Comments on: Technical Writing — Worth it? Interesting? Creative? Well-Paid? Hours? Answering a Few Questions from Saudi Arabia

By: shweta

shweta — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:21:44 +0000

Interested in writing,editing , proof-readig

By: Robin Marie

Robin Marie — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:20:53 +0000

I admire the tenacity of people from other countries learning English and other languages than their own.

However, I am a technical writer whose job is seriously endangered because of outsourcing in India. I will not stereotype and say that all foreigners are handicapped at writing clearly and concisely in English. However, I’ve spent a lot of time during the last couple of years cleaning up stuff that was written by people my company has outsourced to in India. I do not believe this is the answer.

By: Jean P.

Jean P. — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 01:31:59 +0000

You sure have, Clay!!

By: Clay Walnum

Clay Walnum — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:33:41 +0000

Jean,

I work for a very employee-oriented company. I’ve never been required to work over 40 hours a week, although I often do just because I want to.

The Tech Docs department here is wonderful. We have a manager who stays on top of our work loads and is supportive rather than confrontational. Also, we are a close team; if someone has trouble with a project, one or more of us volunteers to help, without getting the manager involved.

And, yes, I know I’m lucky, especially considering that I was looking for work all over the country and ended up working at this place that’s only 10 minutes from home.

Oh, and did I mention that we’re among the highest paid tech writers in the country?

I don’t buy lottery tickets. I’ve already won.

–Clay

By: Jean P.

Jean P. — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:29:45 +0000

I’ve been a tech writer in the U.S. for over 25 years, mainly working as an employee for large high-tech companies or as an employee of agencies (a.k.a. “vendors”) to which high-tech companies outsource work.

I’d agree that the work is challenging and the salary is great, but I have to wonder where those who say they have a good work/life balance are working.

I must be working at the wrong companies, because I definitely have NOT found that to be the case. Overtime (50 to 60+ hours/week) has been more the rule, not the exception. Couple that with aggressive deadlines, frequent layoffs, and reorgs, and it’s a recipe for burnout.

So, who are these companies that offer tech writers work/life balance?

By: Transitioning from Literary Studies to Technical Communication | I'd Rather Be Writing - Tom Johnson

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:35:55 +0000

[...] Technical Writing: Worth it? Interesting? Creative? Well-paid? Answering a few questions from Saudi … [...]

By: Paid Survey Guide

Paid Survey Guide — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:50:18 +0000

I think your poll needed more respondents to show more accurate results. Nevertheless though, writing can be quite tedious and is generally not the highest paid profession around. Still, well written articles are always a pleasure to read and I want to wish you the best of luck in your future writing.

By: Charles

Charles — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:56:19 +0000

Tech writing isn’t a bad job but many of them are being shipped overseas. Five or six years ago there were several outfits up here with small armies of tech writers, all but one is gone.

By: Anne S.

Anne S. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:00:15 +0000

Hello Kalyani.

I’ve been a tech writer for 22 years. Although based in the U.S., I’ve recently worked with a team in Bangalore (for a large software company). Because companies continue to build teams in India, Bangalore in particular, there should be numerous opportunities for you.

All the best,
Anne S

By: Jenise

Jenise — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:02:14 +0000

Kalyani,

In addition to the great advice you’ve received from everyone, many technical writers with the desire and abilities are promoted up into Business Analyst jobs, and then eventually into Project Manager positions.

My employer has worked with http://www.B2TTraining.com

They have a blog on their site; reading the posts can help give you an idea what business analysis entails.

Then there is http://www.PMI.org

This organization provides the professional certification Project Managers desire and seek. In the western U.S., certified Project Manager earn over $100,000 a year. However, for work|life balance….they also tend to work 50 to 60 hours a week, and may travel for their jobs.

THEN!! There’s what I do. I’m a technical writer, business analyst, and now an e-learning designer and developer. I LOVE MY JOB!

If you have a leaning towards teaching people, after a year or so as a technical writer you could look into becoming an e-learning Instructional Systems Designer.

You have many opportunities ahead of you. Good luck, and take good care of your boys!

~Jenise

http://www.RidgeViewMedia.com/blog

info AT RidgeViewMedia DOT com