[TheAlchemist]

On one hand, it's a sign of a dysfunctional job market and that's sad.

On the other hand, you dude may be taking the right approach here. Warren Buffett famously did pretty much the same - he offered to work for free for Ben Graham, his mentor cause experience and insight were much more valuable to him that money. Funnily enough, Graham turned him down initially, saying he was still too expensive :)

So good luck to you !