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.
Kevin -- I'm thinkin' you got it right -- I've had a similar
conversation with my boss (who has been supportive of the concept) with
regard to developing a department of writers/translators/editors . . . .
.
The team I work with is fairly experienced, most have pulled multiple
all-nighters at startups, attempting to shore up the "killer app" that
would make everyone millionaires.
Once in a while, my boss comments on the lack of "fire" demonstrated by
the folks on the team.
I went on to point out the fact that we've never held up a release, that
we support increasing numbers of products/features with a group of
constant size, that the work is done well, on time, and with a minimal
amount of support from R&D.
I said I was much more interested in helping to develop a sustainable
group that would meet the stated requirements over the long term, rather
than being part of a team that is known for all-nighters and high
turnover.
We have this conversation about once every third quarter -- so far, he's
always agreed.
Phew
rosberg
-----Original Message-----
From: McLauchlan, Kevin [mailto:Kevin -dot- McLauchlan -at- safenet-inc -dot- com]
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008 9:44 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Friday philosophical - the age thing
A remark by Andrew in another thread, about late nights, early mornings
and not being at one's best reminded me of previous threads where some
young turks have noted that they're tough enough (as are the fresh young
engineers) that they aren't fazed by long or irregular hours - they
usually mention the all-nighters they pulled at college, not so long
ago.
When I put this together with the ongoing trend to raise the
education/credential bar for many jobs - including tech-writing - I
come up with this thought:
The useful-life window for young-turk-dom might be narrowing.
The young turks either are still invulnerable (because they _are_ that
young - and therefore inexperienced), or are putting up a brave front
because they've passed 30 and are realizing that the bod just doesn't
bounce back like it used to, and "oh, that's what they mean by
brain-fog", better fake it with extra helpings of Red Bull, and some
Grecian Formula in the beard.
This is as it always has been. The young-and-invulnerable part of your
career (any career) is shorter than the long haul of your overall
working life. BUT, as the young folk have to spend longer and longer in
school before starting that first real job (or come out with the degree
in imaginary dead languages and have to return for a second degree or
certificate in tech-writing to put brioche and latte on the table), they
are entering later. That is, they are entering the real workforce (as
opposed to the "junior" one that sustained them through school) with
more and more of their years of invulnerability already used up.
Just a thought to put a chill on some weekends.
Kevin
The information contained in this electronic mail transmission
may be privileged and confidential, and therefore, protected
from disclosure. If you have received this communication in
error, please notify us immediately by replying to this
message and deleting it from your computer without copying
or disclosing it.
Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
