I was a good student on a degree programme and graduated with a good 2:1, never missed a deadline, always hardworking etc. I asked the course leader for a reference months ago and she went on and on about how much work she had to do and that she couldn't get it done for another 3 weeks even though this meant I missed the deadline for application. Finally she gave me the ref and the deadline was extended anyway. Then I have decided to apply for something else and asked her again today and she sent me an email saying sorry I can't do this for you because I have too much work to do and am off soon on annual leave. I mean excuse me but isn't writing references for ex-students part of her job? She was really dismissive and I feel very upset about this. I have wondered if she is jealous because the job I went for previously was a higher position than her and I got it, the same again for this new position. I want to complain to her manager but I work in a very small industry and don't want to have bad feeling. I just think this is really shit. AIBU? and would you complain? All she has to do is resend the one she wrote before. She has suggested another lecturer but ideally it should come from the course leader.