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.
But they won't consider farming out some work to people who aren't willing
or able to live in the area, or close enough to spend a few hours commuting
at least part of the week. (Same for other parts of the country with
shortages.) I'm sure many of the vacancies are for jobs that genuinely need
someone onsite at least part-time, but I'm also sure that a bit of creative
thinking could find lots of work that could be done effectively and
efficiently from a distance, possibly after a short on-site orientation (if
that). In some cases, companies could shorten turnaround time by having
someone (an editor, for example) in Australia or India work the "night
shift." And if these companies have a problem with paying someone who
doesn't have a US social security number, well heck, there's a lot of US
citizens living in other parts of the world.
All that technology, but they want your butt on the chair in the office.
Whether it needs to be there or not.
... based on what I've seen up close
and personal in the last six months, I'll nominate Silicon Valley as the
hottest job market in the US. Anecdotal evidence includes:
1. Every technical writer I know of in this area is employed.
2. I get about six calls a week from recruiters asking whether I'm available,
and if not do I know someone who is?
3. About half of those recruiting calls offer a cash incentive for providing
them the name of someone who gets hired.
4. The technical writing listings on Monster.com and DICE.com for Silicon
Valley are HUGE.
