TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
On Monday, April 23, 2007, TECHWR-L Administrator wrote:
> I'm in a unique position right now. There is a strong possibility of a
> supervisory position becoming available in our TW department and I'm not
> sure if I should apply for it or not. I'm hesitant because I'm not sure
> if I'd be able to write as much (at least not end-user docs) and that
> makes me a little uncomfortable because that's what I've been doing for
> over 13 years.
I was in a similar position last year. I had been with the company
mainly doing technical writing for 9 years. And then my boss
announced his retirement.
My first reaction was "No, I don't want that job." Then, over the next
few days, the pendulum gradually swung to the other side :)
My concerns were similar to your's. I loved writing - would I be able
to continue writing as much as I was? My job was "safe" -- what if I
failed as a manager? My boss was a good boss -- how could I ever
fill his shoes? I talked with my boss. I asked how much of my
current work he saw me being able to keep. He said, "within a year,
None." Hmmm...
In the end, I decided I was ready for the change and a challenge.
What was the worst that could happen? I could do miserably or hate
the new job and possibly assume some other position within the
company or be fired, or, I might just do a good job. At some point, I
realized I didn't have to do the job my boss was doing. I just had to
do the best I could in this new position. By the time I hit the
interview, I was fighting for the position :)
It was a good decision. Though I hoped I could be superwoman and
keep all my writing responsibilities, after two months I was begging
to hire another person (and I did). No, I don't write as much, but I
have a host of other, new and challenging things to fill my day (and I
did keep one writing project, which keeps my skills sharp --
hopefully -- and keeps me up on our technology).
There will be things you have to give up. That's a bit hard to do in
some ways. However, there will be new things to learn. Personally, I
enjoy the new responsibility and my days fly by even faster than they
did before.
Dana W.
***************************
Dana Worley
Software Product Manager/Manager, Software Support Group
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
Microsoft MVP, Windows Help
Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
Now shipping: Help & Manual 4 with RoboHelp(r) import! New editor,
full Unicode support. Create help files, web-based help and PDF in up
to 106 languages with Help & Manual: http://www.helpandmanual.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
