I've been working on API documentation for the past 19 years, using DITA for the past 3 years. I tell newcomers to the field that being a technical writer is a lot like being a detective. Just like on the TV, you gather masses of information, sort out what's relevant and important, and arrange that so the meaning is clear. Those of us who have been in the field for a while need to help those coming after us to take up the torch, for the profession.