2. I am a 32 year-old "nervously-employed" salesperson in a highly unstable industry!

3. I am not young and would like to get started in the shortest possible time.

4. I am motivated to find a path in my life that will be good for my soul, as well as provide the material requirements of my family.

5. I spent the last 5 years in the School of Hard Knocks getting a degree in life experience.

2. I am an offshore Engineer. I make 130K with 100% matching 401K and 750.00 vehicle allowance and am in the top 10% of my company. BUT I am tired of working offshore (14 years)and constantly uprooting from my family church and community. What is your advice about exploring a Chick-Fil-A franchise? I'm 37 with a stay at home wife and two small babies.

3. I have recently found an opportunity to buy out a photography business that has been growing the last 10 years and brings the current owner a six-figure income. Purchasing this company would require a loan of nearly $200,000 but the six-figure income would suggest I could pay it off in 3-4 years. Is it right for me to take out a loan to grow my already existing photography business?

4. I've been an owner operator in the building and remodeling business now for over ten years. I have been given many opportunities for very lucrative large scale jobs but always seem to come out in the red. As of right now I am over $250,000 In debt due to poor estimates and bad business practices. Should I just quit and go to work for another builder, which I hate the thought of, or try something new? I feel I'm running out of time. It is my passion and I'm very good at it. So how is it I've managed to burn so many bridges?

5. I've really enjoyed your latest book, "No More Mondays." I live in Nashville, TN and I was curious as to what one-on-one counseling you still provide at your local offices? After reading your book I almost have more questions than answers concerning what would be an appropriate avenue for me to pursue in a future career.

6. I would like to translate and do audio recording of books from authors like you, Dave Ramsey, Zig Ziglar and others and sell them. I plan to start by picking up something from the public domain as an experiment before getting into the technical part of dealing with publishers.

4 Questions.

1- What do you think about this idea? (I believe in this)

2- What kind of sound recording equipment should I be looking for?

3- If I hire someone else to read and record for me how should I pay?

4- When ready for copyright material where do I start?

1. I work at a job that is a dead end job; I will be doing the same job in 20 years as I do today. I do not like the job but it is stable and pays a living wage. The new job pays significantly less than I am making now. I could pass on this job and stick it out for a year and hope the labor market improves or take this job and struggle with the loss of pay. Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

2. I am self employed and have been for years. I am 33 years old and I started a cabinet shop 13 years ago. I was headed to college to become an architect but my father was killed in a accident. So I quit and stayed at home to help out. I decided to start my own business and that was to build furniture but that turned into cabinets which was fine. I have a true passion for this work. I do not want to do anything else but the economy is making it impossible.

3. I love your show. I’ve discovered that I love to read books. Is there a way to make a profit by reading books and writing reviews? Do you know of any solid resources, books, websites, etc on this topic?

4. Can anyone set up a store like this (Dan’s Reading recommendations -- http://astore.amazon.com/48days0b-20) and sell other people's products for a profit share or percentage of the take for the referral?

5. I have 30 years of service; however, because I started at such a young age I’ll need to serve another 6 years to draw full retirement benefits. The management for whom I work are unethical, unprofessional, vengeful spiteful beings. I fear I’ll not be able to endure the stress and aggravation much longer. I have 10 to 20 ideas a month with commitment to none and no knowledge of how to bring any of them to fruition. Do you think it would be unreasonable to take the leap of faith? Perhaps the only thing more pathetic than the situation as it stands would be to work unhappily for another 6 years simply to receive a retirement check. Help!

6. I have been in the security/personal protection industry for more than 15 years. I have been significantly impacted by the recent rash of violent acts being perpetrated in places of worship, and have felt the strong desire to establish a security consulting firm (I have named it already: Safe Sanctuaries) for houses of worship. Do you feel this is a viable business concept where an income could actually be realized?

