I've often thought that "techies" are similar to the priests of the many religions humans have practiced over the centuries - keeper of the sacred knowledge, party to some information we mere laypersons are incapable of understanding.

This has been less true of the Apple, which historically has been the world's most user-friendly computer - and therefore, fixable by most users. Still, there are those technophobes who either don't have the aptitude or the desire to go poking into their Mac's innards. Less frequently, Macs develop problems that should be addressed by trained experts.

In those cases, as a "Mac Genius," your position is tantamount to that of a powerful Mage.

Despite its appeal, this position has its downside.

In a typical Apple Service Center, out of 30 employees, only four of them are actual "Mac Geniuses." They rarely interact with - or even see - the public. They are hidden in the back, seated at their benches, diagnosing, troubleshooting, repairing, replacing - definitely not the job for ADHD individuals, or those who crave social interaction. On the other hand, Mac Genius are occasionally called out of their sanctuaries to calm and reassure an agitated customer - so "people skills" are definitely necessary. And you will be loved. Respected. At least for a time. You also have power. If a customer has a legitimate gripe, and is getting little or no satisfaction - or say, a machine is just barely out of warranty - a Mac Genius can usually get the problem fixed.

Much of this power comes from the fact that true Mac Geniuses are a rare breed. But here's where the hard truth sets in - this is not a career, its a job with little possibility for advancement. The hours are long and often inflexible. At one time, if you were a Mac IT expert, you could expect competitive pay. This has changed, particularly in the past five years as corporations focus less and less on people and quality service and products, and fixate on high profits, bloated CEO salaries and  inflated ROI for shareholders. If the choice is between a seasoned professional who can command a high price and a young novice who can be gotten for a song, they'll go for the novice every time (and sack them just before they're eligible for raises and benefits).

My personal feeling - corporate America, as things stand now, neither appreciates nor deserves genius. If you're really wanting a career in Mac repair, your best bet is to hang out your own shingle - or better yet, offer house-call service in your own local community.

After all, the quest for a better, more just and sustainable world starts in your own neighborhood.