7 Advantages of Being a Tech Geek ...

Knowing basic computer skills is a job necessity today. The more computer skills you have, the better equipped you will be in the work force. I can't tell you how many times co-workers have come to me asking for help with their computer. I also, find that because I have more computer knowledge then others, that my work tends to have a little something extra and I can complete a task in far less time. Knowing how to fix certain computer issues has saved my boss and I a lot of time by not having to wait for our company's tech support to come assist us which makes me feel like I'm an important asset to my department. Not to mention it helps me to show off my skills that will hopefully lead to a promotion someday!

Many "tech geeks" enjoy playing video games. A lot of parents worry about their kids playing video games, but there are positive effects that come along with being a gamer. A research study performed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) concluded that video games can help both children and even adults process information much faster and improve their ability to reason and solve problems. Most games involve puzzles to overcome, planning that needs to be performed, and multi-tasking. It was also found that many people who play video games have better hand-eye coordination. I knew playing guitar hero would come in handy one day!

There are a lot of freelance jobs online where people with writing, editing, graphic design, website design, and many other computer skills can get paid for their services. Sites like Elance help you to get connected to people who are in need of your computer skills and will pay you to work at home in your spare time! It is also great to have a knowledge of sites like eBay or Craigslist as some people still don't know how to use them. In high school, I used to sell things for my family and friends on eBay and keep a small percentage of the money that was made as compensation for helping them.

Along with making money you can also save money by being a "tech geek." If you are good with fixing technology, then say goodbye to ever paying for tech support! Also, you can find a ton of free stuff online for download instead of buying which helps too save you money. ePubBud is a website that has free epub books and documents that you can download and read on your tablet. There are also sites that provide Emulators and Roms for old game systems such as Gameboy, Nintendo 64, and Sega Genesis where you can re-live your childhood on your computer! There is also a way to "jailbreak" your iPhone in order to get free apps. It used to be illegal but was overturned and not anymore. Just be aware that by jailbreaking your iPhone it voids your Apple warranty.

Most "tech geeks" enjoy reading about new and innovative technologies. This helps to keep us on the front lines of new devices that will soon be available. I already knew what was most likely going to be included in the new iPhone 5 before it was unveiled in September and I also knew that I should hold off buying the iPad 2 because a new iPad was going to be released in the next few months. It is amazing to know what is going to be coming out and how advanced technology is becoming. Also, friends can come to you asking if you've heard anything about a new device or program that's coming out.

When I first started college, I met a bunch of guys from our dorms on the first day. We started talking and somehow I brought up the word "torrents." They were immediately dumbstruck and said, "You know what a torrent is?" From then on, they thought I was a super cool girl who enjoyed playing video games and working on the computer. I always tried to hide my love for technology, but in college I embraced it. All my life I've had my friends and family members come to me with questions or ask me for help. It's a great feeling knowing that you have something to offer that others can't. Also, telling someone you have a career in technology today is like saying you have a career as a lawyer. People in the technology field tend to make a lot of money which will impress a lot of people.

Being into technology, I find that I'm never bored. There is always something to do, learn, or explore online or a game to play. Of course I go outside, and of course I do girly things with my friends, but when all else fails, I know the computer is there for my entertainment. You'll never meet a "tech geek" who runs out of things to do. They've got tons of hobbies and interests and are more than happy to dive head first into one of those when they've got some free time. In other words, they don't need to rely on other people to give them a life and keep them happy which is a great quality to have.

Technology is becoming such a huge part of our society and it should be an important subject to everyone. Whether your interest is in games, design, programming, etc, you should embrace the fact that you are riding the technology wave that is taking over the job market. Do you think of yourself as being a "tech geek"? If so, has this been viewed as a negative or positive by others?

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