9/3/2008 11:17:50 AM

DODGE THE BULLET: Let your boss know if your spouse is seriously ill. Don't ratchet up the amount of time you spend on the job surfing the Web. And always leave work five minutes after your boss, so it looks like you're always staying late.

These are simple ways for riding out these tough times, according to Stephen Viscusi, career coach and author of the recently published book "Bulletproof Your Job."

"This is a jobs depression, and it's not the time to take really long vacations or be on Match.com," said Viscusi, who also hosts a syndicated radio show. "It's time to perfect the art of looking busy and making sure the bosses like you. Nobody's gonna fire someone they really know or like."

If you find yourself about to get a pink slip, consider negotiating your salary, Viscusi said.

"If it's really about the money or the bottom line, take a smaller salary," he said. "It will still be better than finding another job, losing your benefits and having to sit through humiliating interviews, and you can use it as an opportunity to look for something better. If they reject that idea, then you know it's not really about the money _ they just want to get rid of you."

And keep tabs on your company: Set up alerts on Google and Technorati with your company's and bosses' names so you can monitor the news and online chatter they generate, Viscusi advises.

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DON'T BREAK YOUR BACK: Preparing for the new school year doesn't have to be a pain in the ... back.

Dr. Jay Triano, a chiropractor with the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and contributor to spine-health.com, said finding a good back pack that's snug and comfortable to wear saves back-to-school back aches and pains.

"Wearing both straps is usually considered totally uncool, but it's probably the most important thing to avoid pain in your back and shoulders," Triano said. "Book bags should also be packed like groceries: heavy at the bottom, lighter stuff up at the top."

Vinyl or canvas bags are best, and padded shoulder straps and a waist strap add extra support.

Sitting in class with good posture will also reduce the strain on your neck, shoulders and lower back, Triano said. Sit with your shoulders back, chin tucked in and a gentle curve in your back; don't arch or slump forward. Twisting slightly in your seat can also reduce pressure in your spine.

"The best guideline for how long you sit without moving is 20 minutes," he said. "We usually put kids in classrooms for at least 50 minutes without giving them a break."

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AVOIDING OFFICE RAGE: Gas prices are still high, spending is tight and economic forecasts are grim. Combine that with an annoying co-worker in the next cubicle, and you've got a recipe for some serious office rage.

Tom Musbach, managing editor for Yahoo HotJobs, gives these suggestions to prevent an angry or off-color comment from escalating into a workplace brawl:

_ Don't take it personally. Often times, a co-worker's irritability is not related to the job but instead something that happened at home.

_ Let people vent. It's better that they voice their grievances than stew on them.

_ Walk away. Use the restroom, get a cup of coffee or use any other excuse to get yourself out of the situation.

_ If the incident is severe or repeated, you may want to document it and consult with the company's human resources department.

"Make sure you focus on specifics and particular behaviors," said Musbach. "But if it's a one-time thing, or just that they're rude or annoying, you've got to give them a little space."