One question I could never find an answer to is how best to give back to this community that has helped me grow so much

Here's my top three (semi-unusual) ways to give something back:

• Support Pair Networks. They donate the servers and bandwidth for Perlmonks. This would be a major cost otherwise. Make sure to let them know they get your business because of hosting Perlmonks. They're also the best hosting provider I've ever dealt with. And no, I don't have any connection with them other than being an extremely happy customer :).
• Write Open Source Perl software. More good quality software written in Perl results in more Perl-related jobs, and makes it easier to get existing projects done efficiently. Also spread the word about Perl, get your family, friends, and business associates interested.
• Use your skills to help out non-profit organizations. There are plenty of them out there that could definately benefit from your skills.

One last note on posting, don't be afraid to offer your solution to a problem. Even if it's not optimal and someone else comes up with a better one, there's no harm done. The more perspectives on a problem, the better.

Best of luck and happy Perlmonking :)

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