Nobody wants to feel like they are being taken advantage of. Set a reasonable goal for yourself when negotiating for a new job or even a raise or promotion at your current job.
For most people there is a break in their employment history where they have taken time off. For many potential employers this is not a "deal breaker". Here are some ways to address the issue:
When looking for a job, references can give you the edge over other qualified candidates. But good references don't just happen, they need to be created, coached and informed.