Job Turndowns

[Amylin]

Just wondering how many of you have been turned down for a job because of your GID?

I was by Jiffy Lube. They will say it was because of other reasons, but I could tell by the look the guy gave me and the tension in the air he was giving off that the reasons were because of my GID or the fact that I'm female. Part of me felt like he was giving me the look that said I should be in the kitchen not working in his store, and the other part of me felt like he was giving me the look that said you should be dead, not here trying to work for me.

I know he didn't turn me down because of my qualifications. I ran 3 oil change locations in Michigan and everyone that I was put in ended up doing better then they were doing before I got there. They went from dead last to the top 5 to 10. This guy clammed he wasn't hiring be because of my back but the stuff required to be done wouldn't have affected my back and I informed him that I had clarence papers to insure that my doctors said it would be fine for me to go back to work but that I needed to stay away from construction. Regardless of all that, the hate that came from this guy was strong enough that I could feel it.

Maybe some of you would like to vent about your job turndowns.

[♥Muffin♥]

I've only just begun looking for work again, and it's so dry here... there is nothing and that makes it worse because when a job comes up EVERYONE applies for it. Who would hire a TS over a 'normal' person?? I'm so screwed, I'm living on dwindling savings, my rent has just gone up and work is impossible to find. What do you do??? Crazy :S

[Amy Lynn]

Retrain in a career that is in such demand that if you had an arm growing out of your head they would tell you it was a great advantage. I'm a nurse and even though I expect to take some crap from individuals, I don't expect to have any difficulty finding employment anywhere in the world. There will never be enough nurses even if they fill every seat in every class for the next ten years. The work sucks, but is very rewarding.

[annemarie]

I´ve been turned down a promotion mostly because I´m a female and a mother. I a month or so ago I was get a promotion.
I was qualified for this job but telling my boss that I was going to be a mother, a step mother I got this feeling my boss wasn´t interested giving me this new job.
My boss didn´t exactly told me he didn´t gave me the job because of I was becoming a mother but I could feel it.
He could probably smell prolems here. I guess he was afraid of that I coulden´t handle it all, being a mother and at the same time doing my job.

I was very sad about this not being able to show what I could have done. I guess this is something we women have to accept, even if its hard to do. Its much more harder for women to have a career then it is for men.

As it turned out I coulden´t have stayed on for this job as Peter got a promotion and we have to move to another city. Still I would have been glad if my boss had at least had given me a chanse.

Hugs
Annemarie

[Amylin]

So this is a problem for more people then I thought. Your lucky Amy Lynn, I can't even get help getting the education for a career. When I was 18 I filled out the draft card 2 times and at the age of 27 was turned down Financial aid because they said they never got it. I was told more then likely it was lost in the mail. I know I filled it out because my adopted dad scared the you know what out of me, he told me that if I didn't fill it out I could end up in military prison and stuff like that. Funny thing is hes a postal worker and I gave the first one to him and the 2nd one was dropped off in a blue box (out of the US people the blue box is a mail box away from home that you can drop mail off in and it gets delivered faster then if you were to put it in your mail box). I contacted a few people and they said that these kinds of things happen often here in the US. They tend to loose, misplace, or whatever the males draft cards to keep from having to support them. The only way I could have prevented this is if I signed up for the services before the age of 26.

On another note I did start collage but only got 2 years worth done. I went for programming and I have another 2 years to do before I get any kind of certifications. So that helps but not like it could.

I moved from Michigan to be able to find work and build my real estate company. The job market in Michigan was at 22% unemployment versus Virginias 7%. So far every job sounds just like you Muffin. It seems like there is something we could do to help this, but what and how? I know with Jiffy Lube I could sue them for turning me down but the likely hood of me winning is next to none considering they just have to clam they didn't hire me because of my back. I know now to watch what I say about my injury to insure they can't use that against me, even though I stated I have papers saying I am cleared.

