atw: Re: Interim work/retraining/up skilling

This post on TECHWR-L a few weeks ago, and others around the same time, are 
relevant to this discussion.
http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/archives/0311/techwhirl-0311-00553.html

In general, I'd say that diversification, and developing an entrepreneurial 
attitude and approach, is the best way to deal with a dodgy job market. Jill 
Nicholson teaches courses as well as doing contract work. A 50-something friend 
in Melbourne has built a home-based business around solving computer problems 
(both hardware and software) for SOHO businesses; he started off by helping out 
one or two personal acquaintances, who told their friends that he actually 
solved problems and didn't charge like a wounded bull (though he didn't 
undersell himself, either), and his business has grown to as much work as he 
wants. 

Cathy Morison described all the things she does, both for pay and as a 
volunteer. I thought this paragraph was great, and sums up my own experience 
and 
attitude -- especially the last sentence:
"I NEVER have problems finding something to do, because I am very generous with 
my time and as often as not I get rewarded in other ways - in personal 
satisfaction, in new skills, in follow-on jobs. Think laterally, be inventive, 
be generous and never lower your standards!"

The entrepreneurial approach might include looking for work from overseas, or 
specialising in small jobs that most people don't want, or getting into some 
odd 
niche area that interests you. 

As for retraining, I always recommend what I do: study what interests you, not 
what you think might improve your marketability (unless the latter is a subset 
of the former). The "skill of the month" changes; besides, you'll learn faster 
and better if you're keen on the topic itself. Valuable retraining topics 
include negotiation and other business practices, preferably as related to an 
industry area that interests you, not just techwriting tools or techniques, 
though those are valuable too. 

If you're older, never think (even if others do) that your age is a problem. It 
is not; it is an asset -- but you have to sell that asset in creative ways. If 
a 
potential client is complaining about your rates, be prepared to demonstrate 
how 
you can actually save the client money, even though they are paying you more 
per 
hour, by saving time or adding extra value. It's the same principle as 
challenging the supermarket manager that you could do the work of four 
15-year-olds.

Sell yourself as a consultant; clients expect to pay more for consulting. Avoid 
agencies if they're full of people who don't understand what technical 
communicators really do. Network outside the techcomm field; your clients can 
be 
anywhere. 

Regards, Jean 
Jean Hollis Weber
jean@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
The Technical Editors' Eyrie  http://www.jeanweber.com/
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