Q: I am in my mid-40s and have owned my own businesses for the past 25 years. I was burned by my business partner and now am declaring bankruptcy. I have worked in the energy and environmental fields, and I've worked closely with various governments to help implement new systems. I have been an owner and operator of eight companies since the late 1980s and have been responsible for raising millions to support many newly created systems. I consider myself professional and accomplished, but since this experience with my former business partner, my wife has left me, and I am seeking a fundamental change. My problems are vast, but I would like to know whether you have any ideas for what I should do.

A: Look at your situation differently. The facts: You were financially successful for many years. When your partner "burned" you financially, your wife left. Instead of considering this a negative, see it as a blessing. You are now free of a woman who left as soon as your money disappeared; that is certainly not the kind of woman you want around as you grow old and want a caring companion. Your ingenious creativity enabled you to contribute to several critical areas in the business of alternative energy — an accomplishment that most of the population could not achieve. You established trusted and reliable resources, enough to raise millions for the several businesses you owned and operated. Appreciate that you have reached the highest level of networking possible. Many extraordinary individuals have lost everything after achieving things that the general population never even dreams of, and these same people always seem to rise again. Nationally known comedian Ron White has a unique routine titled "You Can't Fix Stupid." Your problems are not vast; your accomplishments are, and you will rise again.

60-Year-Old Woman Wants Home Business After Interviews Go Nowhere

Q: I have just turned 60, and I have been led to believe that I am no longer a viable worker. For the life of me, I can't find a job in my field of expertise; I have been an administrative assistant and receptionist. I get interviews, but when they see me, they figure I'm too old. I admit that I am slower now in learning new tasks, but if I'm given time, I can catch on. Instead of interviewing and going nowhere, I've thought about opening my own business but don't know what businesses to consider.

A: Tory Johnson and Robyn Freedman Spizman are happy to help. In their book "Will Work from Home," Johnson and Spizman review the aspects to consider in choosing a home-based business. One possibility is to take one's job home, and the authors tell their readers how to make a smooth transition. Another great way to set up a home business is to fill an existing need, which includes such jobs as tech support associate, tutor, telemarketer, virtual assistant, medical coding and billing professional, and more. Sales may be the job for some, and many have met with much success selling items on eBay. Johnson and Spizman discuss the sales personality to see whether direct sales are a good fit for their readers. Readers also are warned about scams that exist. Before you decide on a business, check the many organizations listed in the appendix. This book is well-researched and practical for anyone who wants to work at home.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.