CUBICLE FILES

Guilt-tripped at work? Pause before saying 'yes'

Saying 'yes' all the time is the path of least resistance, but it can lead you to places you don't want to go

Often, those who have problems drawing boundaries as a result of "feeling bad" to say "no", end up overworked, miserable, disillusioned and eventually burnt out.

BT ILLUSTRATION: KENNETH LIM

ESTHER* (not her real name) has been with the same company for many years, where she is highly regarded by both her bosses and peers as a highly competent worker.

Not long ago, she wanted to take a step back at work to focus on her family commitments - an arrangement that was agreed upon