Hi, Don't let your shyness keep you from giving yourself enough credit for all that you know and have accomplished just because you don't have the diploma's/credentials in paper form. I have been in HR and recruitment and can honestly tell you although those diploma's do get you in the door faster - you have a special gift to learn and excellent writing skills! You can do whatever you want, in fact, I would hire you as you would be more of a teamplayer because your method of learning and all you have accomplished thus far was not an easy road. Unfortunatley, in the corporate world without the diploma's you may have to enter in the lower level of any field you may choose to try but watch out - once you are in the door and comfortable within 3 months your skills will be noticed and you will move up. But before you start putting more pressure on yourself - you have to listen to your body as it appears it needs some TLC and I get the feeling you don't like being as shy as you are. You have already handled and gotten through a field that is one of the more difficult areas to survive in without coming home beat up everyday - always the pressure of keeping up with the ever changing technology - always with deadlines - and under pressure to make equipment and people chime together. In addition it is a field where you don't actually have to relate as much with clients on a one on one which doesn't help your shyness. For a light down the tunnel, and should you choose to work from home (please make sure it is your choice and not that it is your shyness making this decision for you) since you have such clear and reader friendly writing skills (boy can't tell you how easy it was for me to read what you wrote and having this pooky ADD with depression it isn't easy for me to read most things once or twice and get it - with your writings I understand immediately - thank you!) sorry, back to you - but you would be great and can use your interest in writing by creating the manuals that companys must have with their products. I watched a show where these people had the jobs of taking home new products, like putting together bikes, applicance, etc. as the company needed easy to understand instructions for customers.
More importantly, you are just very shy - something I am very much in tune with as it has held me back and makes me feel pooky - but don't short change yourself and the world - more people like you need to be out there. It is better to learn if it is that you prefer being alone or your need to overcome holding yourself back due to whatever. This is something I work on everyday and I won't lie to you - at first it isn't easy but I found some tricks that get me out there without the pressure of thinking I am so obvious and feeling just plain stupid and lost. Once you start those baby steps getting out there -- you will find whether it is it is just shyness or preference to keep a very low profile but it take time. Wishing you well!! T.