PI blocking my major career job opportunity
I’m defending phd mid August and I’m in the final interview stage for a big tech company. It’s a strong role for my growth with good compensation, but the team wants someone ASAP (June–July), no negotiations with this unfortunately, so timing is the main issue.
I asked my PI if I could start in July and finish my defense remotely and come back for defense date, but he gave a hard no and said I can’t leave before defending. I’ve already asked a few times.
I think he’s hesitant because we’re working on a major journal submission and he may be worried I’ll leave before it’s done. It will be a huge success for the lab if it works out. He’s also keep convincing me to become a professor so do postdoc. I’ve been in the lab 6 years (BS/MS included) and am one of the stronger students.
Now I feel like I’m going to lose this opportunity because of him. Are there phd students who can start working while not finished with defense?
Maybe I’m being too self centered. Am I? Should I just accept this fate? Or how should I convince him?