Help - terrified of accepting new job because of unflattering uniform

[jobdilemmahelp]

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

I don’t think they flatter anyone so you won’t be alone. But shapewear will improve it, and you won’t look any worse then half the others. Some one really does need to sort emergency service uniforms out.

You’re being ridiculous. If the uniform is more important to you than the actual job you should decline the offer.

I highly recommend wirapa knickers. Cotton but high waisted and gently hold you in. I have a glamorous uniform of blokes cargo trousers and a high vis polo shirt and they really help the mum tum.

Just don't tuck the top in. If they sack you for that you've lost nothing. And I doubt they would even notice anyway.

@Woeismethischristmas thank you, I'll check those out now

Why don’t you get the support pants and try some trousers and top on and see what you think before deciding? You probably don’t look anywhere near as bad as you think!
I do get you stressing over this, don’t understand these other posters sort of saying get over yourself, they wouldn’t go out in something to work that made them feel humiliated now would they!!

Would some sort of shapewear underwear help? Or getting the uniform a size up, so it’s a bit baggier?

If you’re dealing with the public, then they’re likely to be too focussed on their health problems to be thinking much about what you look like in uniform.

Thank you @Workinghardeveryday for understanding

I agree, just get some big knickers op and order the uniform in a bigger size, honestly no one will be looking.

If you're going to care about how you look when you're supposed to be treating me, then please don't do the job.
I've been in and out of hospital for years, including ambulances many times.
No patient cares what you look like.

Do you care if I'm sweaty and my pjs aren't brand new, or if they match?

[quote jobdilemmahelp]@BIWI I have major image insecurities and my tummy is the bane of my life. So yes, it is a major issue for me[/quote]
I have a saggy mum tum and I run. Shape wear is your friend! But truly, the uniform is for practicality not looks. Please take the job.

Oh, I see it’s an office based role rather than a public facing one.

Seriously though, I think most people don’t pay all that much attention to how other people look.

Some of these comments are really harsh. ☹️

I have a stomach like that and I found trousers like that incredibly uncomfortable physically, not just emotionally. It’s really a horrible choice of generic clothing item. So I get it.

If the job sounds interesting, it’s probably worth giving it a try and seeing if you can get past it.

@jobdilemmahelp shapewear will help, as will getting your clothing in one size up and altered to fit nicely.

Whatever your role in the ambulance service, you’re saving lives; and beyond that your saggy belly really isn’t as shameful as you might think. Please don’t let it ruin your chances in this job! You deserve your space in the world so stand tall and claim it!

Thank you @Ninkanink, that's a lovely thing to say

Congratulations on the job! I can understand that you feel uncomfortable. I think that you will be judging yourself a million times more than anyone else is likely to.

I really think that you will get used to the outfit. That is the point of a uniform to a large extent ; to make you invisible.

I hate to think that someone would worry so much about wearing a work uniform for a job they clearly enjoy.

In the nicest way possible, maybe its time to do something about your tummy. I'm not sure if you're "big" but if so, you should think about losing some weight so that you can carry out your job confidently. If its a tummy tuck you need, you might be able to get one on the NHS.

I don't mean this post in a horrible way at all. I just don't think any job is worth turning down over something that can be changed.

I wish people would read the thread- OP is going to be office based.

Some good knicker advice here, OP- hope you get sorted and enjoy your new role!

I love paramedic uniforms, they look so cool!
I'm a healthcare practitioner and the trousers are always dreadful!! I usually buy my own. So many of my colleagues actually leave their trousers undone luckily the tunic is long to cover it!

Could you perhaps get shapewear underwear like others have suggested? Also what if you sized up, that might help.

I know it's difficult when you feel unconfident and uncomfortable in your body. Try to not let it take opportunities away from you

You cannot. you CANNOT turn down this job that you would love based on having to wear a uniform. You will regret it, you really will - having a job you like far outwears having a uniform you don't.
Its not a leotard. Its trousers and a top. I'm assuming if its office based, you will be seated anyway? Not walking about - forgive me if I'm wrong.

Having said that I do understand. I am fat, and you wouldn't catch me wearing unflattering clothing unless I absolutely had to - but that's the thing - you have to. And the thing is lovely - you have a saggy belly whatever you wear. Its nothing to be ashamed of. Its your body and its a body that got you a job you really want!

Try some comfy shapewear as suggested. It will give you more confidence. Whack a bit of lippy on and get your hair done if that helps (it does for me, not for everyone!)
And just be aware that no-one will give a f*ck about your belly except you. I'm assuming if its with the ambulance service, then really everyone will be preoccupied with more important things. You have to get past it. Easier said than done. But you can do it, honestly.

You can always leave if you feel really bad - but you will regret turning it down.

Aw, this is awful, OP has image insecurities.
I think you should seek help my love and don't let it hold you back anymore.
You obviously want this job very much as it's not one everybody would apply for.
I think very few people would look good in that uniform.

At my work the guests and my colleagues laughed at my uniform shorts, and called me Stanley Mathews, I hated the perfect job after that.

Nobody will laugh at you because you are in a serious job, nobody will even notice, I promise you. x

Office based no one will see you’ll be sat down. If you need to go to loo big handbag or carry a file until you feel confident. Sloggi or control knickers. Get trousers size that nicely fits ignore label.
Could it be anxiety the new job and you are fixing in this. Do it. You’ll definitely not be only one who is larger in an office job.

I might recommend you read 'The Feeling Good Handbook' OP because it sounds to me that anxiety about your stomach (NOT your stomach itself) is taking up far too much of your headspace if you are prepared to turn down a job because of it. And the book is very good at explaining why other people really don't care about the things one is anxious that everyone is surely noticing on and commenting about, and it explains why very well to help dispel those intrusive thoughts.