Re: Technical Writer Position

[David Blyth <dblyth -at- QUALCOMM -dot- COM>]

>>In 1996 technical writers earned a median salary of $45,500,
>>according to the Society for Technical Communication.>>

>They do?  Gosh.  I've been doing this for 8 years now and I'm not
>even close.

I've gotten a lot of response here, some of them quite funny.
But to respond to the most common of them....

>Here in California $45,500 is the low end in salary.

I _am_ in California.  But salaries for jobs in San Diego seem to lag
the rest of the state (and nation).

  o I've heard salaries in Orange County (50 miles north) are higher,
    but you're also a lot closer to that lovely metropolis, Los Angeles.

  o Salaries in Silicon Valley (500 miles north) are definitely
    out-of-sight. But then again, so is the cost-of-living.  Easy
    come, easy go.

But it's a nice, balmy and very clear day today.  I can see the crystal
blue ocean, plus those lovely snow capped mountains  and I'm still wearing
one of my short sleeve Hawaiian shirts.  I mean it's downright warm today.

So....

If you're willing to live in paradise, you're willing to pay the price.
I've thought about moving up to Silicon Valley - and maybe I will someday.
But this would currently involve an 8 hour commute home to see my beloved.
I suppose this could still happen, but she's gotta agree to it too.

In the meantime, for all you high-salaried people living in Nebraska:

      Revenge is a dish best served warm...

David (The Man) Blyth
Technical Writer & Web Site Designer
QUALCOMM

The usual disclaimers apply - QUALCOMM isn't that crazy.

Blodo Poa Maximus
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