<prompt> Human: For reference: I live in USAI dont know if this is applicable to this sub but it is the closest one I could think of. So I am 22 and from 16-20 I worked basic jobs in retail and fast food. At 20 I got sick of working those jobs and have been buying and selling underpriced things from thrift stores for cash on craigslist, helping a family friend at their restaurantunder the table and helping a family member with their businessunder the table as well. So on paper I look like Ive been unemployed for 2 years. I am tired of having no direction in my life, and without revealing too much information, I am trying to get into a level entry job that has potential to turn into a life time career path. I have social anxiety terribly, which is part of why I have been terrified to go back to normal work, and I dont know how okay it is to write those things down on my applications. Do they somehow check if you were in the books at previous employers? Will it look terrible if they find out that I wasnt? Both people I worked for will obviously give me good references. Should I even mention that they were family friendsfamily members I worked for? Thank you for any help, and sorry if this post is disconjointed I just have lots of questions and worries and dont know how to properly organize it.  <response>: From my personal experience, just treat them like they were real jobs and youll have no issues. Put them on your resume and describe your duties and such like normal, even using them as references should be fine. An interviewer is looking for what you can bring to the table. If they call your references who can verify your work history, the interviewer likely wont care whether or not you were an employee on paper or under the table. An interview is more about selling your worth than proving your worth. That comes after you get the job. Be relaxed, be confident, and convince them your worth hiring. 