Technical Writer Barbie

My manager told me today that we'll have a new technical writer starting in my office next month. I couldn't be more thrilled!

The only thing I know about her is that when asked during the interview what the biggest challenge was as a technical writer, the new girl said, "Being treated with respect by the developers. Sometimes I feel like they think I'm some kind of Barbie." My manager didn't know quite what to say to that, but I knew exactly what she meant. It's tough to be young, pretty, cheerful, and surrounded by men, especially when we do a job that a lot of developers seem to think is redundant and cushy.

I am so excited! Not only will I no longer be the lone writer (in the office -- there are others spread out over the country), the new writer is a woman! Oh, please, please be someone I can be friends with, or at least sociable with. We don't have to be best friends; I so very much need someone to talk to during the day! It's such a lovely thing to have someone to collaborate, celebrate, and commiserate with! That was my very favorite thing about the last three jobs I've had, and lately I have desperately missed that camaraderie!