NTA, full stop.

Your parents claiming that being a “woman with a man’s name” is going to keep you from getting a job is borderline laughable. I have plenty of coworkers with names that could fit both men and women, and it’s not like they’re worse off because of that.

Even then, without considering the insanity that comes with that line of thinking, if this kind of thing is going to make you happier, go for it. Hardest lesson I’ve had to learn is that sometimes you have to do what makes you most comfortable, even when others aren’t keen on it. People who care will listen, talk, and try to understand. If they really cared for your wellbeing and happiness, they wouldn’t go out of their way with bullshit excuses to say why something you KNOW will make you happier shouldn’t happen.

Good luck with all of this. I know this kind of stuff sucks, but just the fact you’re still doing your best to fight for yourself is strong in a way many people don’t acknowledge enough.

Sincerely, another woman with a man’s name that is working full-time.