1. I am a teacher and have a good salary and benefits, but I honestly am questioning whether what I am doing is what God wants me to do. I have read No More Mondays and 48 Days To the Job You Love, and I am really wondering what all the hype is really about. Are these goals of finding yourself based in reality, meant for only a few, our just a gimmick? I do not want to doubt what you are saying, but I really have difficulty thinking that this program is based in the reality of today's economic situation.

2. I am 39 years old with a Psychology degree I have never used. When I graduated, I realized that while getting an education was a good think, I never knew what I wanted to do with my life. I have now begun job searching once again but find myself in the same position I was in when I graduated.

3. I have been working at a job for about 2 years, and I’m completely miserable. The pay is decent and also the benefits/yearly bonus. I’m scared to leave the "security" of my regular "job"

4. I have studied many entrepreneurs and successful people and most of them have gone through some sort of life trial which I correlate to becoming successful. I am concerned that I am not going to do well because I have not gone through that learning experience (yet). Your thoughts please.

5. I worked as a Registered Nurse from 1969 – 1993 and then I became disabled. Now I am well and have been having a hard time getting a job I like in nursing. I took a refresher course, but they all want recent experience. I am working 11 PM to 7 AM in a job I don’t like and I’m afraid the hours are bad for my health. I am considering a different type of work so that I can get on days. Do you have any suggestions?

6. I currently work as a chiropractor. Have been quite miserable for a few years now. Most facets of my job I hate, while I do enjoy building relationships, helping and teaching patients about many health related topics. I work as an employee and am very rushed for my personality type, after taking your test I realized exactly why I felt this way. I've considered changing career fields drastically - I am a professional, have excellent interpersonal skills, am very detail oriented but don't know where to look as far as other career fields are concerned.

2. How would you recommend dealing with negativity and cynicism in the workplace? Should I purposely avoid contact (as much as realistically possible) with the negative people? Should I leave or work towards a transition into a different job or position?

3. I love podcasting and blogging. I would love to make this my full-time job or at least a part-time job so that I can quit my boring day job. I do have a family to support.
Any ideas or direction would be greatly appreciated.

4. I am working on setting up a laser tag arena. I am going to try to rent/lease some land first and have it outside. How do I approach the owners of this property and work out some agreement when I have no start up money to buy this land? I heard you discuss about 30 Day lease with option to buy. But this is land is way out of my price range.

5. I've been in sales for 30 years. My formal education was in Marketing, Accounting and Finance. I don't do well sitting in one spot or behind a desk so I got into sales. I get bored and lose interest after I've proven I can do it. Many people have said I should start my own business, but doing what? I can't seem to find a passion for any one particular area.

6. I am a Chinese and in China now. I am finding a job now, but I realized that I need to find myself first. I am kind of losing directions, to be exactly, I never have one. I want to change to something new, but don't know what talents I have, nor do I know my interests. I don't know where to go or what to do. My confidence and enthusiasm are completely destroyed. I even want to go to an unknown place where nobody knows who I am. But I have no idea of what to do there. I am tired and feared with this mess in mind. Cannot figure a way out. Will you be able to help me?

We’ll keep using “Taking Care of Business” as the lead-in music. Many of you said this has become part of my brand and you don’t want it to change.

We’ll keep the length at 48 minutes. Again, many of you said that’s a reasonable length and plays off the brand again. Some asked for longer – no one suggested shorter.

We’ll maintain the variety in questions answered. Many of you said that even if a particular question did not relate to you, you enjoyed having the information for family, friends and just informed conversation.

A significant number of you were open to having a theme podcast – not regularly, but periodically. I will do that.

Also, you are open to having an occasional guest. Either a well known businessperson or someone I’ve worked with who has knocked it out of the park. Again, I will certainly do that.

And here are some of this week’s questions:

1. I am a residential builder/remodeler in Atlanta and have been through the ringer. In 2005 I had my name on several spec homes -- and my wife and I filed a CH13 bankruptcy. I have tried since late 2007 to rebound my life, my business and finances. I haven't lost hope but I just don't know if I should temporarily shelve the business and work for another company or tough this out.

