume). You now have the ability to transverse different career fields easier than if you went for your masters in your current field.

Of course, if that field is your passion and you do want to pursue any other field even if it means a little hardship, than getting a masters in that field wouldn't be a bad thing and may suit your individual goals more. Me personally, I am looking for any job, regardless if it is my passion or not. I have already realized that I will not ever be able to pursue my passion anymore due to my transition. But I rather be happy and alive than doing my job with a passion yet being unhappy, depressed, and constantly debating suicide. I was in that position not too long ago and it drove me crazy.

All that being said, I am not a career counselor though I have played one many times in the past lol. If you want some sound advice, I suggest you contact a college counselor and talk to her/him about your specific goals and desires.

About transportation to NYC, have you looked at getting a bus pass to transit back and forth? I know in the city I am in has monthly and weekly bus passes and using one saves a fortune on gas.

Hugs,

Jade

[KieranD]

Hi Kieran, I understand what you are going through right now. Since Feb, I outwardly present as female but everything I have for identification is still under my male name. It makes the process of applying for a job daunting as I am pretty sure that most employers in this economy have the ability to choose from hundreds of applicants and would most likely choose a non trans person over me. It doesn't help that my resume and skill set is geared towards male and masculine dominated markets. It makes it very unlikely for me to ever get hired using my old life's skills and training with me looking the way I look now. With the way the hormones are affecting my body, I think I really only have maybe 4 more months or so before I cannot hide the fact I am transgender even if I tried to due to secondary sex characteristics. I have pretty much made peace with the idea that my old life and resume is basically worthless to me in my search for employment.

I have at the moment given up looking for employment until I get my ID changed or I move to a more trans friendly area. If you are able to, perhaps you should move to or search out locations that are trans friendly. You can perhaps check online for jobs that are hiring in those areas and apply for them. If you get an interview and are hired, they may pay for your relocation costs if you are lucky. Another option you may have available is applying for grants or financial aid to further your education and get new job skills to expand your marketability.

I wish you the best in your search. With the economy the way it is, it is tough for all of us to find employment. Sadly, it makes it twice as hard on people like us to get the same job.

Hugs,

Jade

I live near NYC, and have included NYC in my search (if the position is right...I won't be willing to pay $20 to get to work and back for a position as a fry cook). I'm not sure how else I could/should further my education. If one degree isn't enough do I go for my masters? Do I try to get a bachelors in something else?

I personally would go for another bachelors if possible. My reasoning is this: You open the door up to more professions than if you just concentrated on one area of expertise. Perhaps if you get a bachelors in business management, not only do you open the door up to being a supervisor or manager at restaurants (you have the cooking experience already I assume). You now have the ability to transverse different career fields easier than if you went for your masters in your current field.

Of course, if that field is your passion and you do want to pursue any other field even if it means a little hardship, than getting a masters in that field wouldn't be a bad thing and may suit your individual goals more. Me personally, I am looking for any job, regardless if it is my passion or not. I have already realized that I will not ever be able to pursue my passion anymore due to my transition. But I rather be happy and alive than doing my job with a passion yet being unhappy, depressed, and constantly debating suicide. I was in that position not too long ago and it drove me crazy.

All that being said, I am not a career counselor though I have played one many times in the past lol. If you want some sound advice, I suggest you contact a college counselor and talk to her/him about your specific goals and desires.

About transportation to NYC, have you looked at getting a bus pass to transit back and forth? I know in the city I am in has monthly and weekly bus passes and using one saves a fortune on gas.

Hugs,

Jade

Nope. My degree is in photography, not any sort of cooking. There's a lot of different stuff to do in the field. There's editing, restoration, lighting assistance, shooting, background/prop assistance, booking shoots, photo publishing, printing, aaaaand a whole bunch of other things I can't think of.

I've been looking at photography positions, anything related to art fields, administrative assistant, customer service, general desk jobs, pretty much anything outside of retail. I've never been fired from a job and have worked as a management type position before (the company ended up filing for bankruptcy causing me to leave). Did have two companies that I worked for closed due to financial situations. I would be taking the train (1 hour) and not the bus (3-4 hours), driving in would cost like $60+ because of parking. Train ticket is $20 round trip.

[Guest Jade T]

Hi Kieran, I understand what you are going through right now. Since Feb, I outwardly present as female but everything I have for identification is still under my male name. It makes the process of applying for a job daunting as I am pretty sure that most employers in this economy have the ability to choose from hundreds of applicants and would most likely choose a non trans person over me. It doesn't help that my resume and skill set is geared towards male and masculine dominated markets. It makes it very unlikely for me to ever get hired using my old life's skills and training with me looking the way I look now. With the way the hormones are affecting my body, I think I really only have maybe 4 more months or so before I cannot hide the fact I am transgender even if I tried to due to secondary sex characteristics. I have pretty much made peace with the idea that my old life and resume is basically worthless to me in my search for employment.

