Travel per diem (M&IE) rant—sorry

I guess I just need someone to yell at, so I apologize Reddit.

I was made to travel for work yesterday (Friday) early morning and I’m returning this evening (Saturday) at nearly midnight.

I know on travel days per diem for meals is a fraction of the amount, but in situations like this, where I had to leave my house at 5:00 am yesterday and won’t get back home until about 11:45 tonight, per diem should be full amount.

Especially since this travel was a waste of taxpayer money in the first place (I had to give a severely pointless 5 minute presentation at a conference)—so they might as well waste taxpayer money further to give me full per diem.

Also, it ruined my long weekend.

I’m currently at the airport waiting on my next flight, eating a vending machine sandwich because all the restaurants are closed in this rinky dink airport.

I have a few cuss words for Uncle Sam today.