Hi everyone. I'm newly out from lurking and I've been brought out by a question. I have a situation going on and no matter how I tilt my head at it I cannot decide what to do. I'm ftm, on T, and I'm in the position of having to look for a new job. I pass reliably and in social interactions always supply my real name, never my legal name. However, having my name changed legally is prohibitively expensive where I live. I need to do it, but I can't do it until I've obtained another job. So I am faced with the task of job-hunting with an awkward legal name going on.

When I fill out an application am I obligated to put my legal name in the "name" box, so long as I supply my legal name somewhere? I am not actually sensitive about who knows whether or not I'm trans, but I am absolutely adamant about being addressed the proper way and I will not wear a name tag with my legal name on it. After being on T for a while, it... doesn't look appropriate to me. I had a great deal of trouble over it at my last job and several instances of confused heckling by customers. Basically, I don't care what goes on any administrative paperwork at this point because I know what it'll have to be, but on the front end I need to be addressed by my real name and proper pronouns, and the only way to do this is to out myself. How should I best represent this as I am applying for a job?

ps. I'm not asking for legal advice and I acknowledge that what I'm asking is for casual advice. I'll be calling a group that can help me in a more formal way later. Thanks to everyone.

If you are in the States, remember also that the employer will typically look at the ID necessary to prove eligibility to work in the United States.  This is generally accomplished through reviewing drivers license and social security card. 

Some job application forms have slots for preferred name on them.
I know cis-folks who have their preferred (non-legal) name on their company ID's.
With a sympathetic company it just requires telling them.

Get a name change though. It's great, it's emancipating, it's practical.

Theoretically, being poor should not disbar you from access to the legal system in the US.
A Financial Waiver Affidavit can cover the cost of a court-ordered name change.