Yes. Last full time software development job was in 2017, under the most abusive manager I've ever had in my 20+ years in tech. Took a full year out just for psychotherapy. Unfortunately, the subsequent years had me branded with that "employment gap" stigma that recruiters and hiring managers can't see past.

I'm now doing temp office work for my local government. I actually prefer the job setting, aside from the low pay. I would encourage everyone to try getting work in their own local governments, especially around big events like elections, when there's need for a lot of people at once.

The "employment gap" stigma is so frustrating. I want to find every recruiter that thinks it is okay to stigmatize this, and smack them.

My girlfriend is currently suffering a lot because of this because she had to go on extended bereavement and now no one will hire her.