Q: l have an excellent international education and a graduate degree, and I have wealthy, retired parents who travel worldwide. My father still has a large company that is run by long-time, trustworthy employees. I don't want to go into his business, as I want to be successful on my own. I've read many articles on top businesses where men have started them based on a creative idea or desire to contribute to society. That entrepreneurial desire runs through me. I want to do something that serves a purpose in life, carries out a mission and contributes to making the world a better place. My desire is strong, but I just don't know what it is I should do. I read everything I can on entrepreneurs, how some businesses started from simple ideas to improve something. How do I find what I need to do in life?

A: It sounds like your father has set a good example for you and still serves as a role model. Even though he is constantly traveling, use him as your sounding board, but also know the creative seed that is to drive you must be your own.

Most visionaries don't focus on becoming well-known millionaires; they become fired up over an idea that compels them to pursue it. Such an idea may come to you when you're making coffee one morning and need an accessory that hasn't yet been created. Or you're unable to complete a task as efficiently as you want, so you create a revolutionary product that achieves it. You can't summon creativity; it exists within you, and carrying out your everyday tasks can bring it into existence.

In the meantime, work for your father and learn the business. As you engage in day-to-day activities, your creativity may be stimulated. Whether you help improve his business or develop an idea of your own, he may then have a reason for becoming your main investor, other than by just being your father.

65-Year-Old on Medical Leave Worried about Being Fired

Q: I am 65, and I have been in the insurance industry for 25 years. In 2010, I found the perfect job as a commercial client service rep. The company's owner was uninvolved since he had no industry experience. He has since sold the company, and told us nothing would change. Everything changed.

Only the high producers were kept. All other staff has been changed at least six times in the last six months. My manager was retained, but lost all power and has not reacted well to this. She is under pressure from the new owner, whom none of us have met. She has gone from "appreciating everything" to "nothing is satisfactory."

I think she wants to fire me because I'm her highest paid employee. I'm on medical leave now for digestive problems, but I will return soon. I don't know what my next move should be.

A: Return to work, do your best job, and don't let her new personality affect you. Flexibility and a good attitude are most important, so give it your all and take nothing personally. At 65, you don't want to start a job search simply because your manager can't handle pressure. If you are fired, you can consult an EEOC investigator to see about possible age and disability discrimination claims. It's good to be aware of all possibilities, but the insurance industry is tightly controlled, so don't overreact to things that haven't happened.

Email all your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at: [email protected]. She answers all emails. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM