[austechwriter] Re: Another one down

Melanie,
I'm sorry to hear about your job loss. It's a real kick in the teeth no
matter what the reason or how well you think you can cope.  Take some small
consolation in knowing that you are in good company.  It's happening to a
lot of folks right now.  Since I am across the pond from you, I can't give
you any specific advise, but I can suggest, from experience, that you are
on the right track by using this time to expand your knowledge base.  Not
only will it add to your "worth" as an employee, it will make you feel a
whole lot better about yourself at a time when it's really EZ to hit the=
 pits.
=20
I will suggest tho, that with the market as fickle as it is, choosing an
area of training based on what you think might "sell" is precarious at
best.  Get training in an area that really grabs your fancy.  You will be
more engaged and no matter what direction you go, it will "add value".  At
this point, you've nothing to lose and everything to gain.  There's also
the possibility that no matter what you do, a soft market means no jobs,
period.  If there's a career path you wanted to try but haven't had the
time/opportunity, this could be the time.

I will tell you a little about my background by way of example.

I did the college thing and actually got a BA with a double major in
Written Communications and History.  The Written Communications degree is
not limited to technical writing=85I took every writing course the college
offered (to get a feel for what works in each style). =20

I'm a hobby photographer, so I do product photography as well as people,
pets, scenic and wildlife.  I took a few college art courses and expanded
into graphic illustration, in particular, technical illustration.  I did
contract for a number of years, so I am familiar with all of the layout
packages (including interleaf) and much of the graphic/art/presentation
software.  I took courses in web design and HTML and dabbled in Robohelp. =
=20

I've had specialized training in user manuals and product labeling as it
pertains to the tort law and product liability (which is training that I
would advise ALL tech writers, programmers and engineers to have and very
few do).=20

I've also done time as an electro/mechanical drafter and a therapeutic
masseuse.

I also took a class in Data Modeling (Oracle) and SQL, and then rewrote the
manual (hired as freelance).  I can and have completed entire manuals by
myself, from the text to the layout, graphic illustration and photography,
as well as marketing collateral, CD presentations and web content to back
it up. I've worked on teams and I've flown solo (functioning as the entire
communications department).  I am literally a one-person show, and I am
unemployed.

The tech writing market went from jobs galore to ZERO in a blinding flash
that still has me blinking in amazement.  The last company at which I was
fully employed as a tech writer, was sued by their backers for fraud and
filled bankruptcy. =20

Even tho I am willing to work for less pay (humble apologies to my peers; a
gal's gotta eat), no one takes it seriously.  They are convinced that I
will leave for something better at the first chance.  It has not dawned on
anyone that in this economy, there is no "something better".=20

There is also a real age barrier here in the UsofA.  We have this insanity
for the having to be young and beautiful which permeates the entire
culture.  Older workers are not valued and in particular, older women are
not valued.  From what my Aussie Guy tells me, the reverse is true down
under, you actually recognize the value of an older, presumably wiser,
experienced and more stable employee.  I applaud you folks in this area, as
I do in so many other areas, such as socialized medicine, politics in
general, a lovely cocky attitude and a benevolent culture. But I digress.

I've taken advantage of the down time to write the novel that I never had
the time to write when I was fully employed, but that market is also really
soft right now, so it is near impossible to find an agent/publisher.  And
who knows, maybe I'm just not that good as a novelist.

So despite all my "extras", I'm standing on the same precipice as you (and
many many others currently). If I am unable to find employment by September
(or publish my novel), then I am seriously entertaining the idea of going
back to college for a MFA degree (majoring in photography).   This means
mega loans, so I could be putting myself in a major hole if it does not
"pan out".  I also have to start that process well in advance (like now).
Hand wringing times, if ever there were.

So, Melanie, my best advice is to be prepared for anything and go where you
heart takes you, because you can't bank on anything (especially in the
current economy). =20
Minnesota Mary




At 08:04 AM 6/30/03 +1000, you wrote:
>Hi everyone,
>My position at Jupiters was made redundant on June 20.=20
>
>Does anyone have any advice for the newly retrenched? The job market seems
a bit barren.=20
>
>I do have a specific query. I want to improve my technical skills so I can
work in a software development team and write technical documents, such as
functional specifications etc. I thought doing the programming certificate
at TAFE would be a good idea. Am I right or should I be concentrating on
another technical area?
>
>Any advice is well appreciated.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Melanie


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