It's Valentine's Day …and I am in a good mood. The recession may be dragging on, but that’s no reason to be gloomy. After 15 years of marriage, I wouldn't describe the relationship as "dynamite" but hey, the wife seems to enjoy my sarcastic tone.

And financially, as long as I can cling on to this job, I have realised there are some definite upturns to this downturn:

1. Other agencies are failing. Some agencies have lost one client too many, and just can’t struggle on. I don’t take delight in the misfortune of others (although I love the word “schadenfreude”), but I can’t help but be relieved that our agency seems to be doing OK.

2. We don’t have to keep recruiting. Everyone here is keen to hang on in, no matter how irritating I am. Saves so much recruitment hassle and expense.

3. People are fearful of redundancy. This seems to be improving their performance no end. And no one has asked me for a pay rise for ages!

4. Our clients are focused on results. Although it’s tiresome constantly proving the worth of campaigns, at least clients have stopped asking us to do ridiculous work on a whim. And as they want to get a return on their investment, they are listening to some of our more sensible ideas.

5. My boss is actually doing some work. When times are good, she likes to rest on her laurels and exploit us mercilessly. But now she gets in early, and sometimes even works through lunch!

6. I have stopped spending. I used to waste so much money on stupid things, from running gadgets to luxury lattes. I didn’t bother to do a proper budget until times got harder. Although I do I regret all the money I’ve blown over the years...I could be frittering it away now if I’d been more careful!

7. My wife has stopped hassling me to spend money. She’s decided now is not the best time to renovate the house or go on an expensive ski trip. Suits me. Hasn’t stopped the kids demanding expensive toys though …