If there are rumblings about cutbacks to family-friendly scheduling at your company, arm yourself with this must-have advice from workplace expert Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president of Human Resource Solutions, a consulting firm in Northampton, MA.

Be proactive: Ask why your schedule has to be adjusted. If it’s because the company needs more of a commitment, then find someone willing and able to do a job-share.

Point out savings: For example, if you want to remain a telecommuter, remind your boss about the savings for the company in housing one less person in the office.

Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate: Just because your boss says she wants to change your schedule doesn’t mean she will actually do it if she thinks she will lose a worthy employee. Outline the value you bring to the organization to help her go to bat for you.

Give it a try: If you must, tell your boss you would be willing to try out the new schedule. Set a date to discuss how it’s working for both parties. If it is simply impossible to work the new schedule, discuss other options that might be available in the company.

Be prepared to walk:  This is tough advice in this economy.  But, sometimes you just can’t change someone’s thinking. Get your resumé in order and put out "feelers" so you can quickly launch your job search should you have no choice but to leave.