Help with result() from model

[eluser]condoace[/eluser]
I am trying to return the data selected (from model) to the controller. I am trying to store the row id in the $my_id variable that is located in the controller, but it doesnt seem to work (always empty).. any ideas what I am doing wrong..?

CONTROLLER

Code:

function validate_e_credentials()
  {  
   $this->load->model('Model_employees');
  
   $query = $this->Model_employees->validate_user();
  
   $my_id = $query->id;
  
   if($query == true) // if the user's credentials validated...
   {
    $data = array(
    
     'user_id' => $my_id,
    
     'login_email' => $this->input->post('login_email'),
    
     'logged_in' => true
    );
    
    $this->session->set_userdata($data);
    
    redirect('employees/index');
   }
   else // incorrect username or password
   {
    echo 'not working';
   }
  }

MODEL

Code:

function validate_user(){
  
   $this->db->where('email', $this->input->post('login_email'));
  
   $this->db->where('password', md5($this->input->post('password')));
  
   $query = $this->db->get('employees');
  
    if($query->num_rows == 1)
    {
     return $query->result();
    }
  
  }