I co-founded a makerspace. Maybe 70% of our membership are 30-50 y/o men that work in some form of IT (and other desk jobs).
The opportunity to make something physical brings them life. It's a real bonus if it's something they can carry around and show others. 1-2-3 blocks, welded cubes, wood lathed pen bodies, 3d printed gadgets, etc.
A makerspace let me use a sewing machine for a few bucks to fix a shirt. Began a multi-year foray and let me express myself more truly than my job ever could.
That's so cool that you were part of the founding team for a makerspace! I'm working on building something makerspace-y right now...If you're open to it, I'd love to ask you a couple quick questions about it. If you're busy, no worries, I 100% get it :) my email is in my bio.
The opportunity to make something physical brings them life. It's a real bonus if it's something they can carry around and show others. 1-2-3 blocks, welded cubes, wood lathed pen bodies, 3d printed gadgets, etc.