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.
Subject:Ageism & such stuff From:Chuck Beck <cbeck -at- BGNET -dot- BGSU -dot- EDU> Date:Mon, 21 Oct 1996 08:30:28 -0400
I have been following this thread with a great deal of personal interest, as
I am now 42 and embarking on a new career as a professional tech writer--as
soon as I finish my master's degree in "Scientific & Technical
Communications" next spring (at which point I will be 43).
After pursuing other careers in public education and the military, I am
concerned about whether and *how* I will encounter age discrimination in the
business world.
Actually, I think I already *have* encountered some: Last week I attended a
jobs expo on campus. Although I can't prove it, I am quite certain a few
companies there wrote me off after one look at my middle-aged paunch,
balding head, and graying beard. Just a feeling... Never mind that I have
precisely the skill sets and technical experience they are looking for, in
many cases.
I figure it is *their* loss. I remain confident that there are enough
"enlightened" companies out there that I will be able to find worthwhile and
gainful employment in my newly chosen endeavor. I'm speaking of the
companies that will look at what I know and what I can do--and *not* at my age.
Now, can somebody out there reassure me that I am right on this? ;)
(BTW, and FWIW, I personally *love* the new online card catalogs. I find
that I can do library research in less than a sixth of the time it *used* to
take me, and the ability to tap into wide-reaching resources throughout the
state and indeed the world is nothing short of awesome. Not only that, but I
can actually do it all from the comfort of my own home. What's not to like?)
