# 033: The Hybrid Tech Writer Is Your Future
“FYI: Only the email version of my newsletter includes FREE resources, curated job listings, and exclusive magical graphics.
If you’re reading this on the web, you’re only seeing half the sparkle. 💌”
I rebranded your entire newsletter, but you only get the magic in the email version of this newsletter.
I know what you’re thinking.
Quetzalli, what happened to the Sunday drop?
Well, I’ll be honest with you.
I’m testing a new email marketing strategy, and part of that requires me to test sending this email out on a Monday.
See? I didn’t forget you yesterday.
I’ll always come through for you, even when you least expect it.
Real life ain't tidy. Neither are docs roles.
But what does my email marketing tests have to do with today’s issue?
Glad you asked.
You see, tech writing friend, today I’m going to burst a major mythology in the documentation job space.
You’ve been told writing jobs in tech fit into a neat, tidy little box.
That neat, tidy little box usually comes with a unique, specific label.
You know, labels like “API Docs Tech Writer,” “UX Writer,” “Tech Writer,” “Documentation Engineer,” “Developer Educator,” etc.
But what they neglected to share with you is that, in real life, very few things actually end up being neat, tidy, or perfect.
In real life, you have the privilege (misfortune?) of often running across startup jobs that are still in an early or major growth stage.
That stage requires folks who are willing and able to thrive in a job that wears multiple hats.
And that’s why you keep running into confusing job descriptions that don’t make sense to you as a tech writer who just wants to find a “regular tech writing job.”
Because the reality is that you’ll see many startups hiring hybrid tech writer roles.
Stuff like “Tech Writing/DevRel Content,” “Tech Writer/UX Writer,” etc.
You get the idea.
And here’s where the magic comes in.
It’s up to you whether you decide this is a good or bad thing.
Speaking for myself, I enjoy testing different types of writing — and for over a year now, I’ve been testing email marketing strategies for technical content (both my personal newsletter and for a startup).
Instead of trying to force my mind into the box of just “Tech Writer,” I chose the freedom to specialize in diverse areas where I bring strength to my team, customers, and community.
You can do the same thing.
A lot of you have emailed and messaged me on LinkedIn to confess that you like tech writing but also want to do DevRel.
One of the most common questions I receive from tech writers is:
“Can tech writers transition into DevRel? But what if I still like tech writing too?”
Well, have I got some more good news for you, my friend.
You absolutely can be a tech writer who loves, thrives, and succeeds in hybrid roles.
Be they Engineering/Tech Writing, Marketing/Tech Writing... or whatever blend best suits your unique strengths.
Enjoy learning and becoming an expert in diverse, yet holistically connected, areas.
Your career (and bank account) will thrive and succeed because you’ll bring a unique, diverse skill set that most “regular tech writers” never even knew existed.
Your action item for this week.
Identify the holistic skillset you wish to continue growing and offering.
You can't skip doing the work.
But it’s worth it. I promise!
Because why be regular when you can be some team’s dream unicorn?
Hasta nuestra próxima aventura,
(Until our next adventure)
Quetzalli Writes
