I completely agree that a “hybrid” set of skills can be a great way to land a fulfilling job. Technical writing departments can only benefit when employees bring new skills into the mix. For example:

* Marketing (to convey to users why they should read help content)
* Graphic design (because images are sometimes better than words)
* Customer service (now that tech writers are moving into Web 2.0 roles)

Writing skills are essential, but it’s the additional skills that allow a writer to stand out and find a niche.

I really enjoyed your story! (Especially the “through blessings” part, because hard work alone doesn’t account for the success and happiness I’ve found in the technical writing field.)

Great blog!

Blane Warrene said:
“This was a good thought. Multiple hats can be a good thing!”

Shawn Leonard:
“The blog is interesting and I agree.”

Scott Lindstrom:
“There is one “hybrid” that I believe has mixed results. The ID & stand-up trainer. I’ve seen it succeed and explode. It’s hard to find people who can do both equally as well.”

John Luttrell (http://www.BasisMedia.com):
“And, thank you for the article. I really enjoyed it. I count myself as a definite Hybrid with my roots in technology, which pulled me into technical training. I never really switched into technical writing, but instead did both interchangeably. And, I’m also a Media-Hybrid with part of my roots firmly planted in music and entertainment media creation, which crosses over into multimedia creation for training and communication. I think it’s been my formula for success through many turbulent times. Definitely a rocky road ahead, so let’s hope that hold true for both of us.”

I don’t see a distinction between “training” and “educational writing.” Like you, at the moment, I am instructional designer for online courses. I also write job aids and do live software training. Both tasks are all in a day’s work. Instructional designers must write, and technical writers must design information for optimal learning.