I graduated from college a few years ago and had a number of people to pull from as references at the time. Unfortunately for a couple of years after graduating, I was unemployed or working in low-wage temporary/gig jobs. I recently applied and interviewed for a position. Now they are asking for three professional references before they can make a decision. I don’t have any. I’m still underemployed, but I have worked in a more professional role for the last year. However, I can’t rely on that as a reference, because I don’t want them to know I’m seeking other opportunities. I don’t know who else to ask. I don’t want my references to be too old. The couple of gig jobs I had were very temporary and may even undermine my candidacy. Even with the old references, I haven’t kept in touch. I’ve been too embarrassed about how life has turned out for me. I’m trying to change that, but then there are obstacles like this one. Even if I could muster one current professional reference, where do I get three? What do I do?