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Comment by chickenfries | Hacker News Reader

> I fucking hate it here. The wealth disparity is palpable, and people understandably resent it.

Then go find somewhere where you don't hate it.

> At least you'll make enough money in a few years - not having any people-y things to spend it on - to move somewhere else and really try to contribute to something. Seattle resents contribution.

Please provide some examples of "Seattle resents contribution".

I can see why people wouldn't like you though: you're apparently a rentier who has no interest in contributing back to the place that you're benefiting from.

> Nobody treats you like a human being if you're in tech.

Have you ever been working class? Worked retail, food service? It ain't great, I'll take working in tech in terms of "being treated like a human."

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Yes! To all of those!

I am going to move, once my leases are up. I've had it.

I've been trying to give back by trying to find ways to teach and get people interested in electronics - I really fervently believe that anyone can do it - but the furthest I get from indifference is hostility that I'd presume what I should be teaching. I want to give, but nobody wants to take...

And of course I've worked shit jobs and been treated like shit. But at least I was getting paid for it then.

> I've been trying to give back by trying to find ways to teach and get people interested in electronics

I feel like using tech as a means to connect with people who dislike all the tech being brought into Seattle may not be the best way to go.

When i go out with friends (and friends of friends) here in Seattle, the topics always drift to tech and work because that's the common ground for everyone. It's kind of annoying to me and it's something i'm passionate about. I can imagine why people would be somewhat hostile if they don't enjoy tech and that's all that half the people they meet want to talk about.

Yeah but it's not like, work electronics. It's like, robots and lights and fun stuff like that electronics.

Doesn't matter; nobody cares. I thought I'd meet, you know, artists who might be interested in making creative things with stuff like that. Or someone, anyone, who'd have a reaction besides vague unease. I dunno, maybe it's just me. I can sort of understand why they wouldn't, but I wish people would just say if I were bothering them...it's fucked up but sometimes, I really wish I was more marginalized.

Whoa! You seem like a very enthusiastic person interested in sharing your knowledge and expertise, and watching said knowledge blossom, manifested in new ideas. That's pretty neat!

Have you tried looking for any meetups that draw people of a similar mindset? Microsoft has a "Maker Garage" which may have some openings to get 'tinkerers' in to teach to youngsters. What about schools? Have you tried asking if you can present to a class or two about Electronics as a future career path?

What about electronics do you like? What is your "formal education" (not that it matters, but I'm curious as to where you found your love for electronics).

Not trying to bend you away, but I'm frankly shocked by your position. Are you locked in Amazonville?

Did you reach out to places like http://sodomakerspace.com to try and teach?

There are also places to work that are all about contribution - Vulcan Inc. (where I work now) has a really strong philanthropy bent.

That's an unfortunate domain name if I've ever seen one.

Sodo is where I learned that I was universally hated, despised, and should never speak unless spoken to.

I spent years trying, buddy, and y'know what? I just can't anymore. I've learned what happens.

Ah, rough. Sorry man. =/ I'd recommend a smaller town - have you looked at Pittsburgh?

So did you go to a community college and offer to teach classes? Honestly, that sounds like a really fulfilling way to spend your time, I really doubt that you couldn't find somewhere that would let you teach something if you tried... even if it's just a community center.

EDIT: Also, if you want to connect with non techies... maybe do something else... it's unreasonable to expect to only be surrounded by techies at all times?

I don't have time. I want to teach electronics and stuff because I want to help people who are marginalized to have the opportunities that frankly, I didn't deserve but I wish everyone had. But I also have a lot to learn first, and I'm not going to do that if I spend all my time like I did my first couple of years here, doing forced social things with people who will never want to see me again.

I mean...it's painful, but I already tried the 'something else' thing for awhile and it only hurt more. That's where I got this whole 'everyone hates me on the off chance that they deign to notice me' thing. Maybe at least trying to do something productive and useful will pay off someday, if I can figure more stuff out and come up with a succinct way to get people interested. And who knows how much longer we'll have access to this wonderland of cheap components that an unfair globalized market provides? I don't have time.

> I don't have time. I want to teach electronics and stuff because I want to help people who are marginalized to have the opportunities that frankly, I didn't deserve but I wish everyone had. But I also have a lot to learn first, and I'm not going to do that if I spend all my time like I did my first couple of years here, doing forced social things with people who will never want to see me again.

No point teaching people who don't want to learn. Plus, it comes off as stuck up to tell people what should be important to them.

It's great that you have a passion for electronics! I'm surprised you aren't able to find a meetup or something with others who share that interest.. Maybe you could visit the local colleges to see if they have clubs or classes and join in?

> I mean...it's painful, but I already tried the 'something else' thing for awhile and it only hurt more.

What did you try? It is possible you could try something else that you like more?

You probably already know about it, but if not check out Metrix. It’s a little non-profit that offers electronics/maker workshops. Might be something for you to get involved in.

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