Q: I applied for and was given a supervisory position. I have always loved the company, but I feel I am not up to par on the job itself. From the first week, problem after problem has come up, and I feel I'm in over my head. I continually seek outside advice on certain issues, but I know the situation will not be good if it continues like this.

I am not sure if I should admit to my boss that I feel lost over what to do on many of the issues, or if I should just try to do my best without saying a word to anyone or casually ask others for their thoughts and suggestions, hoping they will think I am an open-minded type of supervisor. I tell myself I would not have been hired if management didn't think I could do the job, but I am frazzled at the end of each day. I am not sure how much longer I can pretend everything is great. I know I am in over my head, but I am afraid to admit defeat. I am especially afraid of getting fired once management finds out. I would feel better coming clean and being honest about how I feel, but many have told me to keep my mouth shut. What should I do?

A: You are already a step ahead of those who are in jobs over their heads and don't know it. You need time to find out if you are truly in over your head, or if you are just feeling insecure about your new tasks and level of responsibility. Asking for advice from outsiders is a good first step. Don't divulge your weaknesses, perceived or real, to anyone at the company, since you never know who may have wanted the job you got. No matter how friendly or "nice" co-workers seem, they can always be a behind-the-scenes story of jealousy and disappointment of which you may be unaware.

To get up to speed on the job, tap into outside resources — libraries, bookstores, the many search engines on the Internet — as well as those you know at other companies. You will find numerous articles on the dos and don'ts of managing people and being a good leader. Read everything you can, consider it, then add your own practical experience and common sense in deciding what works best for you. When you feel more knowledgeable, you will stop doubting your ability.

If you are reviewing procedures in your department, ask the human resource department for job descriptions of the positions that report to you. If you see an area you can improve, suggest it to your boss. Once a few months pass, and you feel more secure on the job, you can then ask your boss for feedback, which shows you are interested in improving no matter how well you do.

CHANGING FIELDS: WHEN IS LATE TOO LATE?

Q: I started a career in painting and left it when I went to college in business administration. I have stayed in the same field for many years and have recently thought about reigniting my earlier passion. I had always received high accolades for my art, and my desire has never died. Am I crazy to think I can live on selling my artwork?

A: Selling artwork and creating it are two different goals, but nothing should hold you back from reviving a passion and achieving your dreams. You bought into the business job for practical reasons, but it would be a shame to never try painting as a career, since you still think about it. You owe it to yourself and perhaps to the art world to pursue what you left behind years ago.

Email your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @I_truly_care. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Website at www.creators.com.