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

OP please try not to worry. No one will even bother. Just think of the parts of your body you like and how good they look. Don't turn the job down.

Bigger trousers and a nice comfortable belt with decent knickers. Dunno if I would be dealing with shapewear all day at work but some big, supportive high waisted knickers would probably be comfortable and more flattering than smaller pants.

Thank you for the supportive and understanding messages

My stomach is awful (apron overhang would need muscles repaired and tummy tuck) I wear high waisted sloggi every day comfy and hold it in.

I wear a nurses tunic and buy my own trousers as NHS are hideous and so uncomfortable

Oh Op, I echo Fluffy, get them a size or two bigger and get them tailored. I wear a uniform a size bigger, brought the waist in a bit and it looks much more flattering on me.

And for the record I am one of those really fat size 20s mentioned above. It doesn’t stop me doing my job properly. Beach ready isn’t in my job description, and I’m pretty sure it’s not in yours either. Your employers saw something good in you. You have what they were looking for. You will be just fine.

Once you get in there and find your feet, your mind will be buzzing with your daily routine. Your colleagues will see you as a person, not a tummy.

Good luck!!

Honestly, we all looked pretty crap in them!
The mens trousers often fit better

That's exactly my issue @Dixiechickonhols , I've had several abdominal surgeries and the muscles are just non existent

I'm not even that big, 14/16 but I'm tall so not really overweight, I just have an awful, flabby saggy tummy

I understand the insecurity but personally always found the anonymity of a uniform rather comforting.
I feel rather exposed at present as I've come out of uniform and into "civvies" and am feeling more self conscious,
I hope that the uniform isn't a barrier to you doing a job that you want to do.
good luck either way.

Sending support and encouragement your way. I hope you take the job and follow some of the advice or tips from others here.

If you do decide to not take the job, if you feel brave enough, please give feedback about your reasons. I'm not sure why an office worker needs to wear this uniform nor why there isn't a choice of longer tunics. People need to feel comfortable at work. They're getting it badly wrong.

Ive also got a mum tum with split muscles. Your body is not the problem. Your body is fucking awesome. We've just been fed this line about what our bodies should look like and its total bullshit. I just decided that I wasnt going to feel bad because other people might not like how I look. Well I dont exist for them to have something nice to look at. However its much easier

Posted to soon.

I know its easy for me to say, but please dont let the bastards get you down and stop you from taking a great job!

@Thiswayorthatway

Get a grip, lucky to have a job

Constructive.

You don’t go into this long of work for the uniform! In which case maybe it’s not for you

line

Pretty sure you can't be a paramedic as the paramedics I know care more about the job itself and their skills than their appearance.
Shame you feel so insecure about your body image and what others think

Turning down what sounds like an amazing job because you don't like the uniform. Can you hear just how shallow you sound?

If you’re like me, your shape probably stops you doing lots of things because you’re embarrassed. Almost like it has power over you? How about trying to take the power back? “I want this job, I’m going to be great at it, so I’m going to do it and stick two fingers up to my tummy. My tummy isn’t going to stop me being who I want to be.” Would that approach help?

For travelling to and from work choose a lovely coat - I got a red Hobbs one in sales and feel fab in it even if outfit underneath isn’t great. I understand what you mean as I wouldn’t ever choose to wear trousers and a tucked in top. Best wishes.

Apple shaped, old, fat nurse here! I sympathise. I do at least get to wear a tunic but no one looks amazing in the uniforms unless they are slim and flat of tummy!

I agree with getting the trousers a bit bigger round the waist and have the legs hemmed and taken in. I took mine to a local sewing person and felt loads better about them. I'm no expert but wonder if they might be able to alter the tummy area to make them a bit more flattering.

Do you get a fleece or hoodie? Check if that is an option as a big one of those would hide a lot.

I bet at 14/16, you don't look as bad as you think - I wish I was a 14/16! But, honestly, healthcare workers come in all shapes and sizes and no one bats an eyelid.

I think you are getting an unnecessary hard time @jobdilemmahelp. Will you be working in the EOC? In which case you will be behind a desk a lot! I agree the uniforms are not flattering for the vast majority of people and I would be mortified if I had to wear it for all the reasons you say. But I think the suggestion of requesting a larger size and getting it altered may be an option. Don't tell anyone when you order that's what you plan to do as there will no doubt be 'rules' about this.
Just wait until you see how much energy people put into how many pips and cartwheels and other insignia they have on their uniform and you will soon forget about your mum tum! Good luck with the job. I'm sure you aren't the only one with these insecurities and you may find your colleagues share the same feelings.

Don't turn the job down. You might find after a few days in the uniform you've got used to it and stopped worrying so much. On a practical note, Spanx help?

Order a bigger size trousers so they’re a bit looser around the crotch and belly area.

But tbh, doing this job you’re going to find yourself in so many unflattering, sweaty, grunting and generally undignified positions your trousers will be the least of your worries.

Again in all offices I’ve worked in normal for people to have fleece blanket on lap or hot water bottles as heating temp or a/c never suits everyone - could be an option to make you feel less exposed.

So many people not reading the OP's post and liking on her. Many people work for the ambulance service with no direct patient care in their role. She will be office based not kneeling in gutters at 2 in the morning doing CPR!