In my 10-year gig as a designer, I have lost my job a total of three times due to downsizing and restructuring. I feel those experiences qualify me to be somewhat of an expert on Signs You're Getting The Pink Slip.

Last night as I was getting ready to call it a day at the office, I saw the signs.

The HR/Finance officer came around and said she needed to meet with me before I went home for the day. (Sign #1: They almost always do layoffs at the end of the day.) In her arm she had a couple of files. (Sign #2: When they lay you off, they pull your file and have you sign a bunch of outprocessing forms.) I told Ms. HR/Finance that I'd be in her office in 5 minutes. (Sign #3: HR sometimes sits in on the meeting you have with your boss when he explains why he has to let you go.) Right after she left, Co-Worker piped up and asked, "What's going on? Are we having a meeting?" (Sign #4: Co-workers are usually in the know, but play dumb because they don't know if you know that you just lost your job.)

I went to Ms. HR/Finance's office and sat down nervously. She pulled my file. I sucked in my breath and braced myself. Then...

"I just need you to sign here indicating you received the cell phone I'm about to issue to you." She inserted a SIM card into the phone and scribbled down the SN before handing it over to me.

Exhale. HUGE smile. A rainbow appears and it's raining Skittles.

So instead of walking papers, I was given a cell phone that'll save me some $$$ on my monthly phone bill. I couldn't be more pleased (and relieved).

Those of you who are in the know should have received an email from me with the magic digits. Call me!