Changing my name

[EmmaDilemma5]

I have a name that can be shortened in quite a few ways. Think along the lines of Jessica, Jess, Jessie, Jessy etc.

Growing up I was Jess to all of my friends and family except my brother who called me Jessy. He still does. Then, when I started at my first job, weirdly there multiple Jess's, including my boss, so I decided to call myself Jessica to provide distinction. Around that time I met my husband as Jessica.

Anyway, 15 years on, I'm now known to everyone except my family as Jessica. And actually, I don't like it! I much prefer Jess or even Jessy. I just find Jessica too formal.

I'm nearly 40. Is it too late to start referring to myself as Jess? Doesn't really feel natural anymore but I guess it will over time.

How do I transition at work?!

Rather than make an announcement, when someone calls you Jessica, simply say, "Call me Jess, I much prefer it!'

Sign off internal messages as Jess.

It's not too late. Tell everyone you prefer it if they called you Jess. You might get a few whys or side looks but most people will try to remember.

I have the Jessica name for bank and medical so when I have to go into the consulting room they ask how I want to be called. Mrs INeed or Jessica. I tell them please use Jess and they do.

What kind of job? If it involves email you can start by changing your email signature. That's an easy win.

Don't make a big deal of it, just say you'd rather be called Jess / are happy to be called Jess / gently "correct" people.

Most people will adjust and forget you used to go by Jessica.

I feel like this too. When I was a teenager I decided I preferred a shortened version of my name. For example, Becky instead of Rebecca.
Now I'm much older I prefer my full real name but everyone calls me 'Becky'
My work email is even in the shortened version as there were two of us with the same full name so mine was changed to be what I'm known as. Would be a nightmare to get that changed.