I'm worried about looking female

[Joe.]

I am starting a job soon and I'm worried that I look too female and that it will confuse people. I bought my uniform yesterday but I feel like it makes my butt look huge and the jumper clings to me, despite wearing a shirt underneath. Usually my binding is ok, but I feel like I look really feminine and that my chest is noticeable in the uniform. I want to make a good impression on my first day and it is my first job since going full time and I am not on T. I'm very worried about customers saying things to me or asking uncomfortable questions. I guess now is the time that I need to pass more than ever, but it's also the time I feel least confident which is making it hard. Does anybody have any tips on passing in the job or general words of encouragement would be hugely appreciated. Thanks.

[LordKAT]

Confidence and mannerisms tend to convey a lot. Work on those and you will likely be fine.

[Mr.X]

I started a job two weeks ago and was worrying about the same, except that I did not need to wear a uniform. It made me very nervous, because like you, I would want to go full time for the first time, but had no idea if I would pass or not.

My advice is to just be clear on your name right from day one. Even if they would doubt at seeing your appearance, your name should make it clear that you're a guy, and would like to be addressed as such. Don't be insecure and stand by the fact that you're a man, and should be treated as a man. I would also just go to the men's bathroom (if they have separated ones) like it is no big deal. If you doubt, people start doubting too.

I don't know if you've told your boss about your 'condition'. If you haven't, it may be a really good thing to let them know before you start. Especially if you haven't changed your name yet. My mistake was to not let them know, so on the first day, they used my girly name. After I told them, they switched and the mistake was barely noticed by my co-workers and things went really well after that. But it was still very awkward and could have been prevented if I had notified my bosses.

[Joe.]

Thank you, I assume my employer knows I'm trans as I had to give them my passport in my birth name but I provided them with my Deed Poll to show my change of name. I think confidence will be the main factor, I will work on it. Thank you both. 

[Chakra6]

I started transitioning at my current job where I already knew everyone, which was really awkward since I live in a rural town. Actually, I didn't even come out. I literally just started acting more like myself and taking hormones and while everyone is a little weirded out by it (maybe a lot weirded out) no one has said a thing to me or asked me about it! I think maybe no one wants to be the first one to ask haha.

Anyways I was worried about similar things because it can be super confusing when everyone down the checkstand line calls you by a different pronoun, as well as the uncomfortable disphoria when someone gets it wrong. I find that regardless of physical change (I'm talking day to day) your attitude decides what people think. You can look like a guy but they will still think you're female (albeit extremely butch) if you don't have the right confidence and aura about yourself. Know who you are, channel them, and be that person without fear of being mistaken. The fear creates the instability and in turn the mistake if that makes sense. If you feel masculine, you will be seen that way.