> My family have told me I'm stupid You are not stupid, you are well meaning. That doesn't mean the actions here are correct, but as a first step: 1. Do not l

> My family have told me I'm stupid You are not stupid, you are well meaning. That doesn't mean the actions here are correct, but as a first step: 1. Do not let anyone insult you. Your time is too valuable to let people simply tear you down. > The worst is when people can see me contribute to my hobby projects (open source), or I teach people for free Open source and teaching individuals are good and correct things to do. 2. Don't let other people set your priorities. You want to mentor with your free time? Do it. > I feel used when companies or people use my work and profit from it. The worse is when they advertise that they did it. I get 0 pay, and ironically I sometimes have to travel to THEM on my own expense? There is a line where if someone is profiting off your effort, you deserve that profit. That line is flexible and personal. I prefer telling people upfront, before we engage, where that line is. I say something like: "I'm happy to give you general and off the cuff advice for free. If you want me to consult, that's $350/hr. Any NDAs or PIAs are $800 to have reviewed - that doesn't mean accepted or signed. Travel is $2,000 a day." Obviously, tune this for the audience. If your broke buddy is building his first app, maybe ask him to deal you in for 5% of his profits instead or something. 3. Your time is valuable. It's ok to charge for it. "Treat yourself like a friend you are helping" Whether it's to me or someone else, don't be shy about reaching out and getting mentoring yourself. Consider getting mentoring from someone with a business focus versus computer focus.