Enough is enough. I want out. What career to pivot to next?
Simple. I want out. I’m a senior writer with almost a decade of experience. A contractor like many others. I’m tired of being paid the lowest salary with no benefits. (I get offered healthcare but it’s expensive. What’s the point of paying monthly for it when I can barely put food on the table.)
Anyways, I have a BS in CS. I feel in love with documentation back in 2020. Decided to break into this dead end field. My current contract is almost over. I’m tired of looking for new contracts every few months. I’ve been doing contracting for years. Meanwhile, I’ve witnessed the laziest full time technical writers who just collect checks. Frankly, I don’t blame them. Management sucks!
I typically don’t have a technical writing manager. But, when I do, they’re a nightmare. Mixed messages. No clear directions. No training. Raising concern about process issues is seen as problematic. My current manager rolls their eyes whenever I ask them for their opinion on proposed workflow strategies. They just don’t want to work.
I’m forced to work at the office. Meanwhile, no one talks to each other, 0 collaboration, and everyone just looks “busy.” There is barely anything to write about. The manager expects me to find out the timelines for projects and to scope out the requirements without bothering SMEs. I was pulled once for asking “too many” questions and to get “straight to it.” Absolute lunatic work. Now, AI is slowly taking over. Many are finding a way to eliminate technical writers all together. Why not just have an agent write about it? Right.
So, I want to pivot to another career. I just don’t know what career is transferable. Please help!