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Sounds like you were really on your own with that job. Hope everything went well. While I’ve always done fine without a great deal of supervision, I’ve also always appreciated a clear description of exactly what was expected of me in completing a particular task–and I’ve likewise always appreciated being given the proper tools to do the job. Seems as if you started out at somewhat of a disadvantage with that project.

Jeanne

If I am given a structure, there is always room to improvise within that structure should I wish to do so.

If I am not given a structure and it is understood that I am improvising, but I feel I need structure, I improvise a structure for myself, then follow it.

I don’t really feel hampered either way. I can always get by. There are options.

Messy, yes. Cleaning up messes is one of a technical writer’s hidden duties.

@ Lillie

Very true. Audience analysis is a great tool. Of course, I wasn’t exactly using scientific analysis on my first gig. I was just guessing.

@ Meryl

I have been in organizations with strong processes. I’ll get to those in time.

@ Marie

One of the things that I have learned over the years is that every organization has its own unique set of weaknesses and quirks. Some day I might get to work for a company that has it all together, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t fit in at such a place anyway.

I took advantage of every training opportunity that came my way and eventually learned that I was an “internal program evaluator” which put a different spin on my ability to be objective. It was very uncomfortable and too political, and when I had a chance to move on, I did.

I like being creative, but if someone is going to have expectations of me, then I need structure. I need the objectives, deadlines, and deliverables spelled out. But then, maybe that’s just the nature of the work I find myself in. Most of my recent working life has been on federal grants, and I’m used to knowing exactly what it is I’m expected to deliver. Now, if I can have some latitude in how I achieve those deliverables … that’s gravy.

Maybe I’m too much of an introvert because I can’t even answer your last question. I just recently changed jobs. My current employer was once my previous employer; i.e., I worked for one state agency for five years, moved to another state agency for almost three, and now I’m back at the original state agency. In fact, I’m back in the same section in the same bureau, where about half of the employees I knew three years ago are still around. I love the immediate sense of comfort I have going to work at a place with people that I already know (and already like). I love the familiarity and the ease with which I’m taking responsibility because I already know who to contact for what service.

John, your articles and questions are really helping me to understand my comfort level in *work* (that which I must do in order to keep feeding my cat and myself). Your questions would be great for anyone thinking about trying a career as a technical writer, or simply changing jobs.

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