Teaching is by far the most rewarding job I've had.

Also, of all the things I've done professionally ( freelancing, founding an AI startup, writing academic papers, public speaking) teaching is also by far the most challenging.

And I think everyone should try it. Why?

You really only understand something when you have to explain it.

If you want to master any skill, nothing will force you to be more prepared than the prospect of a few hungry padawans waiting to eat you one question at a time.

You will find new and unexpected ways of looking at the same ideas.

After you successfully teach something to someone, there comes that "Aha!" moment when they will say, "oh, so it's like..." and probably give you a completely new and unexpected point of view.

You will give someone something invaluable and yet at no cost for you (other than time).

Knowledge is the most meaningful possession, arguably the only one that is really yours. So it is also the most valuable thing to give, and yet it is free to copy and remix.

You will build long-lasting relationships based on admiration and respect.

People who have learned something from you, no matter how insignificant, will be grateful (unless they are assholes) and will reward you in excess with their consideration and admiration.

You can change the world (or at least a small part of it).

If you have the chance to teach someone how to do something, you have forever changed the way that person approaches some situation. If that is not transformative power, I don't know what is.

You will also change for the better.

Teaching others, if you are doing it right, will make you worry about their personal situations, their stories, their problems. You'll become a better human being through learning how to care for others.

I have been a university professor for my entire professional life, that is, the last seven years. It is demanding, but it is much more rewarding.

Now, you don't have to be a full-time professor at some academic institution to experience this life. You can do it right now.

Think of every moment as a learning experience, for your friends, your family, your kids and your elders.

If you know something, blog about it, tweet about it or just talk about it at your next coffee break. There's always someone who could benefit from listening.

And finally, remember that every day there is someone who has to learn something that you consider trivial. There is always someone starting from scratch. If you only have an hour of experience, then you already have something to teach.

Give it a try. I swear it's worth it.