Yay! This forum helped my test scores..

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:13 am

Yep, I interviewed at two temp agencies this week. One of them was for office work, so they gave me a typing test. It was the first time I ever took one, having always done factory and construction work.

I did 45 words a minute, of which my legal secretary exGF said, "That's not bad, for a floor layer!" She clips along at 90 to 100 wpm, of course, but she's been doing it for decades. I was pretty happy about it, and I owe it all to my sisters on the Internet, who keep me busy typing day and night on forums like this one.

Once upon a time I made a decent living running my own company, but those days seem gone. People can no longer afford what I'm offering, and I can't compete with the underbidders. I'm not giving it up completely, but I realized I don't want to be in construction anymore--I enjoyed it once, but I need new environments, and working with women would be nice. Beginning temp pay is terrible, but I'm not doing it to earn a living. I'm making a move to get outside of physical labor, AND I'm buying time to get some of my musical projects to start briinging in some revenue.

I figure I can begin to develop some skills that will raise my hourly wage, like editing and desk-top publishing. Doing temp I get to keep the same independence that I have as a self-employed contractor--a week's work at a time, and then I'm out of there.

It would be great to work in an office in girl mode, but I don't see any situations where that "skill" is going to be requested!

CJ · Post by CJ » Mon Jan 08, 2007 2:21 am

Hi all,

Anita,

I can picture the ad in the papers...

Expanding Bay area transgender community resource seeks part-time and full-time office help. Must type 45 wpm or more; be familiar with information technologies; have own transportation; understanding of, and experience with, TG community a must. Salary commensurate with experience. Present as you please. Phone 8am-8pm, Mon-Sat, for interview. 555-1212

Good luck, Sis!

Love,
CJ

Carol Ann · Post by **Carol Ann** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:56 am

CJ,
You just never know, it could happen. Remember there are more of us then people think.

Jenny · Post by **Jenny** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 1:41 pm

Wow, congratulations Anita! I've noticed the internet has really improved my typing, as well. It's much easier to practice when you're just having fun with it.

Anita · Post by **Anita** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:19 pm

Thanks for the responses, gals. CJ's off-the-cuff ad might well appear here in the Bay area, Carol Ann. I hadn't really cosidered that. It's rare that anyone wants you for part-time on YOUR terms, though, so that's partly why I haven't thought outside the temp box.

Jenny, I can't endorse them at all, but the very best way to improve your typing is to get addicted to chat rooms. For the few months that I ever went to them, my typing speed was blistering, 'cause I had to nail that punch line down in 2 seconds. There's nothing flatter than the snappy retort that appears two lines down the scroll--it's gotta be on the money. I was amazed at how fast I got. The addiction, however, is not worth the typing speed. It was hard for me to do "just a little" of the chat rooms.

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 8:29 pm

Honey,
If you need any letters of recommendation, well I think your sisters in this sorority would be more than willing to give them to you!!

Good luck and you know the motto, "Go forth woman and BE!
Love ya,
Virginia

Maria · Post by **Maria** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 9:19 pm

I have worked with temporary agencies for many years and they are helpful for those who are going part-time to school, are considering a career change, or for those in between jobs. Although the hourly pay isn't as great as a permanent job, I gain valuable skills which can help me in the future. Most of my positions are in the office environment and they lasted anywhere from a few days to a few months. Working as a temporary employee gives you plenty of flexibity and freedom to try new things outside of your present career.

I have never worked while dressed as Maria. I am comfortable working as a guy; the money I earn helps me pay the bills and allows me to enjoy myself as Maria in my free time.

Maria

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 9:56 pm

Hey Anita,

You know, with a temp agency, you can list yourself as a transgendered individual. Your agent at the Temp agency would know up front, and basically would screen employers who did/didn't mind hiring TG individuals. Another idea that just popped in my head is to add TG friendly on your resume. Who knows, CJ's add may well be out there already. Wouldn't that be awesome! Learn new skills, dress as you like, and get PAID for it!

Enjoy the temp jobs, girl. And good luck with your music!

Hugs,
Kyra

Stormy(SO) · Post by **Stormy(SO)** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:29 pm

WTG!! Keep us posted on your progress.

Stormy