2. I'm kind of stuck. I just graduated from college with a degree in Psychology. I have no experience in that area and I don't even think I'd like it. I just needed to get out of college. I'm not even sure what I'd enjoy doing for the rest of my life. It's very difficult for me to find my strengths since I haven't seen them used. I would appreciate a little push in the direction of finding my strengths and what I would like to pursue from the beginning point.

3. Would it be a good idea to hire someone to sell my product? I was considering bringing someone in to work based on commission. If the individual is successful selling, it would appear to me that he would be more valuable to the biz than anything else. Could that person demand more compensation or just leave and become a competitor of mine and do it himself?

4. I have enjoyed reading books out loud and reciting poems in front of an audience. Now with the availability of podcasting I would love to record my favorite novels and poems and distribute them on the internet. However, I am not sure what the legal implications are regarding copyrights.

5. I am 31 years old and have been working since I was 15. In that time, I've only held one job for over two years. Now wherever I apply, I'm labeled a "job hopper." Now that I've finally figured out what I want to do career-wise, how do I get over this hurdle?

- Should I change the intro music?

- Should I answer more questions with shorter answers or fewer questions with more in-depth answers?

- Should I have podcasts with only one theme (e.g. eBay business, coaching, taxes and licenses, etc.)?

- Should I have guests periodically – with a particular theme?

Just shoot any ideas you have to askDan@48Days.com --- Thanks so much!

1. I am interested in doing some reselling. I'm concerned about doing it legally and without a lot of overhead. Do I need a permit to do this? Beyond that, do I need to get a taxpayer ID / form a company to do this? Do I have sales tax or other tax obligations?

2. My question is this- have you considered an artist seminar out at the Barn? I have heard you say that you have worked with artists on how to get their careers on track and the different options of marketing, agents, galleries and so forth. Do you have anything like that in the works?

3. Dan, my dream has come true!!! I will be managing this salon, recruiting the stylists, working my own hours and I WORK FOR MYSELF. Can you imagine that in the land of FAMINE, there is still a God that can bless and open doors despite my circumstances.

4. I’m 53 years old, bored with my job, not learning anything new, not intellectually stimulating. I don't know what my God given talents, skills are. And I wonder how do I go about finding out what my passions are, what my Goal should be. What is it that God wants me to be? Please help

2. I am an educator and I see great value in your materials for young people. Have you considered creating content for the kindergarten through high school audience?

3. After reading 48 Days I feel confident I'm called to be a novelist. It may be another year before I can have a finished product ready for publishers to consider. Should I tough it out at my present, ill-fitting job and keep working toward my dream, or try to find something else?

4. I am debating between an e-bay business and a delivery business a Dry cleaning delivery service…. What should i take into consideration? How should I make this decision and not regret it later???

5. I commute about an hour and a half one-way everyday to my J-O-B. I leave about 5AM and get home about 6PM. I am looking for a creative idea as a sideline business where I can leverage my time in the car and still create extra cash.

2. I was very average in high school and was told I was not college material. I feel I'm being pulled to do something better -- more meaningful... maybe going to college. But I'm terrified at 47.

3. I am a very creative person and I have a Leonardo Da Vinci notebook full of ideas and inventions (20+). Fear stems from no money for my ideas. Should I seek out investors, legal counsel, ???

4. I have been out of a FT job since 2004, and very discouraged. I want to pursue my calling, art, but realize that my wife and I need $ now. We have pond-scum payday loans to pay, plus other debt. Should I deliver pizzas?

5. I have no sense of joy or accomplishment from a days work. I really enjoy the creative side of work. Is it feasible to turn my interests and passions into a business that will flourish and be able to provide for me financially? Part of the problem is that I am not a salesman.