Muffin I'm going through the same thing here. The only thing is I went through my savings and now I am living off of debts owed to me. I only have about 2 months left till they are gone too, and thats saying the people keep paying me back. One person fails to pay I am screwed. My kids and i will have no power, food, or anything of that sort. My cars tags are about to expire at the end of the month and when that happens I cant even drive. Somethings got to brake for those of us going through this. Guess its a good thing we are stronger then most normal people. lol If we weren't we wouldn't be here to day talking about these kinds of things.

[Karin]

Well, have you tried going to any companies that are Trans-friendly? I've been working for Target for close to three years now and it's been a very open environment. I've come out to several coworkers and they even have anti-discrimination procedures for gender identity in their employee handbook. When I mentioned that I worked there to my therapist, she said that she's known several people who've transitioned on the job there and had no problems with management or anything like that. I'll admit, it's not the best paying job, but it's always to a good place to turn to if you're in need of any money at all. Plus, it apparently looks good on a resume.

Best of luck in your job search.

[aliciadarling]

Well, have you tried going to any companies that are Trans-friendly? I've been working for Target for close to three years now and it's been a very open environment. I've come out to several coworkers and they even have anti-discrimination procedures for gender identity in their employee handbook. When I mentioned that I worked there to my therapist, she said that she's known several people who've transitioned on the job there and had no problems with management or anything like that. I'll admit, it's not the best paying job, but it's always to a good place to turn to if you're in need of any money at all. Plus, it apparently looks good on a resume.

Best of luck in your job search.

Hi Karin:

Tha's nice to know about Target or Tarjay if you want it to sound French!

How is Wally-Mart compared to them?

[Karin]

I have no idea about Wal-mart. I'm not familiar with their policies. There was a website I found a few days ago that listed the best companies to work for and part of their score in the rankings was related to trans-issues, like leave after surgery or insurance. I forget what the website was, though...

[Amy Lynn]

I wish I worked for Microsoft. I've always been interested in electronics and taught myself to program in three different programs. I never did anything formally since I have poor math skills and thought I would do poorly in a structured enviroment. Microsoft is trans friendly and will pay for everything. I wish I worked for Microsoft.

[lisagurl]

I ran 3 oil change locations in Michigan and everyone that I was put in ended up doing better then they were doing before I got there.

Then borrow the money and start your own.

[Amylin]

Around here I've applied for everything and anything even if it didn't have a now hiring sign or any kind of info saying they were hiring.

As for borrowing the money and starting my own. It would take a lot more then what I can come up with to start one. I ran the oil change locations for another company as a GM. With my credit I'd be lucky to come up with an 8th of what I'd need. lol

[lisagurl]

With my credit I'd be lucky to come up with an 8th of what I'd need. lol

Then find investors. Check out the small business administration. Rent an old gas station with lifts. It can be done if you have a will. It does take total dedication and self confidence. It will also reduce any time you spend on the web to zero. You could then also detail cars.

[Amylin]

With my credit I'd be lucky to come up with an 8th of what I'd need. lol

Then find investors. Check out the small business administration. Rent an old gas station with lifts. It can be done if you have a will. It does take total dedication and self confidence. It will also reduce any time you spend on the web to zero. You could then also detail cars.

I have the dedication and self confidence. Could you give some advice on where to start looking for investors that would be willing to invest in something like that, and also I'll need employees, any of you want to work with me on it? That is any of you that live in Virginia?

[lisagurl]

also I'll need employees

Not to start, I have been to one person oil change services.

[almost2innocent]

I know I've been turned down for jobs because I was an effeminate male. I was a secretary, and despite being highly experienced and qualified (with great references), I know I was turned down because it's seen as a profession where nice looking women do it.

I've never been ambitious. I don't want to be famous or rich. I enjoy taking care of other people. That's what I do best.

I'm thinking about retraining as a nurse, or at least something that's a little bit more easy to find during these hard times. I'm going to be volunteering with a hospital to get some experience.

[aliciadarling]

Hi:

Nursing would be a good profession to get into. I met a young woman from Montana once who was a nurse and it was a perfect job for someone who was transitioning.

