My first job out of college was an admin and QC caller for a social research group. This phase of life taught me:
- How to use a PC
- How to find someone’s criminal record
- That researchers need a writer to help them write clearer questions (and that I wanted to do something with research)
- Patience for anyone’s tantrum
My second, third, and fourth jobs were as a nanny. A couple of these required training in human behavior. These jobs taught me:
- That even after high school, other kids’ parents love me
- Positive behavior modification (you know, all that mushy feelings stuff)
- Quick reflexes for catching kids that launch themselves off furniture and playsets
- Patience for anyone’s tantrum
My fifth job was in a real estate office. Assisting brokers taught me:
- How to explain to someone what their computer desktop is via an 11 PM phone call after two glasses of wine
- That people don’t know how to use their computers and require calm hand-holding
- How to make sales brochures with poor man’s Photoshop (that would Microsoft Publisher for those who don’t know)
- Patience for anyone’s tantrum
My current job as UX writer for Microsoft Teams teaches me something new every day. Be assured I’m still learning patience for anyone’s tantrum.