2. I started back to school part time in January toward my dream of becoming a speech therapist. Is taking a big step backwards ( lower level job) to get where I want to go really as bad as people are trying to convince me that it is?

3. I love what I do, but I only represent one company. I have the opportunity to go on my own and potentially at least double my income AND represent many companies. My question is, historically I've been a "poor dad" type who looks towards the long term "stable" position. When you look at opportunities, do you look long term or short term?

4. I want to teach single mothers on welfare how to find their purpose, get rid of debt and grow wealth, and not depend on the government to take care of them in the long haul. I am currently a laid off mother of three on welfare. How can I do this with no money, experience, debt, and while I don't feel empowered myself? Where do I start?

5. I have been looking for jobs for the last year and I am still in the same dead end job. I am at my wits end and have basically decided that by my birthday of next year I will kill myself if I am still here; that is at least one goal that I can attain at this point. I don't know what my purpose is, don't know how to find it and surely at this point am tired of searching.

What does having “hope” really mean?
What is our strongest resource in tough times?
What can you offer to others who are struggling?

I then threw in a tip from Dr. West Conner on how to listen to this (or any) podcast 40% faster.

Then on with the always intriguing questions:

1. I'm one of those people who took a job they really didn't like (teaching) just to take care of my family until I could find something that I did want. Your counsel reminded me of Russell Conwell's book "Acres of Diamond". Could you please elaborate on that?

2. I have an idea for a new business. Where can I go to ask someone to see if my idea will be profitable without being taken advantage of? (My answer may surprise you.)

3. My wife is a massage therapist and I am a home inspector. Would it be a good idea to find more business capital and where would be a good place to acquire it?

4. Can you tell us how long it took for you to take 48 days from "some notes in a binder" to a hardback book? Did you do self publishing in book form before it was picked up by a publisher? I have heard you say that you were selling the binder for $39. What were the pros and cons of moving to a $19 book whose profits you share with a publisher?

2. Why would God place me in a role that is not a good fit? I truly don't understand, especially after I was so certain He wanted me to leave. Please pray that I will get through the stress and troubles of this job. After all the stress and disappointment I have been through in last several years, I just feel like I have nothing left - I feel drained, spiritually tired.

3. I have several cutting edge "game" ideas that are itching to be launched. One of which is a puzzle game that would require hundreds of "photographs and images" that I'd acquire from stock photo websites. Considering copyright laws, do you have any input on the legal/financial feasibility of ever making such an endeavor work as an income generator?

4. I have been sending my resume on Careerbuilder.com to places. I was wondering if I should call the contact person as well to see if I could talk to them to get the ball rolling more, or just leave them alone and wait for a response. I haven't read your 48 days book yet, but I am planning on buying it.

5. Thank you for this opportunity to ask a burning question that is in my heart. I have been a part of a large congregation for over 18 years and I don't believe that I am walking in my God called purpose. I am there but I am not fulfilled. I don't want to leave but I feel like there is nothing there anymore for me. What is my problem?

2. I have 30 tax clients currently and am looking for an inexpensive yet effective way to grow my individual and business client base more quickly.

3. I was wondering about putting affiliate links to some seed companies and other general gardening e-books at the end of an e-book I am working on about growing and using herbs.

4. I stopped dreaming so long ago that I can't even remember what I loved to do. I just remember loving baseball more than anything else. Maybe I should get a glove and a ball and find a wall and play catch with myself for a dozen hours, and my dreams might start to come back.

5. I remember that you mentioned in your "48 Days" book that anyone could ask to be a distributor for a book. How would I go about doing this?

6. I want to give away clothes...and I do. I rented a storage unit and filled it up with donated clothes that I give away for free on Saturdays. How can I make a business of this? I love it, but the people I serve are pretty poor, hence the free clothes.

1. How can I get started--or at least begin planning for--spreading the word and blanketing the land with the 48-Days message? I'm a 52 year-experienced man who has a passion for helping others implement their passions. How can I partner with 48 Days to spread the word and equip others?

