This is probably not going to be a popular opinion on these forums but I feel like I should say this. I've had the discussion with my therapist many times about my disorder and if I should be forthcoming about it with future employers. As it stands I let my current employer (I'm a bartender) know so that I could get reduced shifts for awhile to go through a med change. In hindsight, I wouldn't have been so specific about the reason I wanted reduced shifts (I specifically stated treatment of bipolar disorder at the time).

Back to the part where I've talked with my therapist at length. She and I both agree that for any future jobs I seek I don't need to and should not disclose my disorder, ever. If I need time off for any bipolar related reason I'll just ask for medical leave and leave it at that.

Now to the part where this applies to you Edgar's Mom.

You had no obligation to disclose our disorder during your interview. While I more than understand and perfectly agree with your reasons for doing so, an employer is going to look at that as a black mark. Yes there are nice people in the world, and yes they will take a chance on you if you show you can handle the work. In this instance, it seems to me that was simply not the case. I understand the importance of holding a job, even if it's only one day a week, I've been there. But you control how much your employer knows and by being honest you just gave this despicable person another reason to fire you if things didn't work out.

My honest suggestion would be to just look for work elsewhere. Especially if you are unhappy with how the business (non-profit) is ran. I'm sure you can find fulfilling work beyond your most recent employ.

I'm sorry that you have had so much trouble because of a callous individual. It doesn't change the fact that you have to keep in mind that they have the right to not hire or fire you based on mental illness. Especially if you at any given time during your employment history with them have show that it causes an inability for you to do your job. The state I live in is an "at will" state. This means that my employer can change my job description at will and if I don't like it they can fire me (think scheduling shifts that I told them I could not work) and I have no legal recourse.

I hope you can make peace with this situation and that it hurts less and less in the future.