I have at the moment given up looking for employment until I get my ID changed or I move to a more trans friendly area. If you are able to, perhaps you should move to or search out locations that are trans friendly. You can perhaps check online for jobs that are hiring in those areas and apply for them. If you get an interview and are hired, they may pay for your relocation costs if you are lucky. Another option you may have available is applying for grants or financial aid to further your education and get new job skills to expand your marketability.

I wish you the best in your search. With the economy the way it is, it is tough for all of us to find employment. Sadly, it makes it twice as hard on people like us to get the same job.

Hugs,

Jade

I live near NYC, and have included NYC in my search (if the position is right...I won't be willing to pay $20 to get to work and back for a position as a fry cook). I'm not sure how else I could/should further my education. If one degree isn't enough do I go for my masters? Do I try to get a bachelors in something else?

I personally would go for another bachelors if possible. My reasoning is this: You open the door up to more professions than if you just concentrated on one area of expertise. Perhaps if you get a bachelors in business management, not only do you open the door up to being a supervisor or manager at restaurants (you have the cooking experience already I assume). You now have the ability to transverse different career fields easier than if you went for your masters in your current field.

Of course, if that field is your passion and you do want to pursue any other field even if it means a little hardship, than getting a masters in that field wouldn't be a bad thing and may suit your individual goals more. Me personally, I am looking for any job, regardless if it is my passion or not. I have already realized that I will not ever be able to pursue my passion anymore due to my transition. But I rather be happy and alive than doing my job with a passion yet being unhappy, depressed, and constantly debating suicide. I was in that position not too long ago and it drove me crazy.

All that being said, I am not a career counselor though I have played one many times in the past lol. If you want some sound advice, I suggest you contact a college counselor and talk to her/him about your specific goals and desires.

About transportation to NYC, have you looked at getting a bus pass to transit back and forth? I know in the city I am in has monthly and weekly bus passes and using one saves a fortune on gas.

Hugs,

Jade

Nope. My degree is in photography, not any sort of cooking. There's a lot of different stuff to do in the field. There's editing, restoration, lighting assistance, shooting, background/prop assistance, booking shoots, photo publishing, printing, aaaaand a whole bunch of other things I can't think of.

I've been looking at photography positions, anything related to art fields, administrative assistant, customer service, general desk jobs, pretty much anything outside of retail. I've never been fired from a job and have worked as a management type position before (the company ended up filing for bankruptcy causing me to leave). Did have two companies that I worked for closed due to financial situations. I would be taking the train (1 hour) and not the bus (3-4 hours), driving in would cost like $60+ because of parking. Train ticket is $20 round trip.

That sounds pretty interesting and fun! I finally am getting into taking pictures. It is a shame that the majority of my life went by undocumented because I abhored being in pictures. Have you thought about trying to be a photojournalist? You could probably photograph and write about quite a bit of events going on in the world today, or even your local area. You can go to City Hall meetings, councils, and political events to document them. You can also visit any area or site that has any type of controversial event. You can find out about events by reading your local newspaper. There is a treasure trove of information in them . The possibilities are endless on where you can take this =).

Even if you don't get hired right away, you can always set up a web site or blog about your passion of photography. Over time, people may begin to follow you and you may be on your way to something big before you know it. I have something very similar with a blog I write. I love to write about philosophy, politics, and current events. I do it out of passion for writing and politics. Maybe one day I will make something big out of it. If not, I am not concerned, as I enjoy writing =)

Wow, the buses/trains are insanely expensive in New York O_O. I figured when you said $20 dollar round trip you meant that in gas if you would of drove. When I use to live in Northern New York, I don't remember the prices being that high! Then again I only took the cab when I went out to go to the bars.

[KieranD]

Hi Kieran, I understand what you are going through right now. Since Feb, I outwardly present as female but everything I have for identification is still under my male name. It makes the process of applying for a job daunting as I am pretty sure that most employers in this economy have the ability to choose from hundreds of applicants and would most likely choose a non trans person over me. It doesn't help that my resume and skill set is geared towards male and masculine dominated markets. It makes it very unlikely for me to ever get hired using my old life's skills and training with me looking the way I look now. With the way the hormones are affecting my body, I think I really only have maybe 4 more months or so before I cannot hide the fact I am transgender even if I tried to due to secondary sex characteristics. I have pretty much made peace with the idea that my old life and resume is basically worthless to me in my search for employment.

I have at the moment given up looking for employment until I get my ID changed or I move to a more trans friendly area. If you are able to, perhaps you should move to or search out locations that are trans friendly. You can perhaps check online for jobs that are hiring in those areas and apply for them. If you get an interview and are hired, they may pay for your relocation costs if you are lucky. Another option you may have available is applying for grants or financial aid to further your education and get new job skills to expand your marketability.

