Is it normal that my manager doesn't let me quit

Just quit and she will have to get over it if you want another job. Obviously she wants to keep you because a. she gets a benefit from having you or b. you are a good worker. Time to cut the cord. My manager did that crap to me, but once she knew I was leaving she was like, "You were the best employee I ever had."

You're probably being taken advantage of. Not giving someone hours is so that they don't have to pay benefits or so they can have lots of employees in case they decide to fire someone with no notice, always have lots of ppl on call, etc. Your employer is likely aware that you are being underpaid for the services you are providing and doesn't want to pay someone the same wage to do a worse job. If you have a friend that works/worked there have them pretend to be a manager and use them as a reference if your employer refuses to do their job or is incapable of sounding like an intelligent, competent human being. People that use others like this are unlikely to change and often get even worse.

Find a new job before quitting and if you can't start your first day without blowing off a shift last notice, it's not your fault. You tried to be a fair and reasonable adult.

Just my 2c after having dealt with people exactly like this.

You realize she can't physically stop you from quitting right?

Keep bothering them for a due date. You need a due date. They can't keep you forever right?. I get lots of pleas from them to stay a bit longer till they find someone else. Like they'll allow me to quit but not immediately... Something like that. And even after you leave they might haunt you, like send you text messages asking if you are available just to help out on weekends or something. It can be annoying but that's just normal I guess.... I mean if you think about it it sucks for them to let people go to especially if manpower is lacking.... But dude if this job is seriously affecting you than you have to quit soon...

In most applications, supervisors are listed as supervisors not references.....just list her as a supervisor...the law prohibits them from disclosing a lot of information...they mostly can only confirm that you work there and how long...what your job was etc.....that is why applications ask for references...references can be your friends

Your manager needs you to blow him.

I would just quit. Find a new job and I am not sure if they will be able to put down as a reference but try to find someone else. I had to changed jobs for a similar reason and my manager wished me luck.

Get a back bone!

Get a lawyer.