Personally, I had several factors working against such an extended timeline, and many working in my favor (thankfully). The level of my GID was such that postponing a full transition for years would likely have resulted in the loss of my career due to the mental turmoil that accompanies the condition, or suicide under the worst conditions. So, I had no choice but to at least start down the path. I had managed to start facial hair removal shortly before I accepted that I was transgendered, so I had that going for me already. Once I started transitioning, I found that many, many things fell right into place – like this was the person I was meant to be all along. I seem to have very natural feminine mannerisms, and I was fortunate enough to be one of the lucky ones, as far as looks go. I was passing about 70% of the time from the first day I went out. Also working against my extended timeline (and believe me, I did have one) was a bitter ex-girlfriend, who took it upon herself to out me to everyone she ran across. The rumors spread, and I finally had to tell my work in order to take the bull by the horns. This happened a mere 5 months into my transition. At that point, due to having a very good career for many years, I was able to afford some minor facial work, which moved my passability to about 98%, and I went full-time. No looking back.

There are many things I’m still having to learn (such as some fashion things, and working with my hair – and I’m still working on my voice, but it’s passable), but I was fortunate enough to have a very supportive daughter to help me out. So, I have enough knowledge to look good while I learn the rest. Yes, I would’ve preferred to have the 2 years I had originally planned, but life just didn’t offer me that. I got lucky, and I’m just thrilled that I’m now able to spend the rest of my life as the true me.