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> -----Original Message-----
> From: Anonymous [mailto:anonfwd -at- raycomm -dot- com]
> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2003 10:06 PM
> To: TECHWR-L
> Subject: FWD: Changing careers FROM tech writing
> 1. How much notice should I give my employer? One
> wrinkle to this question is I am not returning to
> school full time at first. I would consider continuing
> to work part-time for my employer through probably the
> end of the year if they are interested in pursuing
> that. How would you broach this subject if you were in
> my position?
What is the status of your current projects? Do you have periodic deadlines? Could you give at least four weeks notice, setting your last working day a week or so after a deadline or product release date (thus allowing for schedule changes or last-minute doc)?
When you meet with your manager to hand in your letter of resignation, be honest and straight-forward. You've decided to leave because you feel that a career change is in order, but at the same time you don't want to leave the doc group high and dry. Offer to work until your current major projects are wrapped up or can be transfered to the other writer, and let your manager know that you're willing to stay on part-time for a few months if they're interested.
> 2. I have been in my current job for almost nine
> years. Because I work in a small company, my leaving
> will leave a gap. I'm not irreplaceable, of course,
> but I've set up most of the documentation procedures
> that are in use here. The only other writer here has
> been here less than a year and though quite
> experienced as a technical writer, is still learning
> the procedures. What advice do you have for someone
> leaving their position after being in it for such a
> long time? What would you try to do in your last 4-6
> months in your job to make the transition easier for
> those who follow you?
Are all of your procedures documented? If not, start writing them down using the tools you use to author your doc. Create electronic copies that can be posted on a server or the department's intranet. Make it accessible! Include enough detail in your procedures that your co-worker can use them not just as a reference but also to train your replacement. Create a flowchart that shows the order of steps in your doc creation process. Indicate who is responsible for which tasks if anyone in addition to the writer plays a role in getting the documentation out the door.
Set up a few "knowledge transfer" meetings where you go over your flowchart and written procedures with the other writer (and anyone else impacted by you leaving). Give the writer an opportunity to ask questions and takes notes.
My manager recently left our company for new opportunities elsewhere, and these are some of the things he did to make the transition smoother. He has also kindly made himself available via e-mail and phone should we run into any problems in the next few months. When you leave on good terms, these are the kinds of courtesies you can offer to the folks you're leaving behind.
Good luck!
Megan
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