Besides that it probably pays a lot better than secretarial work.

As far as facing discrimination as an effeminate male goes, discrimination because someone is transitioning is probably somewhat similar, except that eventually you can get past it when you become more passable.
Then it would be acceptable to be feminine, unless one was "way over the top" feminine.

[almost2innocent]

i've never been way over the top feminine, and I know when to shut my mouth or be careful, but I make a much more attractive woman than a man.

[aliciadarling]

i've never been way over the top feminine, and I know when to shut my mouth or be careful, but I make a much more attractive woman than a man.

Hi:

Yes, from your point of view, but others might find you attractive as a man. Some people thought I was attractive as a man, but frankly I didn't see it myself. I hated what I saw in the mirror. It wasn't me!

I'm sure you will not be over the top as a woman, but you've probably seen some who do act that way as examples of how not to act.

[almost2innocent]

I'm not OTT, but not because I don't think other women deserve to be glamorous, etc. It's my own personal preference.

I just want to blend into the background and not be seen/heard. I want to live a normal life, with friends/family, and I'd like to be loved eventually.

As for jobs, well, strangely, I've found things easier since I started transitioning. Aside from problems with one manager, I've had so much support. People are amazing with me, and I'm truly blessed, but this is not down to luck or my area. It's down to the fact that I don't believe the worst could ever happen, and I have the most important kind of PMT:

Positive Mental Thought

If you believe people will hack you down because you're changing, well, it kind of happens by the law of attraction.

And as odd as this sounds, I don't believe my GID is that interesting. I'm not special because I don't agree with my primary sexual characteristics. I'm no better than the other girls at work who were born the way I should have been. I'm no worse either. And that's why I believe I have had less problems being a happy transwoman, than a angst ridden 'gay man'.

I must have had people say things about me, but I don't notice them at all. It's all water off a ducks back. And if this job goes, well, que sera sera, I'll find another one

Hugs,

Rachel, xxx

[aliciadarling]

Hi Rachel:

I transitioned on the job and managed to keep my job, but unfortunately that isn't the experience of everyone here. In some places they can fire you without cause and even if protection is mandated, in actual practice people can always get rid of someone whom they dislike.

Someone who is early on in transition and looking for a job, possibly not passing very well might encounter all kinds of discrimination that they would not have otherwise faced. Thats all real. It's happening everyday.
These people don't bring it upon themselves.

[lisagurl]

In some places they can fire you without cause and even if protection is mandated, in actual practice people can always get rid of someone whom they dislike.

This is reality but some think bringing lawsuits is going to change people's beliefs. Before someone transitions they have to have a good plan and know what they are in for. It might also be advisable to move to a community that accepts such behavior.

[elliebean]

Yeah because, you know, people who don't have jobs have, like, all kinds of freedom to live wherever they want and have no trouble picking up and moving there.

[Gracie]

Ellie, you got that right!
you end up staying where you are, or going back defeated,

[lisagurl]

If you are not bogged down with material junk it is easy just use your .

I moved plenty of times coast to coast and had no problems at all I even moved to Alaska. Where there is a will there is a way. People today are too tied to consumption and material things to know the responsibility of being free. How about back packing all over Europe doing odd jobs along the way. Work on a ship for free passage. Life is not that hard it is the fear of it that holds you back.

[elliebean]

Good for you.

Don't make assumptions about me or my situation. You know nothing about what holds me back or why I would need to stay put. Your smugness and dismissiveness of other people's hardships impress no one.

[aliciadarling]

In some places they can fire you without cause and even if protection is mandated, in actual practice people can always get rid of someone whom they dislike.

This is reality but some think bringing lawsuits is going to change people's beliefs. Before someone transitions they have to have a good plan and know what they are in for. It might also be advisable to move to a community that accepts such behavior.

On what planet would you suggest they move? Maybe some gay village somewhere?

Maybe win the lottery first or save their money in an old matress till they are 80
and have enough to pay for their transition, but in the meantime pretend to be a good ole boy so
they can get a job at the local Jiffy Lube?

