I was reminded recently about how much the successful management of remote writing projects relies on common sense, communications, and teamwork. Looking back over previous part-time remote projects I’ve worked on the lack of one of those elements usually made for a lot more difficult of a project.
However, I’m the first to say that communications are a two way street between the remote writer and the mother ship.
Contact me now about full time or long term contract positions in the Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area. I am also available for remote work.
Will Kelly Senior Technical Writer Resume
Before crossing back over to full-time work, I spent much of my career as a contract technical writer. It was a good time until the economy tanked and even let me work remotely on some contracts.
As the economic apocalypse lingers, I am noticing fewer part-time remote projects as I once did. Combined with some recent online conversations I’ve come across, I got to thinking about the times I’ve seen remote technical writing projects work and not work for both the organization and the writer.
I first worked remotely as a freelancer in the computer book publishing industry and later as a technical writer.
If you are on the hunt for a remote technical writing project, remember these things make them (im) possible:
I’ve worked on a number of remote technical writing, reviewing, and editing projects throughout my career both full time and part time. Over time, I like to think I’ve learned a lot from these projects and put the effort to refine my workflow and approach based on what I learned on the previous project.
With some clear expectations and a little planning upfront, a remote writer or editor can be just as productive as one that is working onsite with the rest of the team. A little bit of upfront work means that remote writing and reviewing projects won’t be left out of sight and out of mind.
I currently work for a federal government contractor for 40 hours a week but still pursue freelance writing projects on the side. Having such projects makes me feel safer with a second income stream but also help provide me with new professional challenges and keep my skills sharp.
Working a full-time job and freelancing may seem daunting to some but there are some simple things part-time freelancers can do to ensure success in their day job and freelance projects, while living a good life.
It’s almost an annual occurrence now, that when a certain large cable broadband and telecommunications company sends out a requisition for contract technical writers that I start receiving calls and emails from recruiters about contracts there. While I had two good runs there as a contract technical writer with a great hourly rate and working on some leading edge projects (for the time), ultimately, I am just a part of history there and the same goes for the people who hired me.
This last spate of calls got me thinking why some contractors don’t want to go back into places where they’ve already been on contract. read more
I volunteer in the Jobs Ministry at Messiah United Methodist Church in Springfield, VA. We are holding a seminar for job seekers on May 11th. I will be participating in a break out session about using social media like LinkedIn as part of a job hunt. Here are the details about the event:
Looking For a Job? Need resume help? Need to polish your interviewing skills? Need social networking advice? Messiah’s Jobs Ministry is sponsoring a seminar for any and all job seekers on Wednesday, May 11, 7-9 p.m. in Room 266/268. This seminar will have both general information as well as focused break-out sessions. You can leave this seminar with a 1-on-1 mentor! To reserve your spot, contact Kathy Benton at kbenton (at) messiahumc.org or (703) 569-9862, ext. 212
Here is a copy of the event flyer: jobs flyer, May 2011
I’ve been using the time since my surgery to get my health in order but my thoughts are now turning to some of the next professional moves I need to make to stay viable in the market and keep moving forward. While I like to say that I keep my wins ahead of my losses, I had some real professional disappointments leading up to my surgery and looking to rebuild professionally in the upcoming months.
Saying No to Projects was always a big problem of mine but I think I have that licked now. Here are some other things I have learned from failed projects:
I am now available for part-time technical writing projects that can be accomplished from my home office. Currently, my availability is 15-20 hours per week and I am able to make conference calls towards the end of the business day EST. My strong and diverse technical writing experience includes:
You can read more about my technical writing experience on my professional site or LinkedIn profile. Please contact me for further information about my availability for technical writing projects.
One of the impacts of the down economy on the technical writing market I thought was going to be more part-time offsite projects
After making the mistake of dropping down to only one employer in 2008/early 2009, I am leery of ever going that traditional route again so I keep myself open to projects I can work from my home office on evenings and weekends.
While the rise of part-time writing project can be a boon to us writers, employers are still struggling with the concept in some circles.
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