URNotAlone

My Story (Part 1)

September 2nd, 2007 8:04 am MDT

I'm often asked about how I transitioned. So to answer those questions and to maybe enlighten others I will tell my story.

Almost 13 years ago I had a struggling retail business that I loved. In order to supplement the meager income I decided to take on a second job. As a result of being my own boss, I had grown my hair long, had begun electrolysis, had my brows professionally done, and was often called 'Miss' or "Ma'am" in the store. Since my typing skills and knowledge of the Microsoft suite of programs was excellent, I made appointments with 2 temp agencies to apply for work as an office temp.

I went to the first appointment as a guy, did excellent on all of the computer skills tests and thought I did well in the interview. I walked out thinking I would have an assignment in no time.

When it came time for my second interview, I decided to go as a girl. I wore a nice suit, did my hair, makeup and nails and again aced the tests and was surprisingly calm during the interviews. I walked out with an assignment at a refrigeration equipment company starting the next Monday.

Why did I get an assignment as a girl? I think I walked into that agency at just the right moment and the combination of my office skills and an immediate need for someone who could start right away contributed. I never did hear from the first agency.

So my double-life began. I worked 9-5 as a girl in the marketing department of the refrigeration company and then went home, got changed and worked as a guy in my store until 9:00 and weekends.

More to come! Feel free to comment or ask questions!