It sounds like you want different things. Maybe this is an opportunity to find something better?

Look on the bright side, you now have the opportunity to look for a new and most likely better job.

The most successful people have different views!

It's not your fault OP, some bosses just hate when you demand things from them even if you are professional about it, sorry OP

"Alright, Jeff, we've got sort of an interesting assignment for you. Do you think you'd be up for it, champ? Great. So we want you to infiltrate one of our competitors. To make your cover stronger, we'll stop paying you and essentially 'terminate' you duties here. That sound okay? Awesome. Also, you don't have to limit yourself to our competitors; you could infiltrate ANYWHERE. Go crazy, bud!"

The question is: Were you fired or did you quit because of what happened in the meeting? Either way fyl for having to find a new job when you weren't expecting it.

Carp(e) Diem, Jeff. Carp(e) Diem

Let me ask you this hypothetical question, Billy. What would you do with unlimited time, and no income? Again, this is just a hypothetical.

Did you happen to call your boss a cocksucking bastard?

Hi OP here! Thanks for the funnies, laugh in the face of adversity I believe! Just to elaborate some more- I'd asked for the meeting, had been asking for a few weeks. I thought something wasn't right as they never responded, but when a time and place was confirmed I thought 'at last!' This sort of thing happens a lot in my job, so I was still none the wiser. I was basically told that there were too many others in the company with the same job title as me, and one has to go and they chose me. I stated that that was quite the opposite of what I thought we would be talking about and that was that. I have a notice period to work and want to check my rights and entitlements in the meantime- I'm hoping there's some sort of payoff! It's not all bad news though, I have another job lined up for me if I want it so I won't be out of pocket. It's strange how life can suddenly change!