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Hmm, a new forum entitled "Tech Writers and Divorce: A How-To Guide". I
imagine a lot of us could toss in some advice there! (The stories alone
would be book worthy.)
This year (back in April), I made the decision to NOT take a new contract
gig and go for something a little more recession-proof. Permanent, somewhat
boring, full-time job. As it stands now, I see former employers and
contractors (especially in the Financial field) cutting drastically. I know
my last contract would have died a merciless death in the light of these
last few weeks.
Earlier advice about looking carefully at contract details is Key! There are
many companies that will run you to the end of a contract and not allow you
to come back for a period of time. Normally, you get hired before this
happens, but as many companies are finalizing/have finished/will be
budgeting for life in a recession? I'd dare say Perm hires are going to be
the exception.
Government work is great long-term employment. If you can, take side-gigs to
augment your income while building a future.
Best of luck! I'm about to go into my 3rd marriage as well...heheh. Divorce
sucks, but it is *not* the hardest thing you could do. In the meantime, I
hope things work out for you!
On Wed, Oct 22, 2008 at 9:08 AM, Sharon Burton <sharon -at- anthrobytes -dot- com>wrote:
> When I knew I was going to divorce 2nd husband, I sought out a calm, boring
> year long contract. I knew I could easily do the work and the pace was not
> crazy. I had benefits for a year thru 2nd husband, while the divorce
> happened.
>
> I knew that I was going to need calmness in part of my life while I got him
> out the door and the divorce final.
>
> Your mileage may vary. Mine was a messy and ugly divorce, which I saw
> coming
> and tried to plan accordingly.
>
> sharon
>
> Sharon Burton
> 951-369-8590
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+sharon=anthrobytes -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+sharon <techwr-l-bounces%2Bsharon>=
> anthrobytes -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]On
> Behalf Of Dana Worley
> Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 8:04 AM
> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: Re: wisdom from freelancers
>
>
> On Tuesday, October 21, 2008, nerfherder320 -at- comcast -dot- net wrote:
>
> > Job A: 1 year contract gig, expecting an offer this week,
> > maybe tomorrow. I
> >
> > Job B: Interviewing Thursday for a permanent job with an arm of
> > the federal government. I'm pretty confident I'll get an offer,
> > but it's early yet.
>
>
> If I knew for certain I would get Job B, and Job A does not pay health care
> benefits, given the
> personal situation I would go with Job B. Health insurances could easily
> cost $400 or more a
> month if you were to find yourself without benefits. And there's something
> to be said for a
> secure, less demanding job in times of personal stress. Also, once you are
> in the "federal
> system" you might be able to eventually move to a higher paying, more
> challenging position.
>
> I think your best move at the moment is not to make any decision until
> after
> the interview on
> Thursday, and if possible, hold off until you have a decision from the
> folks
> at Job B.
>
> 2 cents,
>
> Dana W
>
>
>
> ***************************
> Dana Worley
> Software Product Manager/Manager, Software Support Group
> Campbell Scientific, Inc.
> Microsoft MVP, Windows Help
>
>
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