I wish you the best in your search. With the economy the way it is, it is tough for all of us to find employment. Sadly, it makes it twice as hard on people like us to get the same job.

Hugs,

Jade

I live near NYC, and have included NYC in my search (if the position is right...I won't be willing to pay $20 to get to work and back for a position as a fry cook). I'm not sure how else I could/should further my education. If one degree isn't enough do I go for my masters? Do I try to get a bachelors in something else?

I personally would go for another bachelors if possible. My reasoning is this: You open the door up to more professions than if you just concentrated on one area of expertise. Perhaps if you get a bachelors in business management, not only do you open the door up to being a supervisor or manager at restaurants (you have the cooking experience already I assume). You now have the ability to transverse different career fields easier than if you went for your masters in your current field.

Of course, if that field is your passion and you do want to pursue any other field even if it means a little hardship, than getting a masters in that field wouldn't be a bad thing and may suit your individual goals more. Me personally, I am looking for any job, regardless if it is my passion or not. I have already realized that I will not ever be able to pursue my passion anymore due to my transition. But I rather be happy and alive than doing my job with a passion yet being unhappy, depressed, and constantly debating suicide. I was in that position not too long ago and it drove me crazy.

All that being said, I am not a career counselor though I have played one many times in the past lol. If you want some sound advice, I suggest you contact a college counselor and talk to her/him about your specific goals and desires.

About transportation to NYC, have you looked at getting a bus pass to transit back and forth? I know in the city I am in has monthly and weekly bus passes and using one saves a fortune on gas.

Hugs,

Jade

Nope. My degree is in photography, not any sort of cooking. There's a lot of different stuff to do in the field. There's editing, restoration, lighting assistance, shooting, background/prop assistance, booking shoots, photo publishing, printing, aaaaand a whole bunch of other things I can't think of.

I've been looking at photography positions, anything related to art fields, administrative assistant, customer service, general desk jobs, pretty much anything outside of retail. I've never been fired from a job and have worked as a management type position before (the company ended up filing for bankruptcy causing me to leave). Did have two companies that I worked for closed due to financial situations. I would be taking the train (1 hour) and not the bus (3-4 hours), driving in would cost like $60+ because of parking. Train ticket is $20 round trip.

That sounds pretty interesting and fun! I finally am getting into taking pictures. It is a shame that the majority of my life went by undocumented because I abhored being in pictures. Have you thought about trying to be a photojournalist? You could probably photograph and write about quite a bit of events going on in the world today, or even your local area. You can go to City Hall meetings, councils, and political events to document them. You can also visit any area or site that has any type of controversial event. You can find out about events by reading your local newspaper. There is a treasure trove of information in them . The possibilities are endless on where you can take this =).

Even if you don't get hired right away, you can always set up a web site or blog about your passion of photography. Over time, people may begin to follow you and you may be on your way to something big before you know it. I have something very similar with a blog I write. I love to write about philosophy, politics, and current events. I do it out of passion for writing and politics. Maybe one day I will make something big out of it. If not, I am not concerned, as I enjoy writing =)

Wow, the buses/trains are insanely expensive in New York O_O. I figured when you said $20 dollar round trip you meant that in gas if you would of drove. When I use to live in Northern New York, I don't remember the prices being that high! Then again I only took the cab when I went out to go to the bars.

Well, my specialty is with studio photography. Photo journalism pays well if you're able to get a contract with any sort of news source and they usually begin with internships (when I was an intern our class would meet once a month and two of the students were photographers for the local paper at the time). I do have a portfolio available online and every now and then I add a piece if I think it's worth putting up. Documenting the events themselves doesn't really do much unless you have a large source outlet who wants the pictures and is willing to pay. I've documented the trans day of action a few times in the past, as well as my trips to Albany when I met with representatives. Sure, people might go and try to find pictures of these things but they're not on a news/information website.

I currently track how many people visit my portfolio per day, but can be as specific as the hour. Generally there's nobody on there each day. I get maybe 5 visitors outside of myself per month and that's just because I put the link in my resume.

[KieranD]

Alright, so I got a call back on Friday saying that the place I interviewed with (the boring job I interviewed for). I didn't say anything about being trans at the interview. When I got the call the supervisor offered me the job and I mentioned being transgender, and the few things I wanted (being called "he", having an ID card with a name different from my legal name, and using the bathroom). I was told that there would be a meeting with the owners on Monday (today) and that I would get a call back after that meeting where they would discuss these things. In my mind, if they are able to give me these very few things, and a general reassurance of safety in that way then I'm good to go. If they can't then it sucks, but I'll live.

[KieranD]

Bad news: I was told they can't have a preferred name on my ID, I have to correct co-workers and supervisors when it comes to my name and pronouns, and that even if co-workers or supervisors call me the wrong name and pronouns over and over and over with me correcting them each time, they will not be reprimanded at all.