Gay jellies! Have you ever been out of the closet, and then thrust back in?

I have a new job; possibly a new career. I work in a residence for the Developmntally Disabled. It’s a tight-nit group of coworkers, and they’re very biased toward gays. So, I’ve kept my mouth shut. Ultimately, I’ve ended up saying I have a girlfriend, because I’ve found it easier to “fly-under-the-radar”. Or something. (It seemed like a good idea at the time. It keeps them quiet and placated.)
It’s in no way altering my comfort with being gay; it just seems appropriate. I want to keep my job and further my career. Still, I’m interested in knowing any other jellies who’ve been in this situation? Did it hurt your esteem/pride/quality of life?