Re: Isolation and the Technical Communicator

[Judy Fraser <jfraser -at- GLINX -dot- COM>]

Yep, I agree with the last few posts on this. I think it's a matter of choice once you understand who you are. As I've grown and come to understand me, I've realized I am pretty much a loner by nature, so my shift to lone (telecommuting) freelancer is exactly what the doctor ordered. 

I love working alone. I don't have to deal with day-to-day office politics, constant interruptions, and general noise associated with an office environment. I find I'm much more productive, and I enjoy working a lot more. If I'm in the mood for socializing I go out and have coffee or lunch with a family member or a friend and talk about anything but work (flex hours - one great benefit of contract work).

By reading this list (and TW literature) I feel very involved in the TW community. I get my daily fix of "shop-talk", even if I don't participate frequently. For me, the people on this list, with their help and information, have kind of become my co-workers. Of course, I'm in constant contact with developers, etc. (phone, email, ...) while I'm on working on a contract. And, there are the occasional visits to a client site where I do get to re-live the "good ol' office days" for a short time and I do enjoy meeting and working with the people during those visits.

Works for me! However, I know people who would likely never survive without the hustle and bustle and personal contact of a busy office. I guess you've got to decide what's right for you and your personality.

Judy Fraser, B.Sc.
Technical Communications Specialist
PO Box 58, Centreville
Nova Scotia  B0P 1J0
902-678-2340

Email: jfraser -at- glinx -dot- com
Web Site: http://www.glinx.com/users/jfraser