[Gracie]

trannytown. but anyway...once a long time ago in my first year I took my car to a Jiffy for an oil change. I'd always done my own, but wanted to get used to paying someone to do it and to not get grease on my clothes and skin anymore.
things went south fast as soon as they saw my license. the car was an old gigantic 1979 chrysler new yorker it was green and had a 460. This car was long and low and had hidden headlights and lots of power, also it had an air-conditoner which was important to me at the time. It was summer and getting used to HRT and makeup made me sweat alot, while I was driving lots of places to find a job. remarkably, there was a blue-green digital clock on the passenger's side for some reason.
In any event I liked that car. I'd just gotten it for 975.00 and wanted to baby it. They took my car to the furthest bay and 8 guys surrounded it and they were laughing and making noises and rude comments. then the guy inside started it up and was revving it and I didn't know what to do - I felt powerless. He kept revving it up until something loud happened and I could feel may heart sinking and I was regretting bringing my car in for service while I was cross-dressed, but since I was full-time what do you do? In the distance the guys were joking and finally the car died and they pushed it outside.
Barely able to keep a straight face, the person handling the transaction presented me with a bill and I paid him. I felt violated and powerless. I think I began to hate myself for thinking I could do this thing. I felt like a joke and began to daydream on the way back to my new apartment on Silver st. While stopped at a red light something made another loud noise and then I could smell the coolant. Unfortunately I knew what that meant and I knew I'd be walking soon cause I couldn't get a head gasket fixed and still pay my rent.

The 40 dollar normal person oil change became the 975 dollar transexual oil change.

All I can say is I think it would be difficult to work in a garage with men like that as a transexual female, from my experience as a transexual female customer.

Ellie I love the way you writeyou say things with so few words that express so much of how I feel. Anyway Amylin I hope you find a job you like where the people are decent and treat you with respect. I never could. The straight world I guess is not for me, and back in those days when I had the old New Yorker I could have worked in an adult video store, I really regret not taking that job and wasting so many years trying to get and keep jobs that exposed me to mean straight (and sometimes gay) people.

[lisagurl]

On what planet would you suggest they move? Maybe some gay village somewhere?

I understand AmeriCorps is looking for some citizens.

http://www.americorps.gov/

[Gracie]

your joking Lisa. it's not funny. those orgs and people screen us out and you know it, you think people haven't tried? zomg... i can't even vote for less than perfect id. Ellie told it like it is.

the good people of the world Don't Need Us. and don't even try to compare hopping a tramp steamer AS A GUY or back packing across europe when You Know many of us can't even get a sheriff ID let alone a passport. and whyn't ya try it crossdressed in this day and age not the 60's and 70's when you did it. omg omg omg
reality please.

[Peta]

I have real worries about work. I will know if my contract is going to be renewed tomorrow. I don't think it will.
I don't have any money to stay here anymore. I have enough money to fly back to Manchester in the UK and be homeless. I will have to leave my wife and she is wonderful about me being transgendered. Transgendered is so easy here and so relaxing no body cares at all, except white people.

In the UK (it's only been 4 years) but what am I going back too I wonder. I don't see many jobs being advertised there.

I hope your circumstances change and everything works out for you.

[aliciadarling]

Hi Lisa:

Correct me if I am mistaken, but you transitioned after you retired and had some money saved up
to pay for FFS,SRS, etc., since you had a good paying job prior to that?

[Jay3645]

I noticed your location is Virginia, which is where I live too. Correct me if I am wrong, but in Virginia employeers can fire you for any reason without telling you.

[lisagurl]

Correct me if I am mistaken, but you transitioned after you retired and had some money saved up
to pay for FFS,SRS, etc., since you had a good paying job prior to that?

I am a consultant not a worker. I still do some consulting without a problem. I have a complete name and legal change passport, SS, BC. If you follow the rules it can be done it take patients and wherewithal as well as being tenacious. I started out living in my car doing odd jobs. I have never borrowed any money. I rather do without than owe someone of live from government handouts. I stared in my teens and my parents brought me to a shrink at 8 years old.

