RE: Returning to Tech Writing

["Hemstreet, Deborah" <DHemstreet -at- kaydon -dot- com>]

Hi Barry,

I would guess it's a function of several different issues. I think
Geoff's suggestions are good, but here is what I have found:

My Background: Working overseas for 25 years; Past President for an
overseas STC chapter, 15+ years experience in medical device industry,
software/hardware/internet/intranet and blah blah...

I am now getting paid LESS than what I earned overseas, and I was told
THAT was low by US standards.

The one medical device company that I did get an interview with - their
head writer felt I was too threatening as I asked too many questions
(which unfortunately showed up on what they were not doing - I didn't do
it on purpose, just wanted to understand the scope of the work... Ah
well)

I am living in a State where the economy has been hard hit (Michigan)...
So wages are lower than expected anyway.

At least here, the jobs are few and far between, and since relocation is
not an option at present... Private work has become my bread and butter
(in addition to working full time elsewhere)...

Companies NEED technical writers.. But they don't want to pay what we
are worth - especially if we are qualified.

Not to sound discouraging, but it is going to depend on a lot of
factors... I think the jobs are there, but like Geoff's article says, it
will take a lot of hard work to find them...

Just my 2 cents worth...

Deborah

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