2. I'm sure you've gotten this question before - what are your thoughts on the Amway business? Both Donald Trump and Robert Kiyosaki have stated that they were in favor of this type of business model.

3. I would like to start a career in sales and marketing -- how can I get started working in this field? It seems that the posted sales and marketing jobs in my area all require previous experience, which I need.

4. I have a friend that invented a ladder for the top of a van that slid off the edge of the roof. It seemed like a good idea and a major ladder company was interested. The patent cost him over $30,000. He is a painter like me, and has had financial problems ever since. The ladder never went anywhere. It's one thing to say there are a lot of inventions out there waiting to be developed, but how do you really develop them?

1. Why do people who get money quickly sabotage their “success” and what can you do to be ready when your ship comes in.

2. Are there books in the “public domain” that you can make your own and sell for a profit? And the answer to that is a big resounding YES!

Then the frequent but certainly never common questions continue:

1. I'm 27 and I'm looking to start my own photography business by taking photos of properties for realtors. But I'm feeling apprehensive still. I've figured out that I'm afraid of rejection and ultimately, failure. I know that these things are part of being an entrepreneur, but I'm still having trouble getting myself motivated to take the first step.

2. Good news, my "real" job only pays $1200 a month (full time) and my self employment pays $900 (20 hours a month). I'm pretty certain I can build it up more, but I'm scared to let go of the "safety net" of the J-O-B. I'm scared to let go of that fairly certain $1200 a month. Should I try to tough it out for another year or should I quit now and try to build up my own business. (working as an employee at another business makes my skin crawl!)

3. I'm a single mom of three with a lot on my plate and I hate my job. I am unable to meet the required expectations and suspect that I will be unemployed in the near future. I'd like to start an internet store geared to encourage women to take quiet time. I'm looking to carry a variety of books on family, finances, developing a relationship with God. Also I'd like to carry bath and body products, gourmet coffee and chocolates. What are your suggestions?

5. Dan, you often ask people how are they going to position their product or service? Exactly what do you mean by that?

6. I am at ROCK BOTTOM! I'm broke, unable to work due to numerous health issues and really don't know where to turn or what to do. … I would have never imagined I would end up in this situation at 44 years of age. I feel pretty worthless and depressed. I am so ashamed of everything that has taken place and where I am today. I just don't have a 'purpose' anymore and am desperate for money to live on.

2. I see many articles regarding getting re-educated etc to get a new job, however there doesn't seem to be anyone addressing the situation of the older person who loses their position through no fault of their own. I am well educated, healthy, well groomed and get along well with others but I have not been able to find new work. My resume has helped me land several good interviews. I walked away feeling very good about the match of my talents to the requirements only to find later that I did not get the position. I feel strongly that it is the age issue. What is an older worker to do??

3. For 46 years I have been teaching music lessons from my home studio -- the occupation I love. Investments I made to sustain my later years vanished, and tuition income has dropped from 84K to 24K a year. On my web site I post free video music lessons and student performances, plus sell DVDs. Now age 70, should I sell my home, downsize and retire or get a reverse mortgage to pursue e-commerce and continue teaching?

4. You mentioned several years ago on one of your radio shows that you used to force your children to listen to inspirational tapes when they presented a bad attitude. My wife and I are currently experiencing this with some of our children and I wanted to know if you have any particular titles of audio products that you would recommend for the purpose of building good attitudes in our children. I think that this is a much more productive method to take than traditional punishment in this area and thanks for the idea!

5. I have found that HR departments, despite all protestations to the contrary, are utterly beholden to the Carnegie method (smile, compliment, etc.) and hire almost exclusively on superficialities rather than core competencies. They hire people for the same reasons most people choose one appliance over another – it fits their décor.

