Hiding a layoff from the family, bad idea? - 13 months and counting

I have been leaving the house at the same time each day so my kids do not notice. I have been trying to stay organised about it. Bills are coming up and I cannot keep this quiet. What did you say?

Do not wait until a bill surprises them. The longer it goes, the harder it gets.

Shame is common after a layoff even when it is not your fault. Saying it out loud to one person first helped me.