You'll make more money in management, if this is more important, you can geek-out at home as a hobby, plus all the friends and family that need you to fix their computers.

Much has been already said here that bears repeating, but I won't since you can just scroll back.

Consider technology conferences for the people-networking opportunities.

Evening graduate schools also offer this chance, when the target audience are employees of local businesses -- or see if the local college is looking for instructors. People sign up for classes to learn how to do something, but then realize they'd just rather hire someone. Instructors and star students can both pick up opportunities here.