On Friday mornings, my boss has a conference call with some senior-level management. I have an account that's looking to make some pretty significant changes that our VP has been working with them on, so lately, I've been getting some updates from my boss as to how that's been coming along when this call is over.

Call gets over and he asks to come see me. I joke when I get into his office about getting called to the principal's office. He nervously chuckles and gestures back out the door. We head down the hall towards our Human Resources person's office. He mentions something about there being good news and bad news. I'm still blissfully ignorant of what's coming at this point.

Our HR person asks me to take a seat and my boss shuts the door behind us. I'm certain that there's nothing good coming from this, but I still don't know what exactly is going on and am making a mental effort to try to stay positive. Our company went through some layoffs about a month ago and, at that time, my boss had said that our department was safe. He starts by mentioning this and adds, "It turns out I was wrong," and he smiles apologetically.

My heart sank. Immediately, my brain goes on a little journey of "is this really happening?" and "am I going to be escorted out here shortly? I've still got stuff at my desk, though" and "good God, how am I supposed to find a job in this economy? I'm a friggin' college dropout." My boss continues, explaining about the market conditions and other factors that contributed to this all while all these other thoughts are racing through my mind. He made it quite clear that it had nothing to do with my performance, that he's loved having me.

"Well, at least I've got that going for me," I think. "Too bad that doesn't get me paid." Even in this situation, my brain is still a smart ass.

He then continues, starting with an emphasized and optimistic "but." He explains that they have a job for me in our Customer Service Department (this was the good news portion). This is what I was doing before I moved to the games side. While this meant no more commissions, which made up about 25% of my earnings in 2009, at least I was still employed. They asked if I'd be willing to take that position and I agreed. "I'd rather be employed than not," I told them.

So, I'll be heading back to the job I had for about 4½ years before that. I enjoyed that job and, frankly, basically only jumped to this new one for more money and, by and large, got it. Anna and I have done a pretty good job of spending it, too! :-) The best news is that all of our purchases were paid for with cash, so it's not like we've brought on new huge monthly bills that'll sink us. We'll be OK.

It was fun getting to go to E3 last year, but I'm glad I don't need to worry about that this year, especially considering the timing. It's scheduled for June 15-17. Our wedding anniversary: June 15. Katelyn's birthday: June 16. Thank God I don't have to fight that fight.

In more upbeat news, I did get an order placed for a new PC on Saturday. Sure, it seems a bit silly to buy a relatively big ticket item the day after finding out about a sizable pay cut, but we figured we might as well do it while we could instead of waiting until we had to and couldn't. My current PC is 8½ years old (got it on 9/10/01). That should help me catch up on pictures and videos (one can hope!).

Lastly, I mentioned above that commissions made up about 25% of my earnings in 2009. Oddly enough, this only netted me about a 7% increase in take-home pay in 2009 vs. 2008 (I only had 3 months of measly commissions in 2008). You've gotta love that progressive tax system we have, don't you?

UPDATE 3/9
It may seem strange, but reading through this, I realized I never said anything about how thankful I am to my bosses for the opportunity to come to this department in the first place. I was more recruited than anything and didn't initially think I'd like being in sales. Overall, I've been proven wrong; I've enjoyed myself in this job, which is what makes having to leave it so difficult.

I couldn't be more appreciative of being given the opportunity to come over here in the first place and, considering the current market conditions, the opportunity to keep a job. I get to come to work at the same nice place, with the same great people, and in the same fun industry. I have few complaints and no regrets.