Feeling the crunch

We got this letter from the boss the other day:

So the year is almost up and I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication. We’ve had some great wins this year with xxxxxxxxx and xxxxxxxxxxx and we should also be very proud of our Christmas movie, Shout out’s to xxxxxxxx, xxxxxxx and everyone who contributed, the reaction has been fantastic.

That being said we have had a rough year. On top of that next year looks even worse, many of you probably know people who have been laid off and there will be more to come. Our revenue (not profit) in the last 3 years has literally been cut in half. You can tell by the number of empty desks. We are going to wait till the New Year and hope that the xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx campaign, xxxxxxxxxxxx, and xxxxxxxxxxxxx come through, if 2 out of the 3 happen we will be in OK shape. If none happen we are, frankly, screwed. The company has not made a profit in 3 years. I’m sure many of you are due for raises (or deserve them) there is no way that will happen next year.

I’m afraid I will have to ask each and everyone of you to work harder and be even more aware of expenses in the new year. Anytime we do something for a client that is not in our scope or that we could charge for, we are taking money out of our own pockets. No work without checking scope, no work before we have formal briefs and most of all no outside expenses unless xxxxxxxxxxx or I approve them. The biggest issue with freelance is writing. We will try to get a deal or hire someone full time, but in the meantime think 3 times before you ask for a writer.

This will be a painful year not only for us but for most of America, unfortunately we are not going in to the year from a position of strength, keep the faith and work as hard as possible. If we all pull together we can have a successful 2009. Thanks again.

Real encouraging, right? If only he could talk to us like that in person instead of being an ass all the time.

It gets better.

Rent is going up. So long, dental insurance. Good thing that last wisdom tooth was taken care of.

I've made major strides in therapy, but because I'm making more money than I was last year, the rates have increased. I'm many months behind on the bills. I have to cut sessions down to two a month, or less.

December has been a tough month, but that shouldn't last. The biggest problems were from the roommate not keeping me up to date on the electric & Internet bills. Now that I know what to expect, I can budget for it.

Still, it's going to be very tough, like it is for everyone else. It's time to look for a better and/or second job.

Leaving for Bumblefuck on Christmas day, returning on the 29th. Howdy-ho, everyone.