You have friends and family, fellow fans and geeks and otaku who are out of work. As you wrack your brain for ways to help them, consider just how much you, progeek that you are know – and how you can share it.
Right now you're a free training resource that doesn't need tuition or an entrance exam. think of all the advantages you have in training your unemployed compatriots;
- You know the way they learn – and the ways they don't.
- You know their gaps – and areas – of knowledge so you can focus on what they need to know.
- You know how to communicate with them.
- You probably have a good idea of what they should learn – even if they don't.
- You know their career ambitions.
So, go and offer to teach them something that'll help them in their career. Think of what you can do:
- You can give them the basics of a new skill so they can learn for themselves or feel confident in taking a class.
- You can help them develop a skill over time perhaps by making a project out of it – such as doing a website or writing.
- You can have them work with you on your job or side business – gaining a skill and being a reference.
- You can teach them a job search skill.
- You can just sit down and teach them.
Could you get it wrong? Could you mess it up? Sure, maybe. But it's better to go and try. You have a lot of knowledge to share – and you know the people you're trying to help. Go for it.
Besides, you're a progeek. You probably know skills better that others would cover . . .