I was a school teacher when circumstances changed in my personal life, and I had to bear the responsibility of my family. Looking for opportunities to increase my income, I assessed my skills and started thinking out of the box. Technical writing was a growing field, and I enrolled for a three-month course to learn the basics. My first taste of exam and interview after 15 years!! I was competing with young, talented, intelligent, and enthusiastic people. I was overjoyed to see my name among the top three.
On the first day of class, the lecturer said, “Technology is an acquired skill.” That settled my apprehension about my lack of knowledge of computers. Learning began. By this time, I had 20 years of working experience behind me and was on the other side of 40. I was experienced in writing and editing school magazines, had worked in teams, and followed deadlines. Have you ever heard of a school delaying their annual report card day? Well, that’s the kind of deadline I’ve known with the added responsibility of publishing the magazine to be distributed along with the report card.
Armed with the knowledge of the workings of printing a book I took a leap of faith, quit my school job, and joined as an intern in Technowrites. My life changed and I evolved.
A paradigm shift took place in understanding, learning, and collaborating. Technical writing is a specialized form of communication that accurately communicates complex information to customers, in a simple manner. To the amusement of others and my delight, I learned to use computers and publishing tools with considerable effort. Using different features of Word excited me. I was fascinated by the ease with which the tools helped to organize information. Using the internet for reference was a bonus. Soon, I handled independent projects of writing online help and analytical guides. In a few months, I lead a project on the client site, collaborating with top management and peers. I found myself surrounded by professionals and absorbed everything around me. I met stalwarts in the field during seminars and workshops. The stalwarts emphasized the importance of writing skills. I knew I could sail through the storm.
To expand my horizons, I joined a product company. I wrote installation guides, configuration guides, and online help for various products. Soon, I created and represented the documentation team to the top management. Coordinating and collaborating with development teams, quality assurance teams, and writers across the globe made the world seem so closely knit. I wanted to grow and face more challenges.
I left Pune and joined a company in Hyderabad. Out of my comfort zone, I was thrown into a new environment, working on a dynamically changing new product. Learning began once more. My documents were released with the software. Customers provided constructive and positive feedback. I received cash rewards besides certificates and brownie points. I was thrilled. Once again, I earned my name and fame.
Twenty years after taking a bold decision to shift careers, here are a few tips before I sign off:
- Believe in yourself. Learn everything to support your work and to make you a better person.
- Maintain a positive attitude and have a solution-oriented approach.
- The only yardstick for measurement is yourself. Every year, check your growth graph.
- Take your leap of faith.
- Learn, Unlearn, Relearn, and Refresh your knowledge.
- Ask for help whenever required, there is always someone ready to help. Select a mentor.
- Be flexible/adaptable, and embrace change.
- Get out of your comfort zone when you feel stuck. Explore and enjoy the process.
Wow what a journey…. and ur hunger to learn is amazing ur enthusiasm is great … such a positive personality that’s wt I like about ur ability to grow… keep growing and learning the most important thing is enjoy ur process of ever changing life and sky is the limit u don’t need me to say that …….
Thanks Saroj for your appreciation. 😍 Your keen observation and encouragement keeps me going!!
So happy to read this inspirational article. I am sure you felt proud of your achievements
Absolutely…! The journey was great n hence the achievement. 😃
I liked the way you followed the technical writing principle ‘KISS’ – keep it short and simple – to narrate your journey. The write-up covered facts, emotions, and experience.
And the best part – the conclusion – you just nailed the it. I can’t agree more!
Glad you liked it. Your expertise is seen in your comments. 😍
Beautiful, amazing story of resilience and confidence!
Thank you!! 😍
A woman who becomes a widow at an early stage of life, especially with a child, faces immense challenges. Despite societal and familial pressures, her resilience and strength shine through. She battles not only her personal grief but also the expectations and prejudices of those around her. Her journey is one of profound courage as she strives to create a stable and loving environment for her child. Her story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a mother who, against all odds, fights for a better future for herself and her child. Her perseverance, determination, and unwavering love exemplify true heroism.
Thank you for the detailed review for my book DESERVING. This review should be posted on https://www.amazon.in/dp/B094JZPNHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_EBYCWYXHS89FFX20MZV5
How inspiring!
Thank you!! 😍 I’m sure you have more trekking stories.
Loved how you ended it with key learnings. Waiting to read more of your blogs.
Glad you liked it. 😄
You have become an inspiration for many to follow. What you did was not something that could not be done but the first step, The risky path is what makes it different and the real thing that others should imbibe. Great going sis keep smiling and inspiring people
Absolutely true! Taking that risk, or first step was important. By God’s grace everything fell in place.
Nice tips provided at the end
Thanks dear for your compliments. 😍
Yes….
Very inspiring…
Liked the oncept of – learn, unlearn, relearn and refresh!
And finally very much proud about our teacher and friend as I have witnessed this journey for last 35 years!!
Thank you, Pramila. Thanks for being by my side through this journey. You are an inspiration yourself. 💖
An example of how to stay relevant with time. Worth taking a page out of your book. Also, what caught my eye is the simple language used to communicate effectively. Many a times I find it hard to write in simple language. Hats off!
Thank you, Parth. 😃 Relevant with times – that’s probably the only way to survive.
Courageous decision to switch career from a teacher to Technical Writing. Sneha it’s a precise description of a new career. We’ll written!
There’s always that point in life where one has the courage to take a risk. Your support throughout the journey is immensely valuable.
You are so inspiring and it is only you who has made your journey so remarkable. Kudos to you and may you keep growing and sharing. There are many who can relate to your struggles and your story is like a beacon of hope!
Thank you for your generous compliments dear Kiran. 💖
Only an experienced eye can do so.
Inspiring journey, Sneha. It was great to meet you as we started off together in Technical Writing. Your never-give-up attitude and keeness to learn has been a motivation for me throughout. I have learnt a lot from your experience and thanks for penning down your thoughts and journey positively. Good luck. 👍
Thank you for being part of my journey. I’m happy to have made an impact in your life. May our tribe grow. 😊
Mam, this is so much inspiring. As one of your past student, I always held a high respect for you, reading this piece makes me respect you even more. I understanding how challenging it would have been to switch careers post your 40s. Felt great reading this piece and here’s wishing you good luck !!
Thank you dear Abhijit. You children have made my journey worthwhile. Infact, children from the senior batches have been my guides in my new profession. 😍
You almost left a goal setting guide at the end. Nice one!
Ha ha ha 😂 default setting at work.
Super inspiring story. I am glad you shared the same… looking forward for more inspiration as always!! 🤗❤️
Thanks dear! 😊
Inspiring for people who are in a dilemma of what if I am not successful while coming out of their comfort zonesTips given are very useful..
Thanks dear! Getting out of the comfort zone is important.
Relevant tips Sneha. The one that resonated with me the most is – Take your leap of faith.
Sweet of you. 🙂