This is a trick question! If you say something like I would like to work for a charity, or open a business, or do something else - the interviewer can ask you why aren't you doing those things that you really want to do? And that's a fair question, because you are not interviewing for the job you really want.

If you are a doctor, you help people because you want to. If you accept this gift, you might start to subconsciously expect other patients to offer you gifts as well for your services. It a personal choice you, but with gifts people always feel indebted and it can change the relationship between patient and doctor or co-workers, etc. One suggestion might be to find a charity you can have the gift donated to - this way the patient can feel happy and that they repaid you and you can feel good about helping those in need without creating a sense of always expecting gifts for your services. In the long run I think you will like you job more for the good work that you do and not distract yourself with thoughts of gifts from patients.

You want to be a well-rounded, not a drone.  But your potential employer would be even more turned off if he suspects that your heavy extracurricular load will interfere with your commitment to your work duties.

BEST ANSWERS:  Try to gauge how this company's culture would look upon your favorite outside activities and be guided accordingly.

You can also use this question to shatter any stereotypes that could limit your chances.  If you're over 50, for example, describe your activities that demonstrate physical stamina.  If you're young, mention an activity that connotes wisdom and institutional trust, such as serving on the board of a popular charity.

But above all, remember that your employer is hiring your for what you can do for him, not your family, yourself or outside organizations, no matter how admirable those activities may be.