When I first started working here in April 2003, I had to fill out paperwork for a Secret clearance. The Security Manager told me that my bankruptcy (in 1997) might be an issue... But we would see what we would see. (That, and she got very upset because I did not have a current address for my XH. I figured, he was USAF - if the government couldn't find him, why would they think I could?!)
So nothing ever came of it, still working here, found out in late 2009 that I never got a clearance - the SM never turned in my paperwork. So at the time, I no longer needed a Secret, only a Network Access. Came through fine.
Then last summer it ended up needing to be a Secret after all. Again, came through fine... But the bankruptcy was 13 years old, and my credit had rebounded nicely.
Funny thing though... husband had a clearance, and even though he had HORRIBLE credit, that wasn't what stopped him from never getting a call back after the interview. It was all the false allegations made against him by BM. When the court ordered those closed and sealed, it was no longer an issue.
As far as driving a garbage truck... What more perfect way to scope out what people have just bought, see trashed credit card offers, etc.? Chase bank wants me BAD - if I didn't shred all the offers, I can imagine someone could have a FIELD DAY!