TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Re: How much has tech writing increased?... verging off-topic
Subject:Re: How much has tech writing increased?... verging off-topic From:Romay Jean Sitze <rositze -at- NMSU -dot- EDU> Date:Thu, 7 Dec 1995 10:13:33 -0700
On Wed, 6 Dec 1995, Kahn, Stacey wrote:
> The tie-in to tech writing is that the job stress is not inherent in the job
> itself. And unlike postal workers, we can learn to expect last-minute changes,
> slipping deadlines, changing design specs, and so on. I find that as long as I
> can anticipate and plan for this sort of hassle, it's not particularly
> stressful.
I believe that "anticipate and plan" are the keys. I've worked in
situations where there seemed to be remarkably little of either--and the
stress level was inordinantly high. When the department moved away from
crisis management and began to anticipate and plan for upcoming deadlines
rather than stressing at the last minute, there was little stress
involved. Sure, there were often last minute changes -- but because the
groundwork had been laid, it was easier to complete those last minute
changes and still get the product out.