Dating, be straightforward or vague? Not working, and ashamed.?

Well, it's a tough one. By being too vague, you risk attracting the "wrong person" who will drop you like a bad habit when they find out the truth (which they will eventually) - or alienating the "right person" who might feel you were not truthful enough. By being "too" truthful, however, you're significantly narrowing a "pool" of available dates, as people usually try and stay away from drama or problems. I think, you have to take the "middle ground" here - be just open enough to describe your situation in general, but don't go too deeply into the specifics, and certainly don't complain or over-dramatize. "Things happen" is probably the best facade to adopt (regardless of how you might feel about the situation internally; it is totally understandable that it can be frustrating to be out of work - but you don't have to dwell on it in conversation; focus on the positive). Try to win them over with your demeanor and personality; after a relationship has reached a certain point, details may cease to matter. Besides - you situation will hopefully improve in the future. Give it a try; good luck.