I thought about unemployment compensation for about 2 seconds before dismissing it. I may be wrong but I believe I was still within their stated orientation period (less than 60 days) where I could be dismissed for no reason at all. 

Yes, it's complete bullshit and had I been given ANY kind of warning I would have been submitting applications for a smooth transition elsewhere. Like I mentioned, I've never been fired from a job before so this was a completely new experience for me. They didn't have an opportunity to get to know me or they would know I would have been a work horse until the very last second of my last day but I guess most people would have raged out of there.  

Honestly, it's not worth the aggravation. I'm used to tightening my belt. This situation has solidified my resolve to pursue what I love instead of settling for a mindless job at nearly minimum wage. It's not the job itself but the bit of steady income that I'll miss the most.  Oh...and if I had any kind of tenure I would definitely have spoken to a lawyer. I have quite a few friends who were used up for DECADES and then treated like crap. It's wrong for anyone to treat a dedicated employee like that!