RE: Weird Jobs as new tech writer (Long)

["SM Rush" <sellar -at- apptechsys -dot- com>]

Yup, and I've been here for five years.  It's called being a lone writer at
a tiny company.  I think size is a factor because everyone pretty much
pitches in to do what's needed.

But I also think its a function of personality.  I've met plenty of people
who would never consider moving out of some prescribed role, and may in fact
feel uncomfortable doing so.  But I like variety, and I like to be helpful
(good job security!), so it's natural for me to volunteer for something or
to simply see a need and take care of it without worrying about whether it's
in my job description.

Actually, my company is growing (at about 25 we've doubled in the last year)
and as a result my responsibilities are changing.  We now have a dedicated
sys admin person who handles things like researching and ordering equipment,
which we used to take care of ourselves.  The admin group has become removed
from the "production" group, which means I don't do much business/marketing
related stuff.

In a small company, flexibility is necessary.  But as a company grows, we
need to adapt to changing dynamics.  This is something I'm going through
now.  We've hired new people and it's disconcerting to approach them about a
problem or project and have them brush it off as being not within their
scope.  But I think there's a value in remaining focused.  I'll probably be
a lot more effective documenter without all the distractions.

Just some thoughts.

Here's a snapshot of the things I've done:

*Compiled a list of possible new names for our product (and company)
*Helped write the business plan (plus lots of other marketing writing
including brochures, internet text, etc.)
*Put together literature for a GSA agreement (something about being able to
accept government contracts)
*Created (and sometimes designed) business cards, letterhead, mailing
labels, open house invites, and anything else involving graphics
*Ordered printers and any other equipment used for literature/documentation
*Worked with recruiters to hire new programming staff, created displays and
manned booth at college recruiting fairs
*Created and QA'd software demo CDs (included helping to set up QA
procedures)
*Restructured major database and adapted data (as part of a team)
*Edited the owner's letters to various local council people and congressmen
*Ran to the post office or Office Depot or the printers when necessary

These, of course, are in addition to tasks that involve what I was actually
hired to do:

*interview engineers to gather information
*write/edit/proof documentation for both technology and applications
*create online help
*provide usability and bug testing for apps
*create training material
*produce documentation/training material online or in print
*figure out what's needed and why (as opposed to just waiting around til
someone gives me a task)


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