Work in school went along very well. When it was over, I knew, having had this experience, that I would be able to live as I wanted. Good friends were made there, who are still good friends. I was accepted as the woman I am, who could ask for more?

Getting started in my new work, was the next step to be taken. I wasn't sure just how I was going to go about it. Starting up cold in any business is not easy, and it takes a long time before you can make ends meet. As it turned out, things were made easier for me. As mentioned before, I had help from a number of people. One of these is a very fine person who took me into her office. She is in the same line of work, and knew I needed a start. Words cannot describe the things she has done for me. All I can say is, that I owe a great deal to this wonderful woman and her husband, who accept me for what I am. Business is building up, but it will be some time before I can get back to where I was financially. Life has its compensations, however.

This brings us up to the present. I will try to summarize, and add a few thoughts for those of you who may be thinking of going full time. In the ten years before the change, I had lived the feminine life for nearly two years off and on, counting weekends, vacations, etc. With this experience, I at least knew that the life of a woman is not all ruffles and lace. You soon come to reality after an experience such as shopping in 90 degree weather, high heels, tight girdle, and hot wig. Those sidewalks seem to get harder as the hours wear on, and you wish you were home in bed. When you do get home, there is the house to care for, perhaps laundry to do, and dinner to prepare. Think about these things! If you live alone, you are the one who must do them. If you have an understanding GG, who will help you, count yourself lucky. A question — would she still be understanding and helpful, if you went full time? Living this life a few hours or even a day once in awhile is one thing, but day after day is something else. The business of dressing, make up, and hair do, takes on a new meaning, and must be done quickly and yet adequately. No longer do you have the luxury of spending a couple of hours or more, "getting ready," there just isn't time. You have to get to work, and you do have to allow time for sleep- ing, you know! Even the idea of shopping for new clothes changes. Before you thought it would be nice to have a new blouse or skirt. Now you have to have these things, money and time are short, so-oops, darn, there goes a runner in that new pair of stockings! I could go on, but by now you should see that there is a difference between wanting and doing. Life is not easy, no matter which gender role you are living. (You do learn to wear comfortable shoes and clothing when shopping!)

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