I'm a responsible person who always pays my bills. The combination of California real estate and furloughs have pushed me into bankruptcy.
Anyone have good advice to deal with the emotional toll of this process?

I had to file bankruptcy due to job loss and like you, always paid my bills on time every month and did so up to the day I filed.

I havn't told many people because It's none of their business. Aside from my husband, 3 freinds know and 1 relative. Only 1 of the freinds has judged me - she said I should still pay everyone back. I asked her how I could do that with no job? If I had had a job, I wouldn't have had to file in the first place!

I'm not disclosing it unless I have to and am only concerned about pre-employment back ground checks preventing me from getting a job. The thing is, the stigma that used to be associated with bankruptcy is not really there anymore because so many people have been forced to filed in recent years due to the economy.

That is the only stress i have right now is needing a job.

BTW I just received my discharge papers so I'm free now.. That is a HUGE relief!