As a worker with goals and ideas, I think the hardest thing to deal with in your career isn’t rejection, it’s mild enthusiasm. It’s what happens when you have an idea that you care about, and you bring it to other people, and they are just interested enough not to reject it.
This has happened to me a few times in my career, and every time, it has been awful because you’re getting just enough encouragement to keep going, but you never get anywhere.
You try harder. You adjust based on feedback. You look for better ways to present your ideas.
Every time, you get… mild enthusiasm.
The worst part is that even when you know the idea is most likely doomed, you can’t give up on it—not because you don’t want to, but because the idea is still out there, and people will bring it back up.
They’ll want to discuss it. They’ll try to change it. They’ll look for compromises.
None of it is your idea though, and even after all of that, even the compromise usually gets turned down.
It’s the hardest thing.
“Yes” would have been wonderful. “No” would at least let you move on. Mild enthusiasm, though… it lingers.
I’ve used AI. I’ve even enjoyed using AI, but I think I may have lost my taste for it. When I look around these days, I hear fake voices, see fake images, and read articles that were built, not written. I know there are people out there, but I feel like they are just part of the noise. Even if the person is real, it is subject to the algorythm, which determines what is worth watching and experiencing.
I am starting to understand that there is now a disconnection between we the people, and the world we live in. I need to spend more time in the world. It isn’t that I’m leaving the internet. I can’t. My job is there. I’m up to my neck in it every day. Still, there has to be a balance, and I’m going to look for that balance.
I’ve been sick for the past week… sick enough to have to go to the ER at one point. The ER was nice. I’m lucky in that regard. There’s this brand new little hospital in our neighborhood, and it isn;t slammed yet. I was able to walk right in, although walking was a challenge. They checked me out and put a couple bags of saline in me so I was operational again.
I’m somewhat better now, but have that feeling that I call malaise, because that’s what Binx called it in The Moviegoer. There’s a feeling of pointlessness to everything right now. I mainly just want to sit and stare off into the distance.
I keep thinking about how, when I was a kid, we managed to take vacations with what seemed like ease. We went to Yellowstone one year, stayed up there a few days. We went to Disneyland a few times, and some of the other amusement parks. I’m sure my parents had some financial concerns about it, but it didn’t seem as impossible as they seem now. I make twice what my father made on his very best year, and yet we are always seem to be on the edge of losing everything. The cancer didn’t help. That was a big setback in terms of money and health and just the drive to do things.
The thing you ask yourself is, when does it get better? I think that’s the thing everyone is asking themselves. I have my political views. They are essentially that both parties are terrible, but one is worse. Beyond politics though, this is about the people at the top on every side not looking out for the common good, or even managing to do their basic job of running things.
With over thirty years as a technical writer and currently serving as a content strategist at Quicken, I’ve seen firsthand how rapidly our field evolves. Technologies change and industries shift, making continuous learning not just beneficial but essential for keeping up. Let me share how you can stay relevant and skilled in technical writing. Whether it’s through enrolling in courses, diving into online tutorials, or attending industry workshops, I’ll discuss practical ways to nurture a lifelong learning mindset that supports both career growth and personal adaptability.
Tips for Getting Started:
Recognize the value of continuous learning in maintaining and advancing your career.
Stay informed about industry trends and changes, even when you’re not actively job seeking.
The Importance of Skill Building
In the early 2000s tech crash and the subsequent great recession, I found myself without work. These challenging times were opportunities for me to enhance my skills and improve my marketability. It’s crucial to dedicate time to skill building, not only during slow periods but also when things are going well.
Tips for Effective Skill Building:
Set aside regular time for learning, regardless of career highs or lows.
Identify key skills that need improvement and focus on these areas.
Finding Courses: In-Person and Online
Whether it’s returning to school like I did at Northern Arizona University or finding local seminars, education is a gateway to enhancing your skill set. I pursued a master’s degree and a professional writing certificate which, despite the cost, significantly benefited my career. For more budget-friendly options, consider community colleges and resources offered by local libraries.
Tips for Finding the Right Courses:
Explore both in-person and online education options to determine what suits your learning style and budget.
Utilize local resources such as community colleges and libraries that often offer low-cost or free learning opportunities.
Online Courses: A Flexible Option
Online courses provide the flexibility to learn at your pace and access a wide range of topics from anywhere in the world. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses from well-respected institutions and industry professionals, making them ideal for both foundational learning and specialized skills.
Tips for Choosing Online Courses:
Look for courses that offer practical skills and real-world applications.
Consider courses that provide certificates of completion as they can enhance your resume.
Focusing on Specific Tools and Skills
As a technical writer in the software field, understanding programming basics and design principles is crucial. Platforms like Code Academy for coding and YouTube for software tools provide valuable resources for learning. Despite the occasional need to sift through less helpful content, these platforms are invaluable for self-directed learning.
Tips for Learning Specific Tools:
Start with videos and tutorials on individual tools to build specific skills.
Regularly update your skills in areas like programming and visual design to stay competitive.
Utilizing Company Resources
Many companies offer educational resources that can be very beneficial. For instance, learning Adobe Framemaker through company-provided tutorials can give you a competitive edge as it remains a prominent tool in technical documentation.
Tips for Using Company Resources:
Check your employer’s learning resources as many companies invest in employee development.
Focus on tools critical to your role within the company to enhance your job performance.
Conclusion: Staying Ahead
In summary, as technical writers, we must continually adapt and learn to remain relevant and effective in our roles. From academic degrees to online tutorials, each educational tool adds to our arsenal, making us more versatile and competent. Remember, the investment you make in learning today paves the way for future opportunities.
Final Tips:
Keep learning and adapting; the technical world evolves, and so should you.
Engage with a community of learners; sharing experiences and resources can enhance your learning journey.
I’ve restarted Poewar.com. I missed it, and as I’ve withdrawn from other social media, I feel like I want my nice, 2000 era blogging experience again. I make no predictions about what you’ll see. Every time I make a prediction I regret it. For now just accept that the Blog is back, for what it’s worth. I hope to see some old friends again.
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Writing on the Wall is a newsletter for freelance writers seeking inspiration, advice, and support on their creative journey.
John Hewitt 