2. I have spent the past 2 years trying to find God's Will for my vocation. I have resolved that God designed me to be inclined a certain way and that I should pursue what I truly want: Med School (Psych/Endo) I have ALWAYS wanted this. I work as a design engineer and have a BS in Counseling Psych and need about 2 years of Chem/Bio to apply to Med School. I really WANT it and would regret not pressing forward. Would you say go for it?

3. In these tough times a resume just isn't cutting it, would you approve of me using a Flyer with catchy images and my past bartending experience on it? I think it would catch the employers’ interest quicker than the plain old resume. What are your thoughts?

4. My question is once you give a verbal agreement for a job offer is it too late to try to negotiate for higher pay? I don't want to seem unprofessional but after giving more thought I think I should be paid more (the job is as a legal collector for a law firm). What should I do?

5. I am having a hard time with the first suggested reading book from you -- Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich. The part I'm up to is autosuggestion and repeating over and over and visualizing money. Filtering this through a Christian mind set is very difficult. It just seems wrong meditating on money and filling my mind with ways to obtain it contrary to Biblical teaching……. After reading your book and being so positive I was inspired to fill my world with such positive material. And now this 'stumbling block' -- or is it. HELP so I can keep moving forward.

6. I am a 50 year old man. I lost my job in November after almost 27 years with the same company, 5 years short of early retirement. My experience is in IT, but most of my skills are in older technologies that aren't in high demand, so I haven't found anything yet. I believe I'll get another job eventually, but I'm heading back into IT even though my heart says I should be self employed. I have an idea for a business that I believe is a good one, but I really don't have a plan and I'm struggling with finding out how to get it off the ground.

1. I would like to hear more of your thoughts on failure. What does a "successful failure" look like? How much should we risk in pursuit of our dreams? I doubt you would suggest that we risk our marriages, health, homes, etc. while seeking to reach our goals. What do you think is the right balance in this area?

2. People are asking me to help them start the same business I am in. How can I not be stingy but also not create my own competition?

3. I am a 41 (next week) year old single female - been told that I am very attractive, I keep in good shape, I have a Masters Degree in Public Administration, I am friendly with a great sense of humor and I love the Lord. …I struggle a lot with loneliness and my utmost desire is to be married and have a family (I am divorced 10 years now). … How do I find my calling when the desires of my heart are so glaringly missing?... How do I put my costume of the "career woman" on again when I do not believe deep in my soul that that is all I am meant to be?

4. I’m a single mom and recently lost my job. The day we were all let go we went out for some drinks and I received a DUI SO as of right now I am unemployed in litigation with my home and dealing with a DUI and not being able to drive. I am in a terrible place and see no way out and can’t help but feel totally helpless -- the depression alone is killing me.

5. Now that I am working on my own I often find it difficult to manage my time. With no boss looking over my shoulder and no clock to punch I find some days I let time slip away and I don't get as much done as I planned. I end up working late into the evening trying to catch up. Can you recommend any programs or resources on how to manage my time better so I can work productively during the day and then enjoy my time at night with my family?

6. When it rains it pours.... Like so many, my husband lost a business and is hanging in there working for others. We have scaled way back but can’t seem to come up with money for groceries. Last Friday I had a heart attack (51) ..... out of blue. I have no risk factors, smoking, weight issues, etc... Is it right to go ahead and apply for jobs in light of my new health challenges....

1. I lost my job last December, my Wife and I fight all the time now because I can not find a job. I’m at the end of my rope and it about broke. Now what do I do? I've prayed and still no answer from God. Seems that my prayers are not heard.

2. When I apply for a job thru career builder or other jobsearch sites I have NEVER received a response or call for an interview. Why? My resume' is posted on the different job sites.... no recruiter has ever called me. What is going on...?

3. I am a Nurse.14 months ago I started an on-line pet jewelry site. Everyone loved the idea. One problem, my site and shopping cart was not designed well or user friendly. I generated interest in the product but, made no sales from the site. I am discouraged, and not sure if I should continue in today's economy or just call it quits with this product for now.

