Technical Writing with Social Difficulties

[darkchild]

How likely is it that an educated (technical and writing background) but not professionally experienced technical writer could make it in the industry if she has difficulty processing verbal information and general (noticeable but not severe) social discomfort? What specific kind of work environments could she explore?

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

What do you mean "difficulty processing verbal information". Do you have a disorder? If not, then I think you'll be just fine. Technical writing isn't all that social :)

 

[darkchild]

I mean that verbal information isn't my preferred way of getting information, and it manifests as a strong reflexive tendency to zone out when people talk, requiring more energy than most people to listen, and resulting in increasing fatigue if I have to listen closely for too long or without breaks. I will start to zone out if someone talks for more than 7 - 10 seconds straight, but I can handle it up to about 30 - 40 minutes if I don't have to do it on a regular basis, I think, but that's with stuff that doesn't require full attention. It has not been diagnosed as a disorder, but I've been able to get by (in college, for example) by reading the text. I didn't get much out of lectures.

I know that technical writing not very socially involved, but I thought there was a moderate amount of interviewing subject matter experts involved.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

I don't know much about technical writing, but if you can't pay attention for more than 7-10 seconds at a time then just about any profession will be a problem. I would seek out a medical professional if you are strongly concerned.

 

[Matrix0]

It is difficult to determine the likelihood of success for an individual with technical and writing background but who struggles with verbal processing and social discomfort. While technical writing does require strong communication skills, there are various types of work environments that may be more accommodating for someone with these difficulties.

For example, a technical writer may thrive in a remote or virtual work environment, where they can focus on written communication and have less face-to-face interactions. Additionally, a more structured and organized work environment may be beneficial for someone with difficulty processing verbal information, as it can provide clear guidelines and expectations for communication.

Furthermore, the specific industry and subject matter of the technical writing role may also play a factor in the individual's success. For instance, someone with a background in a technical field may be able to better understand and communicate complex information, even if they struggle with social discomfort.

Ultimately, it is important for this individual to find a work environment that is understanding and accommodating of their difficulties, and to continue to work on improving their communication and social skills. With determination and perseverance, it is possible for anyone to succeed in the technical writing industry.