Lied to People Who Are Now My Friends, Please Help!

Four years ago I moved across country to where I didn't know anyone. I was feeling pretty insecure and after a couple of months of just working was desperate to make friends as I returned to college. This lead me to one of my biggest lies I've ever told, I claimed to have a job that I never had. I hate myself for it but I've also never came clean about it out of shame and fear of loosing my friends. I feel like a monster because as much as I love my friends and would do anything for them how could I have allowed a secret like this to come between us? I want to come clean but I don't know how to do it.

This is always a tough question. But I do think the best way is just to one on one, not to the group, but to each of your friends that you referred to, just sit down with them sometime and tell them what you've done what has happened , how awful you feel about it and ask them for forgiveness. Coming from you on your own before you are caught in the LIE will go a long long towards fixing the problem and repairing any damage you have done or will do to the relationship. Maybe even ask them for some kind of help in getting over this awful habit will help them to feel your situation and have a desire to help and to stay with you. But the important part is you step up, be brave , and do it, and not get caught in a lie. Getting caught in the lie will always go badly.