Why I Chose Technical Writing as My Career

Writing has always been a passion of mine, but the path to becoming a technical writer was a journey filled with twists and turns. In this article, I will share my story of how I embraced technical writing and why I consider it a fulfilling career.

Defining My Role as a Technical Writer

After retiring from my last job, I embarked on a new journey as a technical writer. Unlike most technical writers, my focus lies in DIY projects, exploring various electronics terms, and making measurements. I write for a specific audience – technical readers – which is quite different from the broader scope of technical writing I did in my previous role.

My Background and Experience

Before retiring, I worked as a Senior Technical Writer, where I wrote production assembly procedures, production test procedures, and even patent application descriptions. I was also the writer for a very significant NIH grant worth $12 million. This grant was awarded to a sister company, where I was on loan due to their lack of a technical writer on staff. This experience was incredibly rewarding and provided me with a broad range of technical writing skills.

The Evolution of My Writing Career

My journey with writing began in my retirement when I started contributing to an Amateur Radio club newsletter. Over time, I took my writing to a new level by editing a quartz crystal company newsletter and eventually creating several newsletters of my own. I even had 5,000 paid readers from over 60 countries. Writing for large audiences was a significant milestone in my career.

Competing with Natural Talent

While my friend at Hewlett-Packard had natural writing talent, I opted for a different path. I wrote articles for a general contract, sometimes earning $1,000 per page. My love for writing and knack for organizing information into clear, actionable steps is what set me apart. I have a tendency to structure information in numbered paragraphs, which I find effective for clarity and organization.

Shifting from Engineering to Technical Writing

After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, I faced initial skepticism from the job market. I then turned to What Color Is Your Parachute to reassess my career options. In the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, I discovered my true calling: a technical writer.

Rigors of Contract Technical Writing

Contract technical writing has its unique challenges and advantages. While the hourly rate can be double that of regular employees, the nature of the job often leaves you feeling expendable after the product is completed. This constant cycle of learning new information and mastering new tools can be both exhilarating and demanding. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and can adapt quickly to new information, technical writing can be a rewarding career.

Conclusion

Technical writing has allowed me to work with skilled engineers and translate complex information into understandable, actionable content. The field offers immense possibilities for those who are passionate about writing and enjoy problem-solving. Though it is a complex and dynamic role, it remains one of the most fulfilling paths I have chosen.