The Power of Reinvention
It has been said that the beauty of life is found in the unexpected detours. I would go further and say that we find beauty within moments of reinvention. The day I lost my role as a technical support agent due to Covid-19 budget cuts catapulted me into one of those moments. I discovered that reinvention does not mean a complete overhaul of who you once were, but more like another layer that you have yet to explore.
As someone who has pivoted from library work to tech support, and finally technical writing, you may think that those fields only have minimal things in common. But just like diving deeper into themes and symbolism in literature reveal patterns, so does looking at connections between career pivots and even changes in our personal lives. Witness the power of reinvention as I take you on my own personal journey of discovery.
A Dream Transitions into Another
Libraries always held a special place in my heart from the time I was a child. I was a library assistant for about ten years, and initially I wanted to progress into the role of a library clerk. The position was more challenging and involved direct engagement with patrons, such as making reading suggestions, fulfilling research requests, and providing computer support. While I worked as a substitute library clerk, my goal was to land a permanent position.
I found out through inquiry that a degree would help in my career endeavors. I enrolled at my local community college and completed a transfer degree in English Literature. With my associate’s degree, I was confident that I would land my dream role. Well, I was unaware at the time that my dream would morph into another.
My efforts didn’t lead to the role I had been pursuing, so after a lead from a friend, I found myself in the world of software support. Through the power of reinvention, what I viewed as a personal failure propelled me to grow. I would soon discover how all my career pivots were interconnected and meaningful.
An Inspiring Fit
Technical support may seem straightforward. The agent solves the issue for a customer, and everyone goes on their merry way. Less simplistically, tech support also involves teaching and instructing the caller, so they can manage the matter on their own in the future.
When I began writing standard operating procedures for our product users, something inside me just clicked. I combined my love of writing and teaching into one cohesive unit. At this point, I didn’t realize what an inspiring fit technical writing would be for me. However, an unexpected event that impacted the world propelled me in that direction.
When Covid-19 struck, my employer had to cut staff due to unexpected budget cuts. I found myself unemployed and confused over what to do next. But this layoff was not a hinderance, it was an opportunity for growth. Yes, I was about to reinvent myself once again.
The Roots of Career Branches
Career pivots are like branches of the same tree. Despite seasonal changes, our roots remain at the heart of who we are. Our talents and values don’t change, but how we express them can.
In my case, improving my skills as a technical writer was the perfect way to nourish my core strengths and explore diverse ways of expressing them. So, I enrolled at my local university to complete my degree. My college internships not only helped me become abetter writer, but collaborating with a team and contributing to projects prepared me for my new career.
Discovering My Professional Voice: Internships
“Don’t you think that you should write with your audience in mind,” my client and mentor asked. “After all, I think geology experts will be reading this article on the science of the arboretum.”
“You make a good point,” I replied, “but the reason I wrote the article in an approachable storytelling manner is because there are people out there who want to learn more about geology but don’t know where to begin. This article may inspire website visitors with little knowledge of geology to visit and learn more about the park. I know it did so for me.”
“Yes!” My client agreed enthusiastically.
Embracing Advocation: Microsoft Contract
After graduating I searched for a technical writing role with software companies. After nearly a year of searching and applying, I landed a contract with Microsoft. Finally, I could use my skills and those of my colleagues to equip Microsoft users to navigate and troubleshoot applications with ease. I ensured that the content was accessible, clear, and concise, which eliminates frustration and increases customer satisfaction.
My approach is clear from this exchange with my project manager: “For the sake of consistency, couldn’t we add some standard operating procedures to this article for the Learn website?”
“Do you think it needs SOPs,” the project manager asked.
“Yes, because I’m sure our product users would like an overview of how this application function works, even if it may seem obvious at first glance.”
As a result of this conversation, I implemented my idea into the article. I wish to express a warm thank you to my mentor and the project manager for their support.
People First Approach
What does a library assistant, technical support agent, and technical writer have in common? Yes, technology is an obvious connection, but there is an even stronger bond between these career paths. My motives, values, and personal mission behind each instance of reinvention remain the same. People first. Equipping people with knowledge that contributes to their own autonomy has remained my constant mission. I didn’t just direct library patrons on where to find the materials they were looking for, but how to find materials on their own. In tech support, I instructed the user on how to navigate application functions. As a technical writer, I wrote clear operating procedures so that a product user could do things for themselves, rather than feel burdened with constant reliance on others. The values behind my mission are clear.
I care about people, and I want them to thrive in areas where they may struggle.
The Power of Reinvention: Expanding Horizons
Reinvention allows us to not only grow and expand our horizons, but it contributes to a brighter future for everyone. We find ourselves in places and situations we have never been before. We meet people we would never have met otherwise. We unveil hidden talents from within us. Reinvention is not a pitiful last resort, but an opportunity to gain experience and connect with others in ways we never planned.
As for my contract with Microsoft, well like all good things it ended. But I carry those experiences with me and allow them to guide each twist and turn on my path. While I search for my next role, I allow the power of reinvention to sooth any underlying doubts I carry. After all, reinvention is not due to personal failure, it’s a natural process that can lead to pathways that at one time were inaccessible to you. Now, let the power of reinvention be a guiding force in your life and you may inspire others to do the same.
