When you dont pay a ticket many states suspend your license . I woul;d be willing to bet a case of Fast Tire yours was ..... Most jobs ask Have you ever had a license suspended . ? This is something that needs to be taken care of . Even after the suspension is cleared up you will need to explain.
As far as choosing eating over paying a ticket judges or hearing officers usually give you time to pay if you appear in court rather than flip them the bird and do a no show ..