It's absurd how aspirants to designer-label colleges become obsessed with perfection so they can get into one. I'm not convinced it's worth prostituting yourself for that.
Marty NemkoEssayists write at a length that enables them, within a year, to explore a number of topics, whereas in a book, they'll likely only get to address one.
Marty NemkoFew people make a living as a public speaker but many people build it into their career. A career is like a suit of clothes: to look its best, it must be tailored and accessorized. So whatever career you choose, let's say it's social work - you can, for example, ask your boss - if you can give talks at housing project community centers about the social services available.
Marty NemkoAnswering ads rarely works for career changers because you have no experience in the job for which you're applying.
Marty Nemko