Flexing my fingers, just thinking that it has been an awfully long time that I have written sumthin. The topic today isn’t a result of sudden realization of how I am in a profession, not widely known, but yet quite an attractive and lucrative option. I was in a rick today, sharing it with an elderly uncle, and the question popped. What do u do beta (daughter – elder people address young girls like that in India)?
I dread this question and why so, I dread it cause if its not like you are software developer.

If you are a software developer, no one wants to delve further after hearing software, that what exactly that mean. But, technical writing, is whole new story altogether. Now, this is wat happened,

Uncle- What do you do beta

Me – (hmmm….should i tell him)? I work for xyz company…(this will buy me some time)

Uncle – as what?

Me – (dammit…I wanted more time) Well…(here goes nothing) I work as an Information developer

Uncle – (zonked…maybe she codes)so u are in software

Me – (the technical writer pride strikes again…I have to explain my identity) No…I write..i do technical writing

Uncle – (?…yes that was his expression) oh ok (not a convincing yes)

Me – I do technical writing….I write user manuals, install guide, development guide, so on

Uncle – as in?

Me – (lets get downright simple)Uncle…when you buy any syrup based medicine…a small pamphlet that comes with instructions..

Uncle – so u write that??

Me – (let me complete) No…i write sumthin like that….

Uncle – I don’t get it

Me – (thank u god I need to get off this rick)Uncle…basically I write (and the conversation ends)

So, moral of the story is that I am proud of my career choice and I am very happy to tell people that I am in this career by choice and not chance. Have you faced any such situation where the same question was asked to you by some non technical person and you had a hard time explaining, then please share