I’ve been wondering how to handle prospective jobs calling my past employers for references. My last “real” job (not 1099) was for a man that has gone off the deep end and is dealing with legal, mental, physical health and addiction issues and may be living in his car or in rehab on any given day. The skills I gained at that job are noteworthy though. The job I had previously to that was for a company my now EXhusband ran, and he’s disappeared, first to India, and now off the face of the earth. I’m certain he would be venomous and underhanded in every regard if asked about my role working for him, if he could even be reached. Then before that (2006-2008) I sold cars but the dealership has been sold and relocated, all staff that I knew have gone elsewhere. So going back over ten years in employment would finally provide a local manager that is still at his post who would give me a good recommendation. If he wasn’t on vacation or out to lunch or at the doctors, having left work early. Before that, I was self employed as a massage therapist for 10 years. I’m happy to give MYSELF a glowing review! Haha! But seriously, I’m finding that it’s not just employers but also leasing agencies that need to verify previous income and employment histories now that I’m looking for a new place to rent. How do I overcome sketchy bosses when I did good work and learned real skills that I need to have on my resume? Any ideas?