'Downshifting in tough times'
By Tita Datu Puangco

EVERYONE is talking about rising prices and the higher cost of power and fuel. One can hear the palpable sighs of helplessness and sometimes of despair. A tendency for most of us is to look for scapegoats. But the fact remains that the global economy has also exploded into global problems like the food shortage, fuel hikes, and the higher cost of power.

A reader asks what can be done saying that only salaries have remained flat for most people especially in the middle class. My proposal is to downshift and simplify our lifestyles and go for wise financial planning.

Around us are people who have decided to take the proactive road. As my younger sister insightfully remarked, The power is in your hands. Man is created with the power of the will to decide and act on situations with intelligence and grace.

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'Should I say no to added assignments?'
By Josie O. Santamaria
Contributor

I AM not able to do all the tasks, including some major ones, related to the job description of my position, such as finishing and submitting reports on time because Im assigned to help in various projects in other sections or departments.

Frequently, my boss directs me to do some projects for her and makes me report to her directly. I am very tired at the end of a nine-hour work day such that Im not much of a husband to my wife and a father to our three-year-old son. I need to work even on Saturdays.

Yes, my cell phone has to be on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Should I say NO to these added assignments and just concentrate on doing the tasks required of my position? How will this affect my boss performance evaluation of me? How will this affect my career?

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