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Original poster

Help - terrified of accepting new job because of unflattering uniform

215 replies

jobdilemmahelp · 27/05/2021 20:08

Ive been offered a job with the ambulance service and as much as I would love the job, the uniform is going to look horrendous in me

I'm sure you are all familiar with the cargo style trouser and shirt combo, the shirt must be tucked in - herein lies the problem. I have an awful large saggy lower belly and I know it's going to look horrendous in the trousers

I'm going to have to turn the job down unless anyway has any advice to help please

OP posts:
Knittedfairies · 27/05/2021 20:12

Shapewear? I think 'terrified' is a bit OTT; you won't be the only one who finds it unflattering.

PanamaPattie · 27/05/2021 20:12

I'm not sure why you applied for the job in the first place - you most have known what the uniform was. Or did I miss something?

AutoIncorrect · 27/05/2021 20:13

Get some tummy smooshing knickers?

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Clothing
Original poster
jobdilemmahelp · 27/05/2021 20:14

That's very helpful @PanamaPattie thank you for your input

OP posts:
Viviennemary · 27/05/2021 20:14

Just suck it up and give it a go. It would be a shame not to when you've got the job.

BIWI · 27/05/2021 20:14

WTAF? The uniform/how you look is more important than the job? That's ridiculous!

JayAlfredPrufrock · 27/05/2021 20:14

Coat?
Gilet?

Who cares what you look like if you can do the job?

Charliecatpaws · 27/05/2021 20:15

Unfortunately ambulance service uniform is very unflattering unless you're very slim

GlutenFreeGingerCake · 27/05/2021 20:15

No one is going to be judging your tummy they will be very happy to see you and you may well be saving their life.

MamaWeasel · 27/05/2021 20:16

When you're potentially taking your final breath the last thing you're going to be worried about is the ambulance staff having a mum tum.

JorisBonson · 27/05/2021 20:16

Similar trousers in the police. Absolutely nobody looks good in them. You won't be alone.

Bluntness100 · 27/05/2021 20:16

You knew what the uniform was. Are you really going to turn down the job you applied for a because you’ve now decided the uniform is too unflattering? Why apply in the first place.

Original poster
jobdilemmahelp · 27/05/2021 20:16

@BIWI I have major image insecurities and my tummy is the bane of my life. So yes, it is a major issue for me

OP posts:
DuvetCaterpillar · 27/05/2021 20:16

Don't know what role exactly you'll have, but might it help to remember that everyone will be looking at and focused on the poor sod in the back of the ambulance, rather than you? Big knickers, chin up, you can do it Smile

littleducks · 27/05/2021 20:17

Is there a tunic style option for staff who wear "modest" length tops for religious or cultural reasons? Might be worth asking about.

IsolaPribby · 27/05/2021 20:17

Sorry, but you must have applied a) wanting to do the job, and b) knowing what the uniform looks like! So, as kindly as possible, I think you need to either a) get over yourself, or b) let someone else do the job?

Bluntness100 · 27/05/2021 20:17

@DuvetCaterpillar

Don't know what role exactly you'll have, but might it help to remember that everyone will be looking at and focused on the poor sod in the back of the ambulance, rather than you? Big knickers, chin up, you can do it Smile
She didn’t say she was a paramedic.
sundaylunday · 27/05/2021 20:17

I do know what you mean. I'm an AHP in the NHS and luckily our uniform is tunics which much more flattering. I always feel horrid when I put scrubs on as they are so unflattering on me (either too tight or falling off) I do always look at our ambulance colleagues and am very thankful we don't have to wear a shirt tucked in combo.

I would still take the job....but I would feel a bit bleurgh about myself when getting dressed each day.

Ninkanink · 27/05/2021 20:18

Really?

You’re terrified of your attire being unflattering when you’ll literally be saving lives?

I think you might need to examine your thinking.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 27/05/2021 20:18

Ambulance personnel come in all shapes and sizes. Most healthcare uniforms aren’t terribly flattering.
If you can get over your anxiety I’m sure you’ll find it’s not as bad as you fear.
Please give it a go.

Original poster
jobdilemmahelp · 27/05/2021 20:19

@sundaylunday yep that's the issue, I don't know if I can cope with feeling like that every day

I don't have a uniform in my current role so I can dress to flatter my body shape which in turn means I can feel confident and just get on with my job rather than worrying who can see my saggy belly

OP posts:
BeyondMyWits · 27/05/2021 20:19

No one is going to care about a big belly.

The only time I ever called out an ambulance I was having a heart attack, I only remember the reassuring, matter of fact, controlled, kindly voices of the 2 who saved my life.

BIWI · 27/05/2021 20:19
Biscuit
katy1213 · 27/05/2021 20:19

I rather doubt that when the ambulance arrives any patient is thinking, "ooh, look at her with the saggy tum in those trousers.'

sundaylunday · 27/05/2021 20:19

Everyone is being very dramatic about 'saving lives' - it still is just a job and when you're in the NHS, you don't feel like some superhero who is too special to not worry about your appearance 🙄

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