These last two months have been hard for many Puerto Ricans in the labor force. Unemployment is rising; companies are laying people off, and some are filing for bankruptcy. I did not now that there was a Labor Law in Puerto Rico where your employer had to pay you a Christmas bonus. In the United States, some bonuses are performance based and not given until after the first quarter. Whatever your arrangements are with your company make sure they are in your contract or initial offer. You can always state to the company that they have not complied with their end of the contract and pursue legal action against them. However, what happens when the whole world is affected by a recession? According to sources, the United States has been in a recession from December of 2007. Companies have decided to eliminate jobs, thus reducing spending and eliminating bonuses. I heard many people on the radio angry at the fact that they did not have a bonus coming to them. Radio personalities either encouraged people to be angry or deal with the idea of not receiving extra money before the holidays.

Ask yourself this question, would you rather have a bonus now in order to purchase items for the holiday or a job after the New Year in order to continue to provide for your family? Privately owned companies decided to eliminate bonuses in order to save employments. I would rather have a job now then a bonus to buy last minute holiday gifts.

What are some of the things that you can do in case there is no bonus or employment for you this year?

1. Explain to your family that things will not be the same this holiday season or special occasions due to the slowing economy.
2. Evaluate whether your children, the neighbors, and the long distance relatives really need expensive gifts for any holiday or special event.
3. Make homemade gifts such as cakes, cookies, or basket full of goodies for the entire family.
4. Do not complain to your supervisors if there is not a bonus or even a holiday party. You might just solidify your pink slip with this type of attitude. Be a team player.
5. Start saving extra money in case you need to look for employment because you have been let go. This should always be in the back of your mind. No job is secure these days or any time of the year.
6. If you are single, do not over spend and save for a rainy day.
7. If you did receive a bonus, do not spend it all in one place. Save some money!
8. Research opportunities and companies of interest to you.
9. Keep in touch with your professional networks even if you are not in jeopardy of losing your job today. It is always good to see if there are opportunities that might be better for you financially.
10. Update your resume with current achievements just in case there is a need to look for employment because your company decided to fire you before the holidays.

Some people are in the same economic situation as you and there is not a need to be ashamed of what you can not do this year. The economic situation is not going to change overnight. Remember that this is a global issue and moving to the United States might be the wrong move at this time. Be thankful for what you have and plan long term not short term. Most importantly remember what the holidays are really about, surrounding yourself with family and enjoying each other's company.