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If there are Hackerspaces nearby then you're in luck, just go along! Don't worry about being smart enough or anything silly like that, there won't be an entry t
by almost 15y ago
If there are Hackerspaces nearby then you're in luck, just go along! Don't worry about being smart enough or anything silly like that, there won't be an entry test :) Seriously though, you can just turn up and have a look at what people are doing, that's what everyone does at first. Try and talk to people about the stuff they're working on, it'll be interesting plus everyone loves to talk about their stuff.
And the more you go along to things like that the easier it gets. You'll be surprised how soon you start to feel totally comfortable with it.
Lastly, considering widening your interests. There are loads of very interesting and nice people who aren't into tech. Just because that's (one of) your interests doesn't mean you can't mix with people for whom it isn't a focus.
- nimblegorilla 15y agoI agree with the above, but it is also ok to just look at other people's work at the event and not talk to anyone if you don't feel like talking at first.
- almost 15y agoI guess so, but you'll get a lot more out of things if you do :) For me at least I find it just gets so much easier the more you do it, pretty soon you'll find that "hi, I'm XX, what are you working on?" comes out as easy as anything. But no one will expect anything in particular from you so don't worry about it. Another bit of advice that might help, hacker spaces and user groups and the like have mailing lists. You can join those before you go along. It's totally normal for people to post a "Hi, my name is XX and I'm interested in YY. I'm planning on popping down sometime soon so see you guys then" and you will most likely get at least a few welcoming replies when you do that.
- jwdunne 15y agoI know there are a good few meet ups a train ride away for a range of things I'm either interested in or interested in pursuing. I've really considered going to them but the fears I've mentioned creep in. I do have a few friends with other interests. One of them being into music and photography. That said, however, I observe them and I notice they all have friends with similar interests too. When I see two passionate people talking about their interests face to face, I always get the feeling I'm missing out on something. Widening my interests is fine and I enjoy doing it but I've not found anything I'm quite as passionate about as this though - I have a strong feeling I never will. Thanks for the advice. I really appreciate the time spent helping me in my time of need.