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.
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.
I spent years trying, buddy, and y'know what? I just can't anymore. I've learned what happens.
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.
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.
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 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.
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?
What did you try? It is possible you could try something else that you like more?
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).