Developing a crush on a friend/coworker… what should I do?

I just started at this job a little over a month ago and I’m working there most days of the week. I’m enjoying it a lot, I like the work and i often find myself looking forward to my shifts. Everyone there is really nice and understanding (except one guy, nobody likes this guy… unimportant to this story, though).

There’s this one guy especially that I look forward to seeing. He’s funny, he’s sweet, he’s honest, and I think I like him. I don’t want to rush into anything, since we’re still getting to know each other as people and as friends. But I try to make an effort to tell him that I like listening to what he has to say or I’ll point out his quirks cause I think they’re endearing. Nothing too intense or obvious (I hope). I try to do this with anyone I’m fond of, not just those I’m crushing on. Yet I’m worried about making it too obvious. I’m worried if I should even try, if I’m getting my hopes up. I don’t know if he’d like me back or would even think of me that way (for further context, I’m a trans guy). He is a bit older than me, by a little over 10 years (I’m early 20s, he’s mid 30s), which is the other thing that I’m unsure about, if he would even be interested in someone as young as me. Some people are lenient as long as you’re an adult and others only date within 1-3 years of their own age (from what I’ve seen).

I know it’s a lot of waiting, or letting things go through the motions of getting to know each other before doing anything too drastic. The other big issue is that he’s my coworker, and I know I know you shouldn’t shit where you eat… but I feel very connected to him, we have a similar sense of humour and views on the world.

I don’t know. That’s my situation I guess. Let me in on your wisdom so I don’t lose a chance at romance or a friend in the process. Thanks in advance