Last week when I met with a recruiter about a month-long temp job, I let him know that under no circumstances could I work a full-day on the night of my graduation from grad school this week. I have to be at the venue by 4:30 p.m. fully dressed up with my grad school robe etc.

He assured me he would talk to the temp job supervisor about it. I showed up for my first day on the job and reminded her that I needed to leave really early the night of my graduation this week. She was very rigid and said I had to work until 4:00 p.m. so that's a deal breaker for me.

I waited until i got home to email my recruiter this news. In my email I said that he had promised he would let this temp job supervisor know I had to leave very early and get it approved. Apparently, he didn't do that.

Well, I'm not going to work until the last minute then go change in the bathroom at this temp job and do my makeup there. That's not happening. This is also a very emotional night for me as my mom died 2 months ago, and so I'll be thinking about her the entire time.

I'm going to let the temp job supervisor know tomorrow that the recruiter was supposed to get the early time approved before my start date, and that it's not something I will be flexible about. I'm not going to throw away my graduation night for some dumb temp job.

[Yaowen]

I think you are totally right and I would be exactly the same thing if I was in your shoes. I'm so sorry the people at your temp job proved so inconsiderate and inflexible.

[Samicat]

I fully agree. You don't want that job anyway if they are such dicks. I'm so sorry about your mom and have a great graduation.

[Revenge Tour]

1. I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I am sure she will be smiling down on you on your big night.

2. Tell temp job supervisor to pound sand. This is a huge accomplishment you worked hard for.

3. Congratulations.

[Aviza]

Congratulations and leave early screw the job you'll get another one.

Thanks everyone! My graduation night was worth it. I spent the whole day (not working at that temp job after all) emotionally processing grad school, my mom's death, and my present circumstances job-wise. The graduation ceremony was 90 minutes and felt great. Then, I went home and ate a late dinner with some ice cream for dessert.

Some people just want you to punch a clock and don't care about your life outside of work hours. I can't do that to myself. I just can't.

I did have a job interview the day after my graduation (red flag: temp to hire...these rarely if ever turn into a full-time job) and was offered a different role at the company that I had zero experience with. I turned it down for a couple of reasons: 1) the company is literally ALL family (the gal who interviewed me said that she and her two sisters get into arguments a lot there) and 2) the job I interviewed for was exactly what I wanted but she gave it to another candidate and then offered me another role for far lower pay, doing something I have zero experience with and no training is offered. Close, but no cigar.