Exploring the workplace: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of trans men’s experience

Abstract

Within the last 15 years there have been significant changes to the lives of many trans people. Academic research in this field is minimal but growing, however research on trans lives and workplace issues is still scarce in the UK. This study explores retrospective accounts of work-related experiences of five purposively recruited post-transition trans men, aged between 29 and 44 living in Scotland. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted by the first author. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Themes relating to the impact of gender identity issues on education, career decisions and subsequent career direction were identified and are presented here: ‘The self at work – beginnings, The self at work – career development and work-life balance’. Considerations for future research and for occupational psychology are outlined