Q: I was asked to take a drug test before being hired, but I take a prescription drug that I don't want my employer to know about. What if I don't tell the testing company about it, but I end up testing positive?

A: Drug testing is conducted by an approved drug-testing company that is hired by the company to which you are applying. The testing company will ask you what, if any, prescription drugs you take so that if you test positive, you won't be accused of taking illegal drugs. Being honest about prescription drugs you take is for your benefit. If you are on a drug that you feel you must keep a secret, call the doctor who prescribed it to you and ask whether the drug will cause a positive result in a drug test. Not all prescription drugs cause positive results in drug testing. Some foods also will cause positive drug-test results, so ask your doctor what you should not eat before the test.

Combining Knowledge Usually Leads to a Better Career

Q: I am a professional counselor in a counseling practice. I just finished a second master's degree in business administration and would like to go into a field that combines the two degrees. The problem is that I would like to continue my counseling practice and use my MBA, perhaps as a business consultant, but I am confused as to how I would do this. Another option is leaving the mental health field and going into the business sector. What do you think?

A: Leaving the mental health field for a job in business might be a risk not worth taking. You like counseling, so quitting the mental health field and not using that master's degree seems self-defeating. Also, receiving your MBA doesn't mean you will enjoy a straight business job. Combining the two fields sounds like a great proposition. Continue your counseling practice, and research the mental health field to see where you also can apply your business knowledge. Perhaps you can act as an independent consultant for other mental health and medical professionals who want to set up practices but have no business knowledge.

Greedy Company President Doesn't Deserve Wedding Gift From Employees

Q: The president of our small company is getting married. He is not a good person, and he makes way too much money compared with how he compensates his employees. In short, he's a greedy, self-centered you-know-what. Many of us always are searching for other jobs and would jump at the chance to leave. His secretary has organized a party to congratulate him on getting married and wanted everyone to contribute to get him a gift. I think this is outrageous. Having a party with a cake is one thing, but asking us to get a filthy-rich man a gift when we are struggling financially is absurd. Can I refuse?

A: Don't share your dislike with any of your co-workers, especially not with the president's secretary. Privately and sincerely tell her you have some financial concerns that prohibit you from spending any money for extra items. She likely will understand and agree to add your name to the card even if you don't contribute.

Please send your questions to: Lindsey Novak, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. E-mail her at LindseyNovak@yahoo.com, or visit her Web site at www.LindseyNovak.com. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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