[♥Muffin♥]

I've had two job interviews this week. The first one was ridiculous, It was obvious from teh moment he knew that he wasn't interested...... then an hour and forty five mins later I received an email saying I didn't make it to the short'er' list >_>
He told me there were seven other people to interview, now I'm no math genius but I'm pretty sure he didn't make it through every other interview within the hour and forty five mins, needless to say I sent him an email congratulating him on being so productive.
It's just unprofessional to notify someone before they have completed every interview, very VERY unprofessional.

Ok I was almost put off forever from that but then I had another interview this morning, I wasn't nervous at all for the first one but as soon as I got to this second one I was going crazy.
But once I got in and started chatting it was fine. When he asked me what I'd been up to recently I told him abotu my transition etc.. now I don't know if he was just being nice but he asked which way!!! I laughed/smiled and said from male. Then I mentioned my last interview and how much of a disaster it was and he said he found it quite interesting, then we processed on with the interview. WOW!!
IT went really well and he said he should know by this afternoon or monday!!

I hope this wasn't just a fluke or just a lucky day, even if I don't get it it was still an amazing experience and will make my next interview just that much easier!!! *positive vibes*.

[aliciadarling]

Hi Muffin:

A positive attitude helps a lot and it sounds as if you were showing that to prospective employers.
The second one probably saw that in you and that you were also open and honest with them.

[almost2innocent]

Muffin:

You shouldn't take it so personally about how people are in interviews. You won't be everyones cup of tea, and we've all been to interviews that didn't go so well.

If he didn't think you were right for the job, he had every right to let you know that you weren't successful. It's not unprofessional that he might not have finished the other interviews. You might have been whittled down from hundreds of other applicants that didn't even get to the interview process. it's actually very curteous of him to have contacted you at all. it's a hell of a lot more than other people have done for me!

As for your second interview, well, I'm glad you felt it went well, but personally, I wouldn't have talked about such a personal thing with a stranger who might be my future employer. They aren't your therapist - they're your prospective employer, and you should focus on being professional, and shining through in other ways.

And talking about your previous interview going badly, well, that doesn't really have anything to do with the job at hand that you are applying for. You should always try to be relevant with everything. But if you felt it went well, that's a good sign.

Interviews are sort of like first dates... You can meet a man... feel very attracted to them. they seem like they're giving you all the signs, so you think that if you open up and tell them everything about your life, and get very intimate with them, well, they're bound to fall in love with you, and the longer you spend with them, the more time they'll have to get to know you and fall madly in love with you.

They say they'll call you back, and since you bared your soul to them, you feel a shoe in. But it's natural for men to try and find out everything all at once, and it's your job to hold back a little to sort of protect yourself.

The fact that you are getting interviews at all is a wonderful sign that you have potential to get a job soon, but you should try and be a bit more positive about things that appear to be set backs.

[♥Muffin♥]

I understand what you mean about not talking about my personal life especially transitioning but to me it's obvious, I don't pass 100% and if I got the job then people would pick up on it. I don't want to possible land a job where someone is uncomfortable with me, where if I was upfront then they wouldn't of given me the job and everyone would be happy. It's more for me feeling comfortable with how people see me, I'd rather be honest about who I am. I think honestly speaks volumes and I didn't exactly bare my soul, just explained why I seem a little different. Which if he hadn't of picked up on then he would have soon enough. Sure if I passed better then I'd leave it.
Talking about my previous interview to me showed I was human and that I don't treat interviews like a formulated process where people act like robots, I am me and I will act like me in order to show what they may be in for. I hate that sit down, sell yourself, shake hands and you're done style of interview, it's not me.
I want to stand out from the pack by being real, original and interesting... it's all I have and it's who I am!!
My previous interview was horrible the guy reacted badly making subtly rude comments and I wanted to express that it isn't easy for someone like me to gain employment. And that I'm looking for an openminded employer to give me a chance, I felt he was like that... I felt we were compatible on that level. Though I still could of done a whole lot better!!!! Being up against four other people may chances are still good.
*fingers crossed*.

