Changing jobs after GC - 6 months

[1234th]

My situation is a bit different - I received my GC on 12 Oct 2011. Due to family reasons I had to travel outside the US for about 5 months (did not work). After returning to US (on 14th Mar, 2012), I started working for the same employer who sponsored my GC.

This link (http://www.murthy.com/485faq.html#13) does mention the "safe" period

Generally, 6 months to 1 year after obtaining the green card is a safe time period to change employment. Failure to stay at the sponsoring employer may result in problems at the naturalization stage.

My question is that does one has to be on payroll the entire time or is it just the time after receiving GC. Do the 5 months I stayed out of the country count towards this "safe" period?

[1234th]

Any idea guys? Attorneys?