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Subject:RE: Outlook for the future From:"Bill Swallow" <wswallow -at- nycap -dot- rr -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 4 Feb 2003 22:36:47 -0500
::: I am new to the Technical Writing field and have a question
::: to pose. What
::: do you see as the outlook for the Technical Writing field
::: in general.
Honestly, I see it morphing into something bigger and smaller at the
same time. I haven't seen too many companies hiring tech writers for the
sake of having tech writers these days. They're either hiring top
candidates to whip their deliverables into shape, or are hiring low-paid
"technical secretaries" who format documents handed to them. Sure,
there's a whole spectrum in between, but it seems that the two poles are
becoming more distinct year after year. Companies are looking to save
money any way they can. Many don't see the true value a technical writer
can bring to the table and decide to go with whoever will take the
lowest offer. Other companies bet on a strong ROI with hiring a highly
skilled technical writer to put cost-saving processes in motion, aid in
better product design, and assist in strengthening internal
communication.
Professional tech writing jobs for $20k... It truly breaks my heart. I
live in a low cost area, and I wouldn't dare touch a "professional"
salary like that. Know your worth. $20k is worth 8 hours a day in a
mindless role, whether it be store clerk, burger flipper, or what have
you. Heck, the convenience store down the street from me has been
looking for 2nd shift workers for $9/hr (with benefits!) for the past
couple of months; it seems no one wants a blue collar job anymore. But
there's your $20k salary, with benefits (which are, as posted: family
health, dental, retirement fund, paid vacation, and flexible hours).
FWIW,
BILL SWALLOW
Information Design & Development Professional
tel/fax: 518.371.1867
wswallow -at- nycap -dot- rr -dot- com
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