Originally Posted by
TGS
You should be able to fit both a Shield and the M&P Compact 2.0 in the safe I gave you, FWIW.
The M&P 2.0 is a good size for concealment if you put some effort into selection of your clothes, holster and belt. With that said, there's certainly nothing wrong with carrying the Shield at work, particularly if you work in an environment where you'd likely be fired if you were found to be carrying legally. If you work in the tech industry(?), it's my understanding that the unofficial cultural "uniform" is a collared shirt and fleece vest. That'd be a great concealment garment, particularly if you carry appendix.....and, in addition, even the M&P Compact would disappear in a good appendix setup.
One thing to note is that if you want to conceal well, it's going to take some trial and error with holsters. You'll definitely need to invest in a good gun belt, too. Comfort, just like concealability, will depend on how well you match these items up. You probably won't believe us at first, but a quality setup can be very comfortable. I used to do 10 hour car rides with a P2000 carried appendix, no problem. Appendix is also very popular among the Air Marshals, and I can't think of a more uncomfortably-seated job in the world. Currently I carry a Glock 19 just forward of 3 O'clock, and I don't think carrying a smaller pistol would be any more comfortable.
Holster and belt play a much bigger role in comfort than the size of the gun does.