[Peta]

If this works out great. If it doesn't please never talk about gender issues again. I have lost a very good course because I did. I lost a job and then my reference contained information about what I disclosed.

Some people are very homophobic not your problems it's there's but it really is there.

Get the job keep private life private and business life business and that is it.

Be friendly but don't make friends. Everyone is out to get you, to put you down, and be better than you.

Don't give any excuse to let them get a foothold in your house please.

[♥Muffin♥]

That's a very negative way to view job hunting :S
imo.

[kristibot]

I find that I do better in job interviews for jobs I only marginally wanted in the first place. I think the interviewer(s) somehow pick up on the "I don't really care if you hire me or not" vibe and misinterpret it as confidence or something.

Personally I think the entire job interview process in corporate "culture" is b.s. anyway (and, yes, I've been on both sides of the table). Which is why I've been self-employed for most of the last decade. But this economy is going to force me back into a structured corporate environment, at least for a while. In the past I've actually done fairly well in interviews (I get callbacks for additional interviews with higher-ups, and often ended up one of the final two or three candidates), and I've gone through "practice interviews" with a coach as well (I'd recommend it, practice makes perfect). I think a key is to determine if the person interviewing you is looking for someone who will play the game - for example, H.R. lackeys who don't really know what the job your interviewing for entails, so they ask you a bunch of canned interview questions for which they're expecting practiced answers - or if your interviewing with a manager who used to do the job themselves and will spot a poseur. I consider H.R. people an obstacle to get past to get to the REAL interview, and then I don't shine people on or misrepresent myself or my qualifications. If they hire me they should know THIS is who they're going to get, otherwise what is the point of DOING the interviews? Sure, maybe for you the point is to just get HIRED and make some money, but I'd rather not put on an act to get a job, lest I have to keep up that act once hired or risk them finding out I'm not who they thought they were getting. No, I'm not talking about gender stuff here, I'm talking about your personality, work ethic, capabilities and that sort of thing.

But my long-term plan is to use money from a job I really don't intend to become my "career" to get my own venture back on financial footing so I can eventually be the one doing the hiring.

[annemarie]

I think very much HR people is a very big obsticale to get past. As things are now after we moving I just have a part time job as a sales person selling ladies clothing.

I´ve been looking for other secritary jobs sending my CV but so far just one have answered me wanting me coming for an interview.
I feel they all some how lost intrest in my when telling them I´m a mother. Ofcourse I´m dissipointed and I´m sad.
Why well because I will try to go back being a secritary. I like my old job. I like working with poeple, taking care of people and being a secritary well part of it is to take care of people, helping ppeople.
What makes me sad is that they don´t let me come for an interveiw. I can´t do much about it, yes I´m a mother but I´m also a good secritay as well. They don´t let me prove it.
I don´t stop though looking trying to get a secritary job in the future.

Sometimes I got this feeling trying to have something of my own. Setting up an own buisness, a consulting buiness. I´m good at taking care of people, lisstening to them, helping them.

Hugs
Annemarie

[♥Muffin♥]

Companies have it waaayyyy too good these days, there is so much selection out there these days that they can be extremely, ridiculously, utterly utterly harsh and overly picky with who they decide to hire. Sure it's their call, but they're not fooling anyone. And all we can do it bow down to them..... yay! Way waaaaayyyyy too much power.
Ok that's it, I'm taking a super soaker to my next interview..... time to square this up once and for all. *evil*.

[lisagurl]

And all we can do it bow down to them..... yay! Way waaaaayyyyy too much power.

No, we can not buy or use their products. Their life depends on our money.

[♥Muffin♥]

Yes, because that tactic really works, with people being SSOOOOOOOO easily convinced to rally together and not do something, like buying stuff 0_o
I'll stick with the super soaker method ^_^

[almost2innocent]

No, we can not buy or use their products. Their life depends on our money.

