*Note* Im no professional, and Im quiet inexperienced**
Chick, after going through my recent trials and tribulations with security clearance, I promise you, they already know, or will find out very quickly. I quit a job after 2 weeks working with them, left amicably and my supervisors wished me well on my journeys, and I didnt report it. I did not put them down as a work refernence, merely because I felt like I hadnt worked there long enough to matter at all. Well, about 2 weeks into my clearance, I get phone calls from my old boss telling me a strange lady called and asked him questions about me and my (insinuating) "drug habits" and other extremely personal information he had no clue about. I was shocked and awed they managed to dig that up like that.
Now what I dont understand, is you have apparent experience, and you were implying you are going to cover things up. If you have had access authorization before, you should know how detailed they go into these things, which really begs the question "why are you here?". Sorry to be crass, but if you're thinking about lying or "leaving out" (aka, "lying") items on your questionaire, it just doesnt jive with me very well.
Job pay doesnt matter. You made the mistake, you live with the consequences. If they dont approve you, appeal it with your statments. I recommend emailing "Graphic", our resident SME on access authorization about things you can do to help your case.
Finally, have some modicum of faith in yourself. They took me, and as some here know, its quite remarkable they did!!! An honest nights sleep is worth much more then a job that pays more then 30$ an hour, I can vouch for that. Forgive my rant, Im ideological and voice my opinions more then I should, but I honestly feel you are better served just flat out being honest.