I am pissed. My old boss who bullied me two years ago hasn't replied to my request for a positive reference after having been laid off.

HR has offered me a reference instead, but usually HR can only disclose the dates of employment (I believe).

I worked for this boss for a total of nearly four years, including my consulting work with her. But I think she quietly despises me because I got her into trouble with the company and with HR when I submitted a formal complaint against her and took off four plus months from work because of her extreme bullying. Now she's paying me back by refusing to respond to my request.

I cannot even believe her lack of professionalism, though I shouldn't be surprised. She used to yell at me, chastise me and publicly berate and humiliate me. She has always been a complete biotch. But now I have to suffer the consequences of having reported her. No matter what, they always have the power over you. The little guys never win.