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: FWD: Re: Job loss through injury or illness? From:Linda Sherman <linsherm -at- GTE -dot- NET> Date:Sun, 14 Feb 1999 13:40:56 -0500
Anonymous User wrote:
>
> ...I was quite surprised when I got an informal review that indicated my work was not adequate since I missed a deadline.
>
> I was a little upset at this review since:
>
> 1. I had a doctor's release and note indicating why I was sick and when I was released to come back to work.
> 2. The product's manual in question had not reached alpha stage yet and all of my questions were met with, "wait till we have a program."
> 3. The SMEs involved have been either a)out of the country or b) sick themselves.
>
> Needless to say I was slightly upset that while I did not meet a deadline, it was not from me NOT working. I apoligized for missing the deadline and asked if we could sit down and plan when I should plan to have the manuals done. Two weeks later I did finally get that meeting. These manuals are now "due" in three weeks yet issues 2 & 3 still exist.
>
> Has anyone had any good solutions to dealing with bad reviews under these circumstances?
It's my long experience that once an employer or boss has formed a
negative opinion of you, that opinion is not going to change. I would
start looking for a new job or at least for a transfer out of that
department.
Lin
--
Linda K. Sherman <linsherm -at- gte -dot- net>
Computer programming, technical writing, web development
phone: 1-727-842-6756 fax: 1-727-842-6853