Pat: I'm so sorry to hear, although, to be honest, it sounds like you're better off without the wretched job.

I had a boss like that at one time, who again got rid of me just before Christmas. As it worked out it was the best thing EVER for me. I printed out a load of CVs and dropped them into all the major firms of solicitors in central London. Several contacted me and I landed my plumb job, which lasted until the end of my working life. I hope you have a similar experience.

My old boss was so awful that when he was diagnosed with cancer he asked me if I would tell the rest of the department. I went round everyone and, to a man, they all grinned and said things like "Oh I DO hope it won't hurt him. Laughter". If this makes my old department sound dreadful, they weren't!

Anyway, enough of that. Just want to wish you all the luck in the world. Go along to see the Citizen's Advice Bureau to see if they can help, so send you to a freebie agency that can. When you have all you can get out of him, then MOVE ON and enjoy a new challenge.

Rhiannon