Clarity is a great platform for people to connect with Experts.

If you feel that you'd be able to offer expert opinion, or can add valuable insight to someone seeking information, become an expert here.

Something critical to keep in mind is that we're all experts about some topics and painfully ignorant about others. I have years of experience in software, marketing, and running small businesses; if someone has questions in that domain, I have something to offer.

But if someone asked me about raising children or building an engine, I'd be utterly out of my depth.

Also, keep in mind that expertise is a spectrum: to someone who's never used a computer before, I might appear to have a direct magical connection to another universe; to a thirty-year computer science veteran, I might look like a kitten with a ball of string.

I'm not the smartest or the most qualified consultant out there. However, for the people I help, I have experiences and strategies and insights that they currently lack. So one person might roll her eyes at what I have to say, but another might find a new way of looking at things that helps him change his life.

If you like helping people, sign up. You have a lifetime of experience to share, and for the right person, that experience can change everything.

First, I must start by saying I am really sorry you had to grow up in such an environment.

However, as awful as it was, it has provided you with the empathy and passion towards those who may be going through tough times that you may not have acquired otherwise.

Will people here find what you are offering useful? Well, my question to your question is: Have you taken the time to go through the profiles of the experts on this site? If not, I will tell you the services offered run the gamut. There is something for everyone, and to meet all kinds of needs.

One way to think of it is if you have something to share, something that can help someone else, but you are not putting it out there for people to take advantage of it, you are not only doing a disservice to yourself, but to others as well.

Another thing is sometimes people don't even realize they need certain services or advice until they see them being are offered.

So, back to your question-will people here see it as an advantage? You will not know until you put it out there and find out.

As far as your background is concerned, as I mentioned earlier, I think it has given you the compassion and empathy required to listen to other's issues, but you must help your clients realize there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and be able to use your skills and training to lead and guide them towards it.

Over all, if you want to help those who may be lost and down, you need to stop reliving the period in your life when you were lost and down. Stop allowing it to dictate your present and, ultimately, your future. Use it as a way to motivate you and your clients.

As you can see from my profile I am a trainer and career coach. Have I always had success in my career? No. In fact, I have made A LOT of mistakes throughout my 25+ years in the business world, but that is life. You live and learn, and even if those things are things you did not do, but were done to you, you can still learn from them, and help others with your knowledge and what has become your expertise.

I hope this was helpful, and if you have any more questions, feel free to arrange a call with me.

In the past, that kind of education was called "The School of Hard Knocks."