You want me to do what?
First off, I am a 3D animator, have been for 25 years. I have worked at Nike, Intel and several other companies of that stature. Recently, I decided that chasing money and 2 hour commuting one-way to a job was simply not bearable any longer. I wanted to get a job close to my home and the money was secondary to me. I did land a job less than 15 minutes from my home. Now, bear in mind, I have been doing graphic work for 25 years, I have won 17 awards for my work, including 2 Emmys (I don't say this to brag, just so you know that I am an accomplished artist with many years and accolades to my name). At this job...the owner was an insufferable idiot who until she hired me was doing all the marketing and graphics herself for more than 8 years..she finally decided she needed a professional artist so that her marketing materials looked professional. As I walked in on my first day, she showed me my office, my computer, where the coffee machine and restrooms were...and then asked me to follow her out to the warehouse. I assumed she wanted to introduce me to other member of the staff...she pointed to a wall that had some aprons hanging on it and told me to please get one...I did and asked her why. She wanted me to put it on, and pull product with the warehouse staff...she wanted me to do this on a daily for the first hour or so of my shift...REALLY? She hired me as a graphic designer...not labor. I told her that was not what I was hired to do. She told me that in the job description it stated the work I was expected to do...along with a line at the bottom that said "And any other work necessary". That to me means, any other work related to the job you got hired for...not sweeping up the warehouse and making sure the restrooms have TP. I politely told her to jam the job wherever it would fit best...excused myself, gathered my keys and other personal items and drove home. Shortest time on a job...EVER!
This is a perfect example why companies are hesitant to hire experienced applicants! Where's the adaptability? You decided to throw all the conveniences you identified about this new job on the first day or hour on the job. I understand it’s not your job but it could have been a temporary ask. As long as it’s not against the law and your getting paid then why not?
That stuff wasn't brought up in the interview?!
Frank, welcome to today's business world. To keep costs low and profit high, employers will expect and demand one employee to do the work (and the jobs) of three. While I respect your principles, rolling up your sleeves and pitching in with the "labor" provides you with the opportunity to see what your company produces and how the team operates. That being said, how you described your former employer immediately tells me that you never had any respect for her both before and after hire (not good). Quite frankly she could have asked you to sample Cuban cigars and Napoleon brandy for an hour and your hackles would have risen. Her idea of having you work on the production line, while less than brilliant, would have provided you with the opportunity to interact with others and might also have given you some creative "a-ha" moments. Unfortunately, your lack of interest in your employer would have made even the Cuban cigar testing a tedious chore and a job description of "shortest time" ever. Chose your employers wisely. Trust those first instincts. If you can't stomach your employer now time won't fix the problem and you will find each employment day filled with resentment and regret. I wish you well.