Hi, everyone, sorry if it’s not the place but I couldn’t find a more appropriate sub for this and I really need some advice.

Instead of a tl;dr, I’ve broken this up into sections.

The problem:

My problem is that I can’t seem to muster the courage to find a job because of past trauma. I was exploited at a previous job and that has had lasting consequences that manifest in fear, making me tense up and defer to other activities instead of job hunting. I’ve already gone to a state psychologist for this but it didn’t go well for other reasons. I can’t afford a private therapist right now.

About me:

I’m a front-end dev with enough experience for an entry level. I think I’m good at what I do and I already have some projects that I’ve finished over the past few months and just need to update my portfolio site with those and my résumé. But I’d rather work on those projects from dawn 'till dusk and fuck off instead of applying. I just get very emotional to the point that even typing this up is hard.

What happened:

I know it sounds ridiculous, but for some context, I’ve already had a few failing gigs beforehand that were miserable. And what was supposed to be a temporary part-time job (and was paid as such) turned into more than a full-time job where I was basically working 12-16 hours nonstop doing three different roles of programmer, teacher, and YouTuber. I was promised a series of job interviews to other tech companies so I gave it my all to look good. I worked hard, poured my heart out, and was recognized by my students, but management subverted the offer and tried to keep me for cheap without telling me or giving me anything in return.

So I burnt out and got fed up after I had to keep reminding them to pay me. I submitted my leave, they made me an offer but the requirements were ridiculous, the pay was mediocre and it was much more work than I was already doing. I left and I’ve been unemployed for some time now trying to recover but I can’t make peace with it. I was betrayed.

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Now I feel like it’s gonna happen again in some way or another and I can’t stand it. I loved my job but I felt so trapped. I was barely getting by and all my money and my time were going to fuck all but my needs. I thought I was building something for myself and now I’m back at square one with nothing and it’s so deflating.

Time is passing by quickly and I know that I have to face the whole hiring process again very soon and it puts me on edge. Does anybody know what to do? I’m lost, demotivated, and scared. I’d appreciate your advice. Thank you all.