I've been a practicing dentist in Bangalore, India, for two years. Though the job is fulfilling my needs, I feel the desire to change fields because I'm ambitious by nature. I'm just 24 years old, and I'd like to pursue a job in marketing or business, so I can make contacts and face new challenges. So far I found my search a bit difficult. I'd like your advice. Plus, are there any other career options for a dentist besides dentistry itself? – read answer

For the past eight years, I've been working in different European countries in investment banking, corporate finance and my own small business, an Internet site. I'm currently at an investment bank in Paris, performing private placements and providing mergers-and-acquisitions advisory services to technology companies. I've worked on a number of different tax issues for clients and myself, and I've decided I'd like to become an independent international tax adviser to wealthy individuals.

I've consulted with several law professors and tax professionals as to how I might proceed, but they've had no suggestions, not even books or basic degree requirements, i.e., law, accounting or tax.

Does one need a degree to legally offer such advice in the European Union? If so, which would you advise? Are there tax degrees? It seems everyone has either a law degree with some tax expertise or an accounting degree, but neither focuses on the practical aspects of individual taxes. I'm not interested in getting a law degree. What path do you suggest following? An easy route might be to train at a big accounting firm and eventually split off. – read answer

I have a master's degree in philosophy. The only work experience I have is as an administrative assistant. I don't want to teach; I'm not a people person and prefer working independently. What career would you suggest I pursue? – read answer

I'd like to break into free-lance writing. Any suggestions about the best way to start? – read answer

I graduated with a degree in economics and spent the past year working in public relations at a major firm. I don't think I'll be hired by this extremely un-diverse midwestern workplace (and probably wouldn't be comfortable even if they took me on) and I have the option of going to grad school in marketing communications or human resources. My undergrad major was in business economics and I have an interest in both fields. The grads of the marketing/communications program must fend for themselves to find a job. I don't know how long I can stay in this field without being completely irritated at the lack of intelligence.

The human-resources program sounds more practical and connected to my undergrad degree. I don't know how to choose which field. I do a lot of recruiting for my alma mater, which I love, but other people are always telling me how boring HR is. I'm not swayed, so I'm confused as to which program I ought to pick.  – read answer