Order of Chronological Lists

[yooper]

Greetings all,

Do chronological lists, such as activities for the last five years, be listed in ascending or descending order?  For one question, they specify the order, but otherwise, they do not. 

Also, any thoughts on how you handle overlaps, in areas such as education?  Sometimes you were both going to university and working.  Sometimes serially, but more often starting one, then the other...

Thanks all,