I always knew what I wanted to be when I grew up - someone who could explain everything. I suppose that's why I ended up being a technical writer!
But after years of writing software manuals and teaching computer classes, I realized the real problem was the software. It was just too hard to use. I immersed myself in the wonderful world of software usability and became a usability evangelist, preaching the evils of complicated interfaces, strangely named buttons, and bizarre error messages.
That's when I realized software wasn't the only high-tech item with usability problems. There were plenty of Websites out there that were hard to navigate. And even if you could find what you needed, you probably wouldn't understand it.
I morphed my usability knowledge and started designing easy-to-navigate Websites and writing friendly Web content. I also morphed my life style from full-time employee of more than six high-tech companies in the last 25 years to free-lance writer and usability specialist. I now do everything from writing datasheets and case studies, to user guides and textbooks, to Web content and software interface design, even big-time business proposals.
I don't make the "big" bucks, but I do have control of my time. I feel I'm really helping people and making a difference in the world.