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Subject:Re: Part-Time Technical Writing From:Anna Keeler <akeeler -at- MAGMA -dot- CA> Date:Thu, 19 Aug 1999 17:32:18 -0400
I have a contract for four days a week, and they are thinking about paring
that down to two days a week. I have also had nibbles from other companies
in the area that may want a day or two a week, but don't want to commit to a
full-time permanent technical writer.
I love having the extra time to pursue... well ... life! I know that Lori
is worried about the instability of contract work (and it's true that I
don't have kids to support), but the way I look at it is it wouldn't take me
too long to find a "real" job if I run out of contract work. As well, you
could always work a contract for several months, then take off a couple of
months to be with your kids.
Good luck!
Anna.
-----Original Message-----
From: Technical Writers List; for all Technical Communication issues
[mailto:TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU] On Behalf Of Susana Rosende
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 1999 3:02 PM
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: Re: Part-Time Technical Writing
After having my youngest child, I contracted part-time for a company (6
hours per day/4 days per week). It was supposed to be a six-week gig to =
fill
in for a writer on maternity leave, but they kept me on for two years. =
I
went full-time after my baby turned one.
Also, at my current company, a senior tech writer has been working =
mornings
from 7:30 to 11:30 since having her baby, who is almost two now. She =
and her
husband accepted the cut in income and benefits, but she has afternoons =
with
her child, lower daycare costs, and is accessible from home to answer
co-worker questions.
While still in college, a fellow student and I interned for a company =
that
initially wanted a full-time graduate student. We each worked part-time =
on
opposite schedules and kept in close communication to ensure we did the =
work
of one full time employee. It was a job-sharing arrangement that worked
great!=20
At a technical writing conference, I met a woman who had worked as the =
sole
tech writer in her company. When she left to have her twins, they kept =
her
on as a telecommuting tech writer. She goes to the office one morning =
each
week for staff meetings and to touch base with SMEs and the =
programmers, but
otherwise uses the phone and email to keep in touch. SHE makes the =
effort to
ensure constant communication.
If you've proved yourself at your company, and your budget allows for =
it,
you may be able to arrange a flexible, part-time, or job sharing =
schedule
not unlike the ones mentioned, until your kids are older.
Contracting also offers more flexibility. Some employers may consider a
one-or-two-day telecommute from home!=20
Also, some employers are more family-oriented and allow you to work =
from
home when kids are sick, or to leave work for a few hours to attend =
your
child's game or school play, as long as you make the time up on =
evenings and
weekends.
Some corporate cultures don't have the sweat shop, 12-hour day =
mentalities
-- except during crunch time, of course!=20
(=F4=BF=F4)
O
As a single Mom of two kids, I can empathize! Good luck!
--Susana Rosende
-----Original Message-----
From: Lori Cattrell [mailto:loricattrell -at- YAHOO -dot- COM]
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 1999 12:40 PM
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: Part-Time Technical Writing
I have a question that I thought someone on this list might be able to
answer. I've been working as a technical writer for about seven years.
I have two children at home, and I really want to spend more time with
them.
Have any of you ever known of companies that hire technical writers for
part-time positions? It seems to me the choices are full-time work or
contract. I'm too scared to take the leap into contract work right now
because I must have the income to pay the bills. I think I would spend
too much time worrying about finding the next job.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Lori
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