4. I am interested in starting my own retail business selling maternity clothing & accessories & nursing wear. How do I find out the average profit for this particular type of business in a town my size & the average start-up cost? What advice would you give to someone considering this?

5. On several occasions I’ve had neighbors ask me to paint their home. I’m not a painter by trade nor do own such business. My neighbors must admire the work I did on my own home, so they look at me as an alternative to hiring a pro. My dilemma is determining a fair fee for such a service. Any advice on pricing? I’ve never had to charge for such a service.

6. Hi, Dan. I feel like I am on the verge of a breakdown. I want to take a short leave of absence from my job to try to get things under control. How do I handle this without my employer thinking I am cookoo? I just need a break. I am a wife, mother, work full-time, take care of an elderly parent, you name it. ~Signed, Very Overwhelmed in Georgia

1. Okay so I am facing really impossible odds, a family who is unsupportive, abusive at times, a church family who has misunderstood me and financial and housing woes. No help from anyone. Not to mention I am worried about my health. When is it time to give up?

2. Dan, Help me, I'm miserable, my current job is literally ruining my life. I'm a fairly young man with a family I feel I'm stuck in my current position to "pay the bills" but it is making me severely depressed and affecting every part of my life.

3. How do you create your podcast? I would like to create my own podcast, but do not know how to get started. Any help would be great. As always, thank you for your TREMENDOUS ministry.

4. Thinking of starting a career/life coaching business. In light of the economy and the wave of layoffs that seem to be in the news lately, is it practical to start a career/life coaching business? Is it reasonable to think that this would be successful, when folks with and without jobs are holding back on their expenditures?

5. Any idea on how the natural and holistic health field might be looking in the near future? I hear it is growing because more and more people are looking to prevent illness due to lack of health insurance and such.

1. I’ve created a 20 page ebook on "The #1 Key to Speak Like a Pro. My question is about price. What do you think is a good asking price for this kind of resource?

2. I want to sell rum cakes to restaurants. I’ve come across a major stumbling block though. As it turns out, the state will not certify someone who bakes from home. How would I be able to overcome this obstacle?.... How can I write my own success story?

3. My wife loves what she does for work but doesn't like where she is doing it. She's built up a steady clientele (female skin enhancements) for herself but this is just making her boss more money. The big issue is she signed a "non-compete" clause that says she cannot work within 25 miles of her existing employer for 1 year if she leaves...is this legal or possible to get around?

4. I want to make my writing a full-time career, but how do I start? Typically, I write non-fiction satire as that is what I'm living. :) But I'd love to go into more of the creative writing/screen writing avenue. How do I jump start the drive that's inside me and make this dream a reality?

5. I have been following your job search plan for almost 2 months and have not received any job offers. Most of the decision makers I have spoken with have indicated that my abilities would be useful to their organizations, but they are not hiring. Given this, I suspect that I need to improve my ability to close the deal. Do you have any suggestions for how a high S, high C personality might improve this aspect of his search?

6. I HATE my current job. I have an interview in the next few days at a place I would love, and a job I would love working with special needs children!! However I would go from a salary of $45,000 to about 12,000. I would love what I'm doing. How does a Mom of 3 make such a decision? I need to support my children yet HATE what I am doing now.

Okay, here’s a sampling of this week’s questions:

1. I have ideas for spiritual books, family books, professional books, etc. Am I too broad in my focus?

2. I am 38 years old and what has stopped me from pursuing my dream of writing fantastic fiction full time (horror and sci fi) are certain Christian friends of mine who say its a sin to write that stuff. But I love that stuff and am a Christian myself. How do I know God is calling me to it if so many of the faithful think its wrong?

3. Hello Dan, how do you feel about programs like medi-share, a Christian healthcare plan versus a Health Savings account?

