If you don't know me by now, I'm a 9 year Sub LELT type on the way out soon.
I just had my third interview since starting this transition process and will be accepting a job as a Health Physicist...
Just a second ago, as I was fumbling around the house and thinking about nothing in particular, a new sensation washed over me and I felt compeled to share this.
I am being treated like a professional for the first time in my life. Not to discount my Naval service, but I have never felt like a recognized professional in quite the same way.
When I was dressing for my third interview (in my new tailored suit), I did not recognize the person in the mirror. Wasn't there supposed to be coveralls or dungarees in the reflection? Who was this person? It just didn't seem natural.
During the site visit I met and conversed with people far more educated than me, but I was interviewing to be a peer, not a subordinant, and was treated as such. When still a sea-going nuke there was always this limiting device out there, somewhat veiled, but tangible enough to keep me in my place.
Those of you that have made the transition, have you felt this before?