Gifted or not, nothing's wrong about being good at academics. That might be one's only gift. But the academy is not what it once was, and there's a lot of highl

Gifted or not, nothing's wrong about being good at academics. That might be one's only gift. But the academy is not what it once was, and there's a lot of highly-motivated people seeking academic professions (which very often - as I learned from talking to professors - involve a lot more than teaching and research). Outside of full-time opportunities in that ideal environment then, there are lots of yearners. Surprise, surprise, colleges don't worry much about such people. There's another crop moving in behind them, more grants to apply for. The outide world looks right past specialized outsiders. A lucky few become great writers.