Q: I work for the director of a small nonprofit agency. I am the only one who does not have a cellphone, and the director would like me to be available at all times. I can't afford one, and I don't need one in my private life. I had a cellphone when my mother became ill and the caretakers had to be able to reach me immediately. I became tethered to the cellphone and dropped it after her passing.

There's no written requirement for me to carry a cellphone for my job, but I am being pressured by my boss to acquire one. I don't want to jeopardize my job but I will go over my budget if I get one. How do I handle this?

A: It's possible you associate having a cellphone to your mother's being ill, but cellphones are here to stay. If you are concerned about expenses, research the many options for cellphones, including phones from small independent companies that offer less expensive service. When you get one, canceling your home phone will help you save. Start with a basic phone, but when you discover the numerous conveniences and information sources smartphones offer, you may decide to upgrade.

Even if you don't enjoy the many features on smartphones, refusing to get a cellphone sends many messages to others. People carry cellphones wherever they go, so it's become frustrating when people are not available. It's also not for you to determine whether something is or is not an emergency. Your boss wanting to communicate with you is the bottom line. Broaden your perspective and forget about written requirements. You already know your boss is upset about not being able to reach you at any given time, and your refusal is making it easier to replace you. Refusing to move forward into the future sends signals that you don't wish to keep current with the times and the workplace. This type of defiance can easily flow into other areas, making a person seem rigid. At a time when people value accessibility and flexibility, you will benefit by being accommodating in all ethical requests.

Prove Your Value Through Productivity

My boss has questioned my productivity between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., based on her arriving at 9 a.m. and not seeing me in my office. I don't stand and gossip with co-workers. My job involves filing and gathering information from co-workers, which takes me out of my office. The morning is filled with this type of work, and I get it all done. My manager micromanages; I can't report everything I do from task to task, but I do care that she knows that I am productive.

She also told me I took too much on the job with doctors' calls regarding making appointments to have minor surgery. I start at 8 a.m., so I had to make the calls during office hours. I let my doctors know these informational procedure calls were taking too long, but doctors are not going to change because of my complaint. What should I say to her? My evaluation is coming up.

A: Don't wait until your performance review. Meet with her to review your daily work. Present a list of your job duties and what you have accomplished in your job and new ways to streamline procedures. Some bosses complain because they can't help but be picky, even though they like one's performance, while others may be building a case for termination. If your contributions are substantial, she won't be able to tear down your performance.

Email your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @TheLindseyNovak. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com.