I am currently looking for a job. Because I was completely overwhelmed with guilt on two separate occasions when first my pets, and then my mother died, I spent ten years just temping. I did a lot for them but still felt terribly responsible when they died. I shoulda done this, I shoulda done that. I missed this and that sign. The guilt was relentless. I am not sure why I didn't look for permanent work at those times, maybe because I wasn't thinking about financial security at the time, I just wanted relief from the pain. I was a basketcase. I did seek therapy but it did not help much. However, the large chunks of time temping does not look good on my resume. All prospective employers have asked me about them and wondered why I did not look for permanent work. I never fully explained because I was scared of what they might think. But I didn't get most of those jobs anyways.

Now that I am on the job hunt again, how should I explain the temping years without nixing any chance I have for the job? I don't want them to think the same thing might happen again when my current pets die. I have fought hard to let go of the guilt and have climbed my way up out of the pit of despair. I have become an even more compassionate person. I think I can even handle things better when my current pets die. But I am scared to tell everything. How much should I reveal at interviews?

Oh I also suffered from chronic fatigue. (which probably contributed to the depression) I have had acid reflux for sixteen years and had to sleep with my torso elevated. Because of that, I had never been able to get a good night's sleep. I always woke up tired. However, in the past month, I have revamped my eating schedule somewhat and can now sleep horizontally. So I am finally able to get a good night's sleep.

Anyways, thanks so much if you have read this far. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!