Q: I'm 41 and have three children. My youngest is 9 months old. I quit my last job two weeks before my due date, when, in a group meeting, my boss exclaimed, "Your pregnancy is not my problem!"

My dignity was on the line, and, being hormonal, I left and never returned.

For several months, I have been looking for work, with no results. Even though I have eight years of experience in purchasing and love the field, I can't seem to get past the interviews.

I feel I should tell interviewers that I have two preteens and a baby. But when I mention my children and the reason for my employment gap, things seem to take a turn for the worse.

Should I continue to tell prospective employers the truth? I have made it my mantra to be as honest as possible with people.

A: Being "as honest as possible with people" sounds well-intentioned but is often unwise in practice.

Describing your stormy departure from your last job would be foolish, but that doesn't mean you have to lie. For example: "I was with my previous employer until two weeks before my baby was due, then I decided to stay home for a while. But I love purchasing, and now I'm ready to get back to work."

That statement is completely accurate and requires no elaboration. Nor do you need to volunteer a description of your growing family. Instead, talk about your skills, abilities, character and work ethic.

So keep your mantra, but add this corollary: "I will not burden people with more information than they need." Then resolve to give interviewers truthful, work-related answers that present you in a favorable light.

In the future, please don't forget the hazards of quitting one job before you find another. Walking out in a fit of righteous indignation may feel good, but it comes with a high price.

- Marie G. McIntyre is an Atlanta-based workplace coach. Her weekly column is syndicated by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Send questions at www.yourofficecoach.com.