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:Re: ANON: job dissatisfaction From:Andy Dugas <adugas -at- NAVIS -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 3 Dec 1998 09:45:44 -0800
In regards to Anon's whining about his economic good fortune, I cast my
vote with the minority of posters recommending a serious reality check.
Maybe Anon should quit technical writing altogether, take some of that
hard-earned pay and backpack around the world, especially through some
third world countries.
Maybe Anon should join the peace corps, and go dig irrigation ditches in
the Sudan. Do something for others in need.
If those options are too tough for our tender Anon, s/he could quit
technical writing and go earn $7.50 an hour in the cafe on the corner.
Develop some much needed interpersonal skills. One of the most enjoyable
jobs I ever had was pumping out lattes and dishing up scones. I dare say it
was the ideal job, but the pay...
Or maybe s/he could stay in technical writing, but volunteer at a homeless
shelter or bring meals to the sick. And make that current job work! Make
things happen, instead of whining.
IMHO Anon should count her/his lucky lucky lucky stars, before s/he finds
her/himself out on her/his unhirable butt with a spotty resume.
But maybe Anon is due for some humbling, no matter what. As the Brazilians
say, when regretting something: "I was happy and I didn't know it!"
Andrew Dugas
Navis Corp.
Doug Nickerson wrote:
> You don't have a satisfaction with job question. You have a meaning of
> life question.
> Unless someone is threatening you physically at that job, there's probably
> much good to be found in staying (if you look for it). There's also
> probably
> much good in going. You have to figure out what the point is.
>
> During the seventies a friend of mine was hitchhiking. She was picked up
> by a man.
>
> "Where are you going?" he asked.
> "You mean right now? Or ultimately?" she replied.