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.
Subject:Re: always look for a new job? From:Tracy Boyington <tracy_boyington -at- OKVOTECH -dot- ORG> Date:Mon, 27 Jul 1998 13:26:45 -0500
> I know a great many technical writers who claim more than 20-years of
> experience as a technical writer; but all of the more than 20-years have
> been at the same company.
>
> Is that experience or tenure?
<opinion> As someone who is about to start year 8 (eek!) at her current
employer, I hope somebody takes changing titles and duties into account.
I started as a technical writer who did little more than writing and
editing. I now have a different title and different responsibilities. I
don't see why they shouldn't count simply because they're at the same
company. </opinion>
> When I worked in/as an electrical engineer the rule of thumb was that only
> the first three years at any company could be claimed as experience.
I remember hearing that working for your parents' business could not be
claimed as work experience (of course, this was in high school, when
that six-month stint at Mr. Burger really meant something on your
application). Who makes up these rules? ;-)