If I don't like what someone/something stands for, I steadfastly ignore the hell out of it, and will not support it financially, and I will encourage friends to do the same. It might not seem to make a big difference, but they do rely on our money, and even though there is a lot of prejudice for many people out there... Things are changing slowly. Perhaps it's working...

I was always taught that if you don't like something, or can't have it, disdain it. Pretend it doesn't exist. You only give things power by accepting that they are there.

But in the mean time, having no job because of your gender status, well, it's not easy. All we can hope is that our children and our future generations don't have the same worries we face.

[tiffany_elizabeth]

Hi Karin:

Tha's nice to know about Target or Tarjay if you want it to sound French!

How is Wally-Mart compared to them?

I wouldn't hold my breath on Wal-Mart in terms of employment. From my experience just trying on clothes is a problem. Some associates will treat you like a woman, others will consult with management about which fitting room to unlock for you (if they don't have unisex fitting rooms), and others will bounce back and forth with the keys between the men's fitting room and the handicap accessible one before finally deciding to play it safe and unlock the latter.

On one hand it's good of them not to force you into the men's fitting room, but on the other hand it makes it seem like being transgendered is a disability.

[Amylin]

I dont have that problem. I get what I want to try on tell them and get a tag, then I just go in and try on what I want. I no longer go to any guys zones when it comes to trying on clothes and going to the bathroom. Everyone I've known, just met, or know treat me as me no as who I was. So that helps a lot. I think it has more to do with how you present yourself.

I got a job with the Census and truned it down after getting tired of waiting on them to contact me. I started doing my own thing. Now I'm doing lawns, model and small building, and some minor repairs. I'm getting ready to start highering soon now that work is starting to come in. Even though things aren't where I want them to be yet they are getting there.

However, know that when it comes to looking for a job, I've applied for many jobs and been to way to many interviews and been turned down way to many times.

[tiffany_elizabeth]

Now I'm doing lawns, model and small building, and some minor repairs. I'm getting ready to start highering soon now that work is starting to come in. Even though things aren't where I want them to be yet they are getting there.

However, know that when it comes to looking for a job, I've applied for many jobs and been to way to many interviews and been turned down way to many times.

Looks like we both decided on the same route. No one was giving me an opportunity at a job so I decided to make my own. I was actually going to suggest that to you if you were still out of work but it's a moot point now.

I also know how you feel on that last point. In a little over a month it will have been a year since I lost my last job. Constant pavement pounding gave way to fruitless interviews, the low point being given the impression that I'm not good enough to clean feces out of animal cages. It has nothing to do with gender identity in my case, as I still present as a man when I look for work.

[Amylin]

Since Feb 09 I've only dressed as a guy 3 times. All 3 times were because of legal matters. The last time was in June 09 and since... Lol I don't have any more guy clothes. O... I lied. I have 3 dragon button down shirts that are guy shirts but I keep those because I am honoring my ex's request to keep them. My last interview I tried to push myself to put on guy clothes to help my chances of getting a job, but just putting on a shirt (Remember I only have the 3 buy shirts) was like forcing myself to jump off the Empirer State building. I couldn't do it, so I stuck to who I am and said if they don't like it it's their lose not mine. After loosing out on that job I decided this was the way to go.

On another note: My BF is wroking with me and we got a contract of epic proportions (from a beginner company stand point). We just got a contract to paint some equipment and buildings of one of the big industrial companies. We're talking about a 1/4 of a million dollar contract if not more. If we do good on it then we'll be doing the other locations this company has as well and we all know where that can go from there...

[Althea Raine]

Hi Karin:

Tha's nice to know about Target or Tarjay if you want it to sound French!

How is Wally-Mart compared to them?

Don't bother, look at state laws. They're only 'progressive' if the state they're in has laws. The one I work for is trans-friendly - but only 'cause NY is. They used to be better, but ended up going back on that when they got criticism from conservatives.