4. I have been completely sickened with the way my employers conduct their (construction) businesses. They way they handle their finances and simply the way they treat their subcontractors and clients. A large part of me does not even want to be associated with the construction industry, because of the horrible reputation it has in my area. Should I start my own construction company or look in a different direction?

5. I stopped taking customers for my wedding planning business – so I would have time to create my business plan. Then I plan to borrow money to start my business up again. (Sounds like she killed the golden goose so she’d have time to draw a picture of a goose.)

2. Is this foolish to try and pursue freelance architectural work given the current situation of the housing market?

3. Where can I buy new video games at a bulk rate to then resell them on eBay individually?

4. I am a 58 year old pastor who needs an additional income but I don’t know where to begin when it comes to an online business. Can you help?

5. There's a lot of discussion around Mastermind groups and their effectiveness to build one's career. Does the group have to consist of everyone from the same occupation or like business owners? How often should a mastermind group meet? What is the ideal size, or maybe what size prohibits productivity?

6. Every job I get makes me feel like the life is being sucked out of me. I try to talk myself into liking my job. I feel like I am being stifled. How do I know whether or not I’m just being "picky"?

If circumstances determine our level of happiness, then we are all very vulnerable. If circumstances threaten our closest relationships, then they were not built on solid principles originally. Only as we look past the day-to-day challenges will we have the confidence that nothing can derail us. Focusing on our priorities and long-term goals, we can hold our heads high and keep moving forward with joy and positive anticipation.

This podcast is about 20 minutes of encouragement to make lemonade when life tosses you a few lemons.

1. I am currently in a contract position in a pharmaceutical company – with an opportunity to become a permanent employee in 2009. What advice would you have for negotiating salary and benefits?

2. I'm considering buying a franchise with startup costs of approximately $250,000. Are there benefits to buying a franchise as opposed to starting a business from scratch?

3. I have lots of good ideas for starting a business. However, can you explain to someone how to eliminate procrastination?

4. If I understand correctly, you started your career in coaching with linear income before moving on to residual. If you could do it again, would you (and could you) have focused only on residual income? Or was the work you did while earning linear income necessary for the residual?

5. I've always had an interest in becoming a life coach. I wonder whether you think this is a viable career during the current recession.

6. After speaking with my academic adviser she told me I need to start taking more classes or it will be 10 years before I finish. I can’t do that! I work 80 to 100 hrs a week (no exaggeration) and taking just one class at a time has been putting a toll on my family life. I have decided to quit college. Is this the right choice?

- So, I have a business idea….what’s next?

- Any advice for website ministry to pastors

- I am a roofing contractor and am interested in going green. How do I get started?

- I am a single mother of twin boys, and my credit is prohibiting me from gaining employment in my skill set.

- My husband and I are going to divorce and as a result I will have to go back to work full time. How do I handle this in an interview situation?

- I know that each November you plan the next year. You have said that you plan to stop doing a certain percentage of things to make room for new things. Would you please elaborate on your process?

1. Should I pay a $25,000 franchise fee to make 6 figures?

2. I have one foot on the dock and one on the boat. How do I decide when to cast away?

3. Where I can I purchase books for “pennies in the dollar?”

4. I find it hard to write a resume “specifically tailored for each job.”

5. I am a 50-yr-old artist. Love to sculpt and paint but struggle with marketing.

6. I have not worked full-time for 9 years. How do I now compete with 20-yr-olds for jobs?

1. I recently retired (54 year old male) from the federal government. How can I still serve and contribute to society?

2. How do I create residual income in the craft business?

3. In interviewing for a traditional job, is the suit and tie the only appropriate male attire?

4. I'm trying to switch jobs but everywhere I apply you need 2-5 years direct experience it seems. How do I qualify for a job if I never even meet the minimum requirements?

5. How can you tell whether job dissatisfaction is from personal discontentment (no matter the job) or if it is truly a need for a change of vocation?