Re: Advice/survey on professional development?

[arroxaneullman -at- aol -dot- com]

Rebecca,

Her are a few suggestions on how to keep the torch of TW burning:

1) Learn new software and tools related to TW.

2) Take online/community college/university courses that enhance both 
your expertise and interests--even if you do not intend to get another 
degree.

3) Expand your professional contacts.

4) Increase your value in areas other than just writing/editing. 
Examine what your company needs and see how you can get your fingers in 
that pie, even if its not in your job description.

5) Find a hobby that combines what you love about TW with something 
interesting. For instance, I have a friend who is no longer happy as a 
TW but her hobby is dancing. I suggested that she write a guide on 
dance. Even if she never sells the book, at least she's busy, happy, 
and expanding her skills in a fun way.

6) Volunteer to write/edit for a newsletter (for STC, other 
professional society, school, sports club, church, etc).

7) Volunteer in your community... being satisfied with my role in the 
community helps distract me when things at work don't quite meet my 
expectations.

8) Focus on skills which are not directly related to technical writing 
but may help your career, such as leadership or training.

Good luck!

Arroxane, humming "A Few of My Favorite Things"

-----Original Message-----
Rebecca Stevenson <rjstevenson -at- sprynet -dot- com> commented:

  I feel like I've hit a plateau as a tech writer, and it's causing a 
certain malaise. I'm curious about what list members to do to ensure 
that they're continuing to grow and get better at what they do. My 
current employment situation doesn't have any support mechanisms for 
this sort of thing.

Thanks,

 Rebecca 

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