'It was only a matter of time before I was told that I was the next to be laid-off. It had happened to most of my colleagues, and I knew that I'd be no exception. The only reason I had lasted so long was because they didn't pay me so much. Then, before they had the chance to lay me off, I came up with the great idea of asking my boss if he'd let me continue to work for free!

He was a little unsure at first, but I persuaded him to seek the views of Human Resources and, God bless America, they came back and said 'Yes' (provided I agreed to waive all my employment rights)!

And since I started this new working arrangement, my work responsibilities have actually increased! My boss is giving me all manner of additional tasks to do, from photocopying to going out and getting his lunch. My work life is so much more varied and stimulating now - and my boss has even asked if I would do some work for him at his home on the same terms. He says he has a very big garden that is a bit much for him. To think that I may even get to see the boss's house!

I've even taken to getting to work earlier, and the boss has also suggested I start overtime working - although, of course, I won't get paid for it. How good is that ?!

Some of my friends have said that I am being taken advantage of by my firm and my boss, but I am just so thankful for being able to stay on (and a lot of my friends are jealous types anyway). Life has never been better, although I do admit to being a bit upset that I'm being charged to park in the firm car park, and that I have to bring in my own milk and tea bags if I want to have a hot drink at work. But these are small things - in my own country, many of the people don't even have hot water. I realise that I am one of the lucky ones.

I came to this country with nothing. Now I have a small home with a bigger mortgage, credit card debts, personal loans, and even a repayment schedule with the IRS. And to think that my family were worried that I'd be exploited if I went to live in America!'.

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