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Careers for technical writers. Not just jobs

The most highly sought technical writers, and other documentation specialists, are those who treat what they do as a career not just a job.

"Clients often ask for candidates who are passionate about what they do, not just doing the job," says Elizabeth Abbott of TechWriter. "How a candidate can demonstrate this is to show a commitment to their career development."

 

The difference between a job and career

Treating your work as a job means simply performing a routine activity for payment.* The focus is the mechanics of getting the job done and delivering the output.

Treating your work as a career involves looking at your current role as part of an overall progression through life.* The difference is the focus on change and your work life. What do you want to be doing in 5 years time? How can you use your current position to get there?

Taking a career based approach doesn't mean you need to become a workaholic. In fact, many of our most career focused specialists actively pursue other interests in life such as family life or writing their latest novel.

 

Why you should care

You disadvantage yourself if you accept the routine of your current role and neglect to develop your skills.

You might not change but the world around you does. Corporate restructuring and developing technology, are just a couple of the changes that can impact your employment prospects and the longevity of your current role.

By keeping your skills up-to-date, you can also expect to earn more. Specialists who are familiar with current tools and techniques not only find work more easily but can expect to earn 10 - 20% more than specialists whose skills are lagging behind.

Finally, staying abreast of current trends gives you greater choice. With skills that are in demand you should have a range of roles to choose from enabling you to choose one that most appropriately reflects your lifestyle or interests.

 

Want to start thinking about your career?

We'll provide some tips in future news items about some of the areas that are in demand.

In the meantime look at to get some general insights on career development see the myfuture web site http://www.myfuture.edu.au

* The American HeritageR Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. , C 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